When whistle-blowers come forward with damaging accusations, organizations often need the neutral perspective of an external investigator. Whistle-blower allegations may be politically explosive and difficult to prove or disprove without a widespread inquiry into sensitive matters. If true, the allegations may trigger the need for significant institutional changes and reforms. Even if found to be false, they can unleash a public relations firestorm.

PII has extensive experience assisting organizations facing whistle-blower concerns. Often whistle-blower allegations are intertwined with other less serious or unrelated charges, requiring the investigator to tease out the most troublesome concerns and develop an investigative plan that will get at the truth. PII can help managers calm the crisis situation that accompanies whistle-blower allegations and resolve the matter as quickly and efficiently as possible.

A manager at a facility that repaired industrial machinery informed the company’s owners that his co-manager was improperly disposing of toxic wastes in violation of California environmental laws. The facility’s parent company, a British firm, retained PII to investigate. To resolve the matter, PII’s investigator needed to familiarize herself with the technical nature of the allegations, to understand the regulatory environment in which the company operated, and to determine whether the accusations had any validity. In the end, the investigation uncovered a tense and troubled history between the two co-managers and evidence of other workplace problems. However, PII found the allegation that environmental regulations were violated to be unfounded.