Investigative and security consulting services are differentiated from investigative services in that the actual investigation is at the client's discretion. Basic consulting services are designed to provide investigative options and possible solutions to the client. The need for investigative consulting services has increased recently since investigative methods and approaches may expose a client to significant liability and exposure. The techniques and strategy employed should be legal and be able to withstand intense courtroom scrutiny. Common investigative consulting typically includes:

1. Workplace violence
2. Espionage
3. Re-investigations 
4. Theft 
5. Internal Theft
6. Risk Assessments
   
7. Investigative Strategy/Plan
   

Previous investigative consulting has been utilized for:

Investigative case analysis
Legality of investigative techniques
Development of a pre-screening program
Hostile termination investigative strategy
Preventative measures strategy (personnel, facility etc.)
Identification of high risk behaviors or areas and implementing target hardening tactics

Please note: SDS Inc. is not affiliated with any security company or industry related company. Any consulting recommendations are based upon independent industry knowledge and/or experience.  
 
Case Studies:

Hostile Termination:

Executives at a manufacturing company contacted sds prior to terminating a potentially violent employee. With the assistance of sds, a strategy was implemented for the termination.

Issues:
The employee had a history of workplace violence and it was unknown how he would react to the termination.

Solution:
The employee was terminated and escorted off-site with non-uniformed personnel. Once off-site, a covert surveillance was conducted to ensure the terminated employee did not return to the facilities or to any of the executives homes.

Results:
The terminated employee posed no immediate threat during the cooling-off period and subsequent investigation. Executive management requested sds consulting develop a four-tiered (entry-level, support, mid- management, executive) customized pre-employment screening program to minimize any similar incidents from occurring.

Internal Theft Case Study:

A trucking company contacted sds to help investigate an anonymous tip that alleged a long-term employee was involved in selling stolen company property.

Issues:
The anonymous tip could not be qualified or corroborated with any hard evidence. An internal audit of the suspects inventory did result in a high number of shortages.

Solution:
The employee was placed under covert surveillance for several days. During the period, he was observed violating several company policies. During an internal interview he was confronted with the evidence, and subsequently confessed to his policy violations and involvement. He was terminated.

Results: The case resulted in significant changes with operating polices at the company:

1. All driving employees now undergo an extensive pre-employment background check.
2. Management receives a monthly "fleet monitoring" report to ensure driver status.
3. GPS devices have been placed on all company owned vehicles.

Public Malfeasance:

A municipality requested investigative consulting services for a internal fraud investigation. 

Issues:
The administration at the municipality chose not to refer the case to the local police department due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and a potential conflict of interest with the suspected appointed public official.

Solution:
A long-term independent investigation resulted in the discovery of actionable evidence against the public official.

Results:
The investigation resulted in the termination of the public employee and a recovery of public funds. The case also resulted in a significant policy change regarding public employee conduct.

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