What can the Special Counsel do in terms of protecting whistleblowers?

The role of the Special Counsel in protecting whistleblowers is primarily focused on enforcement and oversight of whistleblower rights. This means that the Special Counsel can take action, such as filing petitions against officials who are found to be violating the rights of whistleblowers. This is essential for fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Filing petitions allows the Special Counsel to address grievances and hold accountable those who impede the whistleblowing process. This function is crucial in ensuring that whistleblowers are protected and that their reports are taken seriously, contributing to a culture of transparency and accountability within organizations.

The other options do not accurately reflect the responsibilities of the Special Counsel regarding whistleblower protection. The Special Counsel does not ensure complete anonymity in all cases because that can depend on various factors, including the nature of the whistleblower report and existing laws. Similarly, the Special Counsel cannot command the dismissal of all implicated parties; such decisions are typically made by the appropriate managing or oversight authorities based on investigations and findings. Finally, acting as the sole arbitrator in all workplace disputes exceeds the role of the Special Counsel, which is specifically focused on the protection of whistleblowers, rather than serving as a comprehensive arbiter in all workplace conflicts.