Workplace Investigations: Should I Hire a Private Investigator for mine?

There are a number of cases you may want to hire a private investigator for workplace investigations. For instance, asset theft or some kind of violation of company protocol. Your company may also be facing workplace harassment claims.

Sensitive cases like these often require a workplace investigation. Whether you are in the process of said investigation, or an investigation that brought you to court, you want a pair of expert hands at the wheel.

Private investigators are experts in acquiring and compiling evidence. They will get to the bottom of the investigation swiftly and efficiently. Furthermore, if the investigation requires preparation for court, they are also experts in presenting said evidence for use in court.

What kind of incidents could bring about workplace investigations?

We mentioned a couple of cases in which workplace investigations might take place earlier. Below we have a more comprehensive list:

• Sexual harassment
• Criminal misconduct or allegations of such misconduct
• Theft
• Discrimination
• Defamation
• Violations of company protocols, rules or guidelines
• Wrongful termination
• Insurance fraud

Now, you might think dealing with some of these internally is the best option. However, a wrongfully conducted investigation can have rather severe consequences and become very expensive. It might result in further investigations or even allegations of fraud, which can lead to expensive court cases.

It is recommendable to hire an external and qualified investigator for the best results. Furthermore, the evidence being dealt with might be of a rather sensitive nature. That is to say, for it to remain untampered with and admissible in court you want an expert dealing with it. So as to cover all your bases.

The most common types of evidence dealt with in a workplace investigation

Workplace investigations deal with a wide variety of evidence types. Here we outline some of the most important and commonly used sorts:

1. Analogical evidence, for instance, compares similar incidents, things or occurrences to clarify a given situation. For example, the history of a given employee’s conduct can help to inform their present behavior if a pattern is present.
2. Anecdotal evidence is most often acquired from witnesses or other parties involved in an investigation. It usually involves them retelling the events concerning the ongoing investigation.
3. Character evidence is important. Typically it entails a testimony to help showcase the morals and personality of a given individual. This can help shed light on their actions and motivations.
4. Circumstantial evidence tries to infer a point or argument using facts that might not be directly related to what they are trying to prove. At times it is also referred to as indirect evidence.
5. Demonstrative evidence is usually either physical evidence or illustrative evidence that demonstrates any given fact relevant to the case. It is important and very reliable.

Specialized evidence

1. Digital evidence includes any type of evidence from an electronic source, whether text, files or even video. It can be rather difficult to acquire as it often requires a rather specific set of skills. Private investigators, however, in today’s age are prepared for this kind of work too.
2. Direct Evidence is incredibly important and perhaps the other side of the coin to circumstantial evidence. It’s potent because this evidence directly and irrevocably proves a certain fact.
3. Documentary evidence comprises practically any form of evidence put on paper. Basically a physical document.
4. Forensic evidence can be a multitude of things. Most commonly, however, forensic evidence can include traces of DNA, fingerprints and other types of scientific evidence.

As is evident, there are many types of evidence that one might come across in a workplace investigation. Hence why private investigators are an invaluable tool in such an endeavour; as they have the skills and expertise for these specialized tasks. Whether it be to carry out said investigation or prepare the evidence for presentation in court.

If you find yourself in need of a licensed private investigator and their particular set of skills, please feel free to call us. Or simply click on this link to get in contact with one of our team members.