Internal Theft Investigation Techniques

It is paramount that you understand from the outset that an internal theft is not a triple homicide and an employee theft investigation is not an episode of CSI: Miami. You will never get anyone with the intelligence of a grasshopper to cop to employee theft by sitting them in a dimly lit room and grilling them over and over again. This only works on TV- really bad TV. The best way to achieve your goal (which, by the way, is a confession) is to gain the subjects trust, put them at ease and inform them that you’re here to help.

Hopefully you’ve nearly concluded your employee theft investigation by the time you sit an individual down to speak to them about an internal theft matter. Therefore you have gathered some proof about their wrong-doing, whether it be a policy violation or plain old employee theft, you know what you’re looking for. Frame your questions and statements in a non-threatening format. Avoid words like: Steal, Crime, Jail, Police, etc. Instead use words like: Took, Borrowed, Lost, etc. You want to put the subject at ease by minimizing the perceived severity of the infraction. Nobody is going to call up jail to make reservations. Ease their mind and their resistance by letting them see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Almost everyone will initially deny having committed employee theft. Help them to rationalize what it is that they’ve done. Give them excuses: The economy is bad, gas prices are so high, baby needs a new pair of shoes. Whatever will get them talking and feeling like you understand their pain and that you’re there to help. The next time you’re faced with an internal theft case remember these techniques and you’ll conclude your employee theft investigation with greater speed and efficiency.

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For more information contact us at Internal Theft or call 1.770.426.0547