(a) Protected disclosures by FBI employees. Disclosures of information by an FBI employee that the employee reasonably believes evidences a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety are protected disclosures when they are reported as provided in § 27.1 of this chapter. Any office or official (other than the OIG or DOJ-OPR) receiving a protected disclosure shall promptly report such disclosure to the OIG or DOJ-OPR. The OIG or DOJ-OPR may refer such allegations to FBI Inspection Division (FBI-INSD) Internal Investigations Section for investigation unless the Deputy Attorney General determines that such referral shall not be made.

(b) Allegations of retaliation against FBI employees. Allegations of retaliation against an employee of the FBI who makes a protected disclosure shall be reported to the OIG, DOJ-OPR, or the Deputy Attorney General.