1. Personnel Investigations
Human Resources of Central Missouri
Emily Omohundro & Danielle McAfee
Duane Martin

2. Personnel Investigations: Overview
Appoint one individual to conduct the investigation
Promptly interview employee and any witnesses
Obtain written statements
Collect and preserve all relevant evidence
Consider whether policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation are implicated

3. First Steps: Interview Employee
Communicate the concern/issue to the employee
Obtain employee’s side of the story
Right to representation?
Direct employee to provide written statement immediately
Provide list of specific allegations
Consider placing employee on leave during investigation
Consider suspending employee’s technology privileges

4. Next Steps: Collect & Preserve Evidence
Written complaint/grievance
Interview employee and other witnesses
Written statement from employee
Written statements from witnesses
Written communication with employee s
Memos
Text messages
Photos/videos
Social media
Other relevant records
Employee time cards
Surveillance video
Financial statements
Transportation logs

5. Obtaining Effective Statements from Witnesses
Meet with witnesses individually in a private location
Direct witness to provide a written statement
Sign and date
Ask witness specific questions regarding alleged misconduct
Ask witness to use specific dates and times (if possible)
Ask witness to provide complete names
Thank witness for their assistance
Advise witness of any policy prohibiting retaliation

6. Outcome of Investigation
If suspected criminal activity, report to law enforcement
If any policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation has been possibly violated, report to appropriate individual
If employee misconduct is substantiated, implement consequences as appropriate
Disciplinary meeting to discuss expectations and potential consequences
Disciplinary memo/document in employee’s permanent file
Address at next evaluation opportunity
Provide additional training
Reassignment of responsibilities/duties
Termination of employment

7. Additional Considerations:
Possible Legal Issues
Risk of discrimination claim
By complainant
By employee (subject of investigation)
Risk of retaliation

8. Personnel Investigations
Human Resources of Central Missouri
Emily Omohundro & Danielle McAfee
Duane Martin