Who typically initiates an anonymous complaint?

An anonymous complaint is initiated by an unnamed party, who intentionally chooses not to disclose their identity. This can occur for various reasons, including fear of retaliation, a desire for privacy, or a belief that anonymity will encourage more candid reporting of concerns or misconduct. By remaining unnamed, the individual can communicate issues without the risk of being identified, which can be particularly important in situations involving sensitive matters or potential wrongdoing.

In contrast, the other options involve parties who are typically known. An identified citizen refers to someone who is clearly recognizable and thus does not maintain anonymity. A whistleblower is usually someone who reveals information about wrongdoing in an organization and, while they may remain anonymous in some cases, they often do so while being identifiable through their claims. An employee of the Department, while potentially whistleblowing or raising issues, also cannot be anonymous if they disclose their identity through the report. Therefore, the most accurate answer is that an anonymous complaint is initiated by an unnamed party.