Tag: regulatory-investigation

As investigators, we are often asked by our clients to use search warrants to obtain information that will further an investigation.  Of course, wanting to please our clients, we would be happy to do so whenever possible, and indicated. However, most often we are in a position where we must explain why we cannot obtain a search warrant, or why using a search warrant would not be appropriate in the circumstances. I have written about search warrants in the past and explained the process for obtaining one.

Benard + Associates is pleased to offer a new service to complement the investigation and mediation services we currently offer our regulatory clients. As part of the spectrum of complaint resolution, Benard + Associates is now offering professional decision writing services to assist our clients in resolving matters in a timely manner.

Lately I have been giving a lot of thought to what it is that makes us great and what separates our company from others. More importantly, I have been struggling to figure out how to tactfully point this out without sounding egotistical or boastful. After all, I want people to respect us and to want to work with us.Then it hit me – Donald Trump!

The weather was stormy, but that didn’t prevent Mayor Mike Savage and local regulatory professionals from attending Benard + Associates #HalifaxGrandOpening on Thursday September 10, 2015 at the Westin Nova Scotian.

What do you do when a workplace investigation does not support the allegations of harassment? We believe understanding the reasons why and the underlying dynamic will go a long way in guiding employers towards  making the right decisions following such investigations.

Incidents involving unlicensed practitioners are increasing across the United States and Canada, and in many jurisdictions, combating illegal practitioners falls to the regulatory body.This article describes the scope of the problem and explains methods for preventing unlicensed practice and identifying unlicensed practitioners by using investigative techniques.The article also addresses the value of collaborating with other organizations and the need for the resources to investigate unlicensed practitioners.

When investigators testify, they have the opportunity to demonstrate their credibility and professionalism. To do so, they should be aware of techniques for keeping calm and providing thoughtful, responsive answers. One important technique a skilled witness uses is to focus on the limits of the actual question, rather than to interpret it and over answer.

For investigators, the report is everything. Investigators are not on the stand for every case, and most cases do not even make it to a hearing. Thus, the investigator’s reputation relies on his or her report.

To avoid claims of incompetence, investigators should implement evidence procedures and follow them. They need to make sure all evidence is dated and use some form of case management. For documentation, investigators must ensure they have backup. They should scan documents or make extra copies with dates and times for all interviews and documents for each case file, and log every phone call for every case file.

Investigators-even if they understand the line between appropriate conduct and misconduct and would never cross it-can still be accused of misconduct, such as coercion, threats, and intimidation to obtain information. To protect themselves from such accusations, investigators should record their interviews, as long as their client doesn’t object. However, recording is a two-way street.