The principals in Vitaro & Goodfriend have conducted multiple sensitive, in-depth investigations concerning allegations of misconduct by senior agency personnel or other especially sensitive issues, such as a senior manager being accused of sexual harassment or other form of misconduct, or there is a notable allegation of whistleblower retaliation. Typically, we begin with an initial discussion with the individual(s) directing the investigation to clarify the scope of the investigation. We then review documents and interview witnesses. We capture the information provided by witnesses in the form of a written summary, a declaration or, in some highly sensitive cases, testimony provided by the witness captured by a court reporter. We then provide detailed, occasionally extensive reports, with specific findings of fact and, when requested, conclusions and recommendations. Agencies also occasionally ask us to include our recommendations such as what, if any charge and proposed penalty to impose (based upon our extensive experience in this area) if we conclude that there has been serious misconduct. We also provide an in-person briefing to agency managers after they have reviewed our Report of Investigation, to include, occasionally, the heads of federal agencies. We are then available for subsequent consultations.

We have written a book entitled “A Manager or Supervisor’s Guide to Conducting Inquiries into Allegations of Misconduct” (Dewey Publications, 2009). We have also developed materials and taught classes for federal agencies in conducting “Management Inquiries” and the more formal “Administrative Investigations.”

We also conduct organizational assessments of specific agency locations to determine the source of difficulties within an organization. We interview individuals within the organization and others. We capture the information provided by summarizing the information obtained in the interview or by obtaining written statements. We then write an Assessment Report with detailed recommendations for improvement, and provide an in-person briefing to agency managers and supervisors after they have reviewed our Assessment Report. We occasionally play some role in effecting change – such as mediating disputes, facilitating discussions between individuals and/or a shorter, follow-up Assessment. We have provided these organizational assessments for regional and national agency heads.

References from senior agency managers concerning the effectiveness of our investigations and assessments are provided upon request.