Ethics Guidance

U.S. Office of Government Ethics
1201 New York Avenue, NW.
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005

202.482.9300

USA.govE.govRegulations.gov

Ordering Information

OGE Videotapes

"Get Advice or Pay the Price." (2005) Have you ever had an employee who tried to do the right thing and have that very thing be wrong - so wrong that he violated the ethics rules? Sometimes good intentions can get employees into trouble. This 7-minute video shows how an employee ended up being investigated by the Inspector General’s office even though his actions saved the government money. The video challenges employees to recognize some warning signs of unethical behavior and reminds them to seek ethics advice if they need help sorting through a situation. Designed to be shown as part of an instructor-led annual ethics training session, viewers get a chance to discuss the facts of this case as the situation unfolds.

* To order, please complete the order form and forward to VideoFiles via fax (703-524-1627). If you have any questions or concerns regarding the ordering process, please contact Jeff Skigen at VideoFiles on 703-524-8334.


You may request a single copy of these videos in VHS or DVD format from the OGE Ethics Information Center by contacting Kaneisha Cunningham via email at ktcunnin@oge.gov. Please include your name, agency, mailing address, video(s) and format you are requesting. These will be second generation copies only.

Note: We have a limited number of DVDs available: The DVDs are not closed captioned.

"You've Got It!" (2000) Against the backdrop of an E-mail romance, the 31-minute video examines some of the ethics issues that commonly confront employees entering Government from the private sector, especially higher-level employees. It addresses issues concerning use of subordinates to perform tasks unrelated to Government service, recusal requirements to avoid conflicts of interest and impartiality concerns, use of official title to advance private fundraising, acceptance of payment from private sources for giving an official speech, and acceptance of gifts from prohibited sources. Video is closed-captioned.

"Ethics Inquiry." (1996) This 45-minute video explores various standards of conduct issues using a broadcast-quality news magazine format. News "anchors" in Los Angeles and Washington host four field reporters, each of whom provides an in-depth look at different ethics topics while bringing a unique and sometimes humorous approach to their coverage. The result is an educational, interesting and even entertaining program for any level of employee. The program is divided into four segments with each segment devoted exclusively to one of the following topics: gifts from outside sources, gifts between employees, conflicting financial interests and impartiality issues. These segments can be shown separately or collectively, depending upon an agency's needs and interests.

"The Battle for Avery Mann." (1996) This 20-minute video is the story of an average executive branch employee's struggles with the rules governing everyday conduct. Throughout the story, Avery is faced with different dilemmas including using Government equipment for personal documents, accepting a gift from a subordinate and working on a project that involves his outside employer. Avery finds himself caught between what he knows is the right thing to do and what may not be right but would be more convenient or beneficial to him.

"The Revolving Door." (1996) This 20-minute video is a news show that addresses the issues surrounding the seeking employment and post-employment restrictions on executive branch employees. Throughout the show periodic updates are provided by a reporter covering a Congressional Hearing on Capitol Hill focused on one employee's possible violation of the post-employment law.

"Integrity in Public Service: Earning the Public's Trust." (1993) This 20-minute video uses vignettes to briefly outline the statutes and regulations governing employee conduct. An on-screen narrator provides commentary on the vignettes to clarify particular points. It may be used either with an instructor present or as a stand-alone training tool.

"The Ethical Choice: Ethics for Special Government Employees." (1995) This 20-minute video follows three Special Government Employees (SGE) through many of the ethical hurdles they face in the course of their Government service. While the video focuses on SGEs, it also addresses many of the rules applicable to all executive branch employees. Video is closed-captioned.

"Public Financial Disclosure: A Closer Look." (1995) This 15-minute video explores the need for high level executive branch officials to file a public financial disclosure report (SF 278) and emphasizes the importance of completing the report accurately and completely.