The five most frequent situations requiring an investigation

Organizations may face a wide range of situations that require a professional investigation. Whether the issue involves theft, absenteeism, substance use, harassment or vandalism, a structured investigative approach can help confirm the facts, protect the organization and support informed decision-making.

GardaWorld Security provides investigation and risk mitigation services designed to help organizations respond to sensitive situations with discretion, professionalism and respect for applicable legal requirements.

1. Internal, external or time theft

Theft is a criminal act that can result in a range of disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal and/or criminal prosecution. The consequences vary depending on the severity of the situation, the type of theft involved and the organization’s internal policies.

Theft of goods and theft of time are among the most frequent cases. Since some employees have access to goods, equipment or inventory, theft can be relatively easy to carry out and conceal in the workplace.

Time theft is even more common. For example, an employee may spend excessive time on social media, in the restroom, on breaks or at lunch, or may ask a co-worker to cover for them.

Time theft often goes undetected, in part because workers may cover for one another or abuse the trust of people in positions of authority. Various investigative methods can be considered in these cases. Some situations may require surveillance, particularly when an employer has reasonable grounds to suspect that an employee is conducting personal business during work hours, performing duties for another company or failing to fulfill work obligations while working from home.

In other cases, authorized monitoring tools or hidden cameras may be effective when they are properly installed, legally compliant and respectful of privacy rights. In more complex situations, an undercover investigator may also be a necessary investigative tool.

2. Dishonest or fraudulent absenteeism

The costs of fraudulent absenteeism can be significant for an organization, whether the situation involves a false workplace accident, exaggerated physical or psychological limitations, or a worker prolonging a disability leave.

If this type of situation is tolerated, it can also damage company culture. This issue is common in several industries, where workers may not fully understand the financial and organizational impact of their actions.

Managers must address this problem quickly, particularly in the context of ongoing labour shortages. When the situation permits, one of the most effective responses may be to conduct surveillance. The employee’s manager and the organization must be able to demonstrate reasonable grounds, carefully plan the operation and respect the employee’s legal right to privacy.

In some cases, when an employee is absent but the employer reasonably suspects that they are working elsewhere or are self-employed, pretextual communications and visits may be used to verify and document the situation under investigation. This method is often combined with surveillance to gather evidence and build a complete report.

3. Trafficking or use of controlled substances

Using or selling drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances in the workplace is unacceptable and dangerous, but it is becoming increasingly common.

Although these behaviours are typically prohibited and addressed through clear company policies, the legalization of certain substances has blurred the lines for some employees. Drug and alcohol use during work hours is on the rise, as is the risk of workplace accidents related to this behaviour.

The presence of an undercover investigator within the workforce, combined with lawful monitoring methods or surveillance, can be an effective way to identify and address the problem. Once evidence is gathered, experienced interviewers may be required to resolve cases involving the use and/or trafficking of controlled substances.

4. Harassment

Regardless of the form it takes, harassment can have serious moral, legal and organizational consequences.

In many cases, harassment is not disclosed to other members of the organization until it is too late to take action. As a result, these situations can lead to legal action against the company or its leaders.

Harassment can also cause high employee turnover, harm the reputation of individuals and the organization, create hiring challenges due to a lack of applicants and, in some cases, attract negative media attention or legal proceedings.

Many of these consequences can occur when no disciplinary measures are put in place to protect victims and prevent the harasser from continuing the behaviour.

Different investigative methods, or a combination of methods, may be used to respond to these situations. In some cases, an undercover investigator in direct or indirect contact with the harasser or the problematic environment may be effective. However, in most situations, investigators will need to meet with the employees involved, victims and witnesses, in collaboration with the employer’s human resources representatives or an external specialized firm.

5. Deliberate equipment damage or vandalism

Vandalism and equipment damage are often connected to collective agreement negotiations, grievances, general worker dissatisfaction or ill-intentioned competitors.

These incidents can be costly for a company and dangerous for workers. Depending on the case, an employer or a specialized investigation firm such as GardaWorld Security may consider a range of investigative methods.

The installation of hidden cameras can be effective in situations where the targeted locations are known and clearly identified, provided the approach complies with legal and privacy requirements. More complex cases may require undercover investigators, followed by employee interviews conducted by specialized investigators.

If the damage occurs outside the facility, hidden cameras and/or static surveillance may be effective investigative options.

Responding with the right investigative approach

When a sensitive situation arises, choosing the right investigative method is essential. GardaWorld Security can help organizations assess the situation, determine the most appropriate approach and gather reliable information while respecting legal, ethical and operational requirements.

For more information about investigation and risk mitigation services, speak with a GardaWorld Security expert.