Page 8 - Harassment Investigations Booklet

6
Who Will Investigate?
Trained investigators are key to any effective investigation. Investigators used can be employees from the Human Resources Department, risk management employees, high-level managers, or
other similar positions. The Company can use different investigators for different investigations, depending
on the type of complaint, job title of the individuals involved, or the department implicated in the complaint. Investigators should be trained in conducting effective interviews and asking questions and in determining credibility of witnesses, accusers, and the individuals who are accused of misconduct.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to hire an outside investigator. Such situations might involve accusations regarding high-ranking employees; extremely
salacious or sensitive complaints, perhaps involving physical conduct; or complaints regarding the Human Resources or Legal Department. Furthermore, any time a company does not have an HR employee or other appropriate employee to conduct an investigation, an outside investigator can be used.