Investigation

A commonly accepted definition of investigation is a systematic and thorough examination or inquiry into something or someone (the collection of facts and information) and the recording of that examination in a report (Dempsey, 1996, p. 3). This definition applies equally in both the public and private sectors and clearly covers the broad range of investigations, from background checks to administrative inquiries to criminal matters.

The primary purpose of any investigation particularly in the corporate or organizational setting generally falls within one or more of the following categories (Webster University,2004):

• Thoroughly documenting incidents (such as those reported to security staff or officers)
• Identifying the cause of undesirable situations (e.g., notable losses, sudden decrease in income or market share, unexplained shrinkage, inventory discrepancies, etc.) where nefarious activity is suspected
• Documenting and correlating facts surrounding any situation or allegation
• Identifying suspects involved in a crime or act of misconduct
• Compiling information that proves or disproves an allegation or that implicates or exonerates an individual suspected of committing a crime or misconduct
• Allowing a decision to be made, often with respect to a level of trust or suitability determination, regarding an individual (e.g., in a personnel security clearance) or an organization (e.g., a potential partner firm or acquisition target)

Investigative activity also falls within a particular genre, as follows:

• Criminal or non-criminal, meaning the projected outcome of the investigation is either criminal prosecution or an administrative or other disciplinary action
• Proactive or reactive, meaning the investigation was initiated either primarily for preventive purposes or in response to an act or specific report
• Overt or covert, meaning the existence of the investigation is or is not generally known to the public or anyone outside a small number of designated officials