When you hear the words “Internal Investigation”, what comes to mind? Perhaps the story on the news about an accountant bilking their employer for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Those types of stories are always attention getters. Corporate investigators however must be prepared to handle many different types of organizational malfeasance. This means being able to adapt their investigative approach accordingly. Internal investigations related to personnel and compliance are very common and depending on your industry and organization can easily outnumber other types of cases.

Corporate investigators must be prepared to tackle a variety of investigations.

Compliance – Failing to follow regulatory, legal, or internal policy requirements to the detriment of the organization. Examples: Violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, privacy, environmental health, and safety.

Personnel – Interactions that harm others mentally, physically, or otherwise lead to an environment that is not conducive to one recognizing their fullest potential. Examples: sexual harassment, verbal abuse, favoritism.

Economic – Involving the organization in acts that cause financial damage to itself and others or involve the organization in a multitude of financial crimes. Examples: money laundering, price fixing, bank fraud, financial statement fraud.

Property – Depriving the organization of its things of value. Examples: taking inventory, cash, intellectual property, and/or misusing things of value for personal gain.

Productivity – Diversion of employees focus from work. Examples: extra-long breaks, shopping online instead of working, and watching the spring basketball tournament while on the clock.