Management at all level can be involved in an ‘investigation’, usually in relation to a grievance, disciplinary issue, tip-off, complain or report. Often, initial investigations are conducted by internal managers. Though serious cases will be referred to the proper authorities, there are many cases that were managed internally.
Whatever the reason, it is essential that your ‘investigators’ are trained in investigation techniques, to prevent the loss of evidence, unfair or unethical practices.
Of equal importance, investigation technique training will ensure that such matters are dealt with positively by giving all levels of management the confidence that they are able to deal with investigations in a proper manner.
This workshop also ensures that all evidence collected during an internal investigation will be admissible and reliable in any tribunal or criminal/civil court.
“The interviewer has but one ultimate goal, reporting the objective truth.”
Whether interviewers can reach that goal depends in large part on the personal attributes they bring to the interview process. But neither the ordinary experiences of growing up and living among people, nor a formal and extensive school education is of much value in learning how to obtain information from reluctant individuals. Even when interviewing cooperative witnesses, investigators may find it difficult to acquire all the pertinent facts they possess.