NORTH KINGSTOWN — Got a beef with your boss? Think a councilman is crooked?

Town employees, vendors and even students can now complain online about government abuse –– without fear of retaliation.

The complaint form is a few mouse clicks away and users don’t have to leave a name. A toll-free hot line –– (888) 279-1904 –– is also available.

Town Manager Michael Embury says the Web-and-phone approach, launched a few weeks ago as part of a whistleblower policy, is the first in the state.

“We wanted to make it easier for people to voice their concerns,” said Embury. “It’s a less intimidating process than coming in and handing something over to a town manager or a superintendent.”

The forms are advertised on the town’s Web site, www.northkingstown.org. Visitors can log a variety of charges, from the serious to the outright criminal: conflict of interest, violation of policy, discrimination, harassment, falsification of contracts, substance abuse, theft or embezzlement.

Residents should try traditional channels first. “Everyone is encouraged to use the ‘chain of command’ to report problems or resolve disputes,” the new site says.

But those who fear retaliation can rely on the anonymous reporting system, which is handled by EthicsPoint, an Oregon-based company.

The complaints are reviewed by Embury, the school superintendent and members of the town audit committee, depending on the charges. A complaint involving the town manager or superintendent may be made directly to the audit committee through the EthicsPoint hot line or Web site.

Residents can use passwords to track the progress of their complaints.

The town spent $150 on the software and will pay an annual $2,650 fee for the service.

So far, no one is complaining.

But that hasn’t always been the case. Residents in past years have accused school officials of intimidating employees and parents.

After hearing such complaints, state Auditor General Ernest A. Almonte in 2006 recommended the town and School Department develop a system for residents to voice their concerns without retaliation.

“It’s been long overdue,” said Jim McGwin, president of the North Kingstown Taxpayers’ Organization and vice chairman of the Washington County Consolidation Group.

A few days after Almonte recommended the policy, school officials misspent federal money on a Jamestown retreat. An employee who went public about the spending lost a job, McGwin said.

Although the Town Council moved quickly to adopt a whistleblower policy, the School Committee did not. And there are still issues tied to improper bidding and retaliation that must be addressed, McGwin said.

“The Web site is a good tool. The important thing now is that we use it, and let people know it’s there.”

Officials, meanwhile, hope the site won’t be abused.

Complaints are considered to be serious matters, they say. Users are urged not to “file frivolous or mischievous reports or in retaliation for slights, either real or perceived.”

pdavis@projo.com