As part of his efforts to increase citizen involvement in government, Auditor Adam Edelen's office will soon release a smart phone app to let residents make anonymous requests for investigations. Tips have always been taken in person or over the phone, but now, the office is on the verge of allowing tips to come in via smartphone or tablet.Edelen says moving to smartphone applications will give taxpayers another tool to fight fraud and abuse.“You know the people who are breaking the law, who are stealing tax dollars, who are abusing the public trust are using every tool at their disposal," Edelen said."And I’m just an auditor who believes that we need to make sure the taxpayer watchdog has the most modern, up to date, cutting edge technology we possibly can to make sure the people of Kentucky get good government."Edelen says the apps will allow for people to still anonymously tip. Anonymous whistleblowers are usually the best resource the auditor’s office has when it comes to initiating special audits.“I think anonymity is something that is very important," he said. "Oftentimes ,those who abuse the public trust are very powerful people and there is an element of fear. But when we can use technology in a way that protects people’s identity you are more likely to get folks actually standing up to those law breakers,” he says.The apps are likely to be available by early next year.
