How to Be Internal Investigator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 17, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When an organization faces a serious allegation or misconduct, it can be necessary to conduct an internal investigation. This type of investigation is conducted by a third-party firm or internal audit team, and its purpose is to uncover and analyze evidence related to the event. Internal investigations often involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and gathering evidence to determine if any laws, regulations, or policies were violated.

If a violation is discovered, then the organization can take corrective action, such as suspending or disciplining employees, revising policies, or enacting legal remedies. The results of the investigation can also help the organization prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations and protecting its reputation.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelors degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field. Most internal investigators have at least a four-year degree in one of these areas.
Consider obtaining a masters degree in criminal justice or a related field. A masters degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field will be beneficial for prospective internal investigators.
Obtain experience in the field. Many employers prefer to hire internal investigators who have at least two to five years of experience in law enforcement or investigations. This experience can be gained from working as a police officer, private investigator, or security guard, for example.
Secure a position as an internal investigator. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can begin looking for a position as an internal investigator. You can search for open positions on job sites or contact employers directly to inquire about open positions.
Complete any necessary training programs. Some employers may require you to complete a training program before you can begin working as an internal investigator. These programs may cover topics such as investigation techniques, evidence collection, and court procedures.
Maintain certification and training requirements. Depending on your state and employer, you may need to maintain certain certifications and training requirements in order to continue working as an internal investigator. This may involve attending seminars, workshops, and other training sessions as well as taking continuing education courses.

When it comes to staying ahead and capable, it is important to focus on expanding your knowledge and skill set. Making a commitment to learning new skills, staying up to date with industry trends, and practicing good communication are essential for staying ahead of the competition. Keeping up with current trends can help you stay ahead of the curve and stay relevant, while honing your communication skills can enable you to effectively interact and collaborate with others.

developing a strong network of contacts and participating in professional development activities are all essential for staying ahead and capable. With a combination of these strategies, it is possible to remain competitive and capable in todays ever-changing business world.

You may want to check Insurance Investigator, Field Investigator, and Process Service Investigator for alternative.

Job Description

Research and investigate potential misconduct and violations of company policies, procedures and laws.
Interview and collect data from internal and external sources.
Analyze collected data and evidence to identify violations or discrepancies.
Prepare reports on findings, outlining potential violations and recommended corrective action.
Provide advice and guidance to management on proper procedures and policies.
Monitor and evaluate compliance with laws and regulations.
Prepare documents for legal proceedings.
Maintain confidential records of investigations.
Educate employees about the importance of compliance with laws and regulations.
Participate in internal audits to ensure accuracy of investigative results.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
Ability to investigate complex cases
Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and develop recommendations
Objectivity, integrity and discretion
Knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures
Proficiency in using computer software programs
Ability to work independently and under pressure
Ability to work with confidential information
Organizational skills
Conflict resolution skills

Cause and effect is a key concept when it comes to being an internal investigator. The most important skill to have is the ability to think critically and objectively. This includes being able to examine all sides of a situation, analyzing evidence, and connecting the dots to reach a conclusion.

strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for successful investigation. This involves having the ability to ask the right questions, interview witnesses, and effectively convey findings to the appropriate stakeholders. Furthermore, having the knowledge and understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and procedures is crucial in order to conduct a thorough, unbiased investigation.

Lastly, staying organized and methodical is key in order to ensure a comprehensive investigation that meets all relevant standards and regulations. Internal investigators must possess all of these skills in order to be successful at their job.

Investigating Officer, Consumer Investigator, and Professional Background Investigator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you handle a situation in which you had to investigate a coworker?
What experience do you have with investigating financial fraud?
Describe a difficult investigation you encountered and how you handled it.
How would you go about gathering evidence for an investigation?
Do you have experience with interviewing witnesses and preparing witness statements?
What techniques do you use to identify weaknesses in an organization's control environment?
How do you ensure that investigative findings are accurate and reliable?
Describe the process you would use to report the results of an investigation.
Do you have any experience with preparing reports that could be used in court?
What strategies do you use to maintain confidentiality during an investigation?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer Forensics Software. Software used to conduct a forensic analysis of digital evidence. (eg: Autopsy)
Network Monitoring Software. Software used to monitor the status and performance of a computer network. (eg: Solarwinds Network Performance Monitor)
Data Analysis Software. Software used to analyze large sets of data to identify patterns and trends. (eg: Tableau)
Evidence Collection Tool. Software used to collect digital evidence from computer systems and networks. (eg: EnCase)
Interviewing Software. Software used to facilitate remote interviews and document the process. (eg: Abacus Interviews)
Report Writing Software. Software used to create professional reports based on the findings of an investigation. (eg: i-Sight Report Writer)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Association of Professional Investigators
International Association for Identification
International Association of Chiefs of Police
International Association of Investigative Librarians
International Association of Private Security Consultants
International Private Investigators Union
National Association of Legal Investigators
Private Investigators & Security Professionals of Canada
Society of Professional Investigators

We also have Crime Scene Investigator, Litigation Support Investigator, and Surveillance Investigator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Evidence Collection. The process of gathering and preserving physical or digital evidence that may be used in court proceedings.
Chain of Custody. The documented process of tracking evidence from the moment it is collected to the time it is presented in court.
Investigative Interview. An interview conducted by an internal investigator to gather information related to an investigation.
Legal Hold. A requirement issued by a company or court to preserve or retain all relevant information related to a case.
Witness Statement. A written document of a person's account of an event or incident.
Subpoena. A court order requiring a witness to appear in court and provide testimony or documents related to a case.
Document Retention. The process of storing and archiving important documents for future reference and for legal purposes.
Discovery. The process of gathering evidence for use in a court case.
Forensics. The scientific analysis of evidence related to a crime or case.
Surveillance. The monitoring of an individual or location through physical or electronic means.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an Internal Investigator?

An Internal Investigator is responsible for conducting investigations into workplace issues such as discrimination, harassment, and other violations of company policies. They are also responsible for gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and providing recommendations to management on appropriate actions to take.

How long does an Internal Investigation typically take?

The length of an Internal Investigation depends on the complexity of the case, but typically investigations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

What type of information do Internal Investigators need to collect?

Internal Investigators need to collect information such as documents, emails, witness statements, and other relevant evidence to determine the facts of the case.

Who is responsible for making decisions based on the findings of an Internal Investigation?

The company's management team is typically responsible for making decisions based on the findings of an Internal Investigation.

What happens if an employee is found to be in violation of company policy during an Internal Investigation?

If an employee is found to be in violation of company policy during an Internal Investigation, the management team will typically take disciplinary action such as suspension or termination.

Web Resources

Internal Investigations 2022 - Practising Law Institute www.pli.edu
Overseeing internal investigations - corpgov.law.harvard.edu corpgov.law.harvard.edu
Internal Investigations Special Committees Resource corpgov.law.harvard.edu