The possibility of an employee engaging in unlawful conduct at work can catch companies off guard and upset the workplace in untold ways, particularly when the employee is highly placed or well liked. Quick and discreet action by management, however, can go a long way toward preventing serious disruptions in daily operations. Retaining PII in such a situation allows managers to shift the burden of conducting the investigation to unbiased external investigators, and away from those who may be close to a suspected party. Moreover, the fact that PII is a separate firm with no real ties to the company lends credibility to the results of the investigation, whether the allegations are founded or not. PII is available to respond immediately and to suggest a plan of action that will uncover the truth.

A metals fabrication company in suburban Portland experienced a burglary at one of its facilities. Although the losses were small, no sign of forced entry was found. Instead, evidence suggested that the burglars had a key to the building and a code to the alarm system. PII was retained to investigate the theft and concluded that significant details pointed to the office manager. Before approaching the suspected manager for an interview, however, PII presented its concerns to the company’s legal counsel. Management decided to confront the office manager directly with a question list prepared by PII. When faced with the results of PII’s investigation, the manager abruptly resigned.