With the dawning of the technology age, intelligence gathering has become extraordinarily sophisticated with the use of camera systems, sensitive audio listening devices and a seemingly endless array of technical equipment. Nothing, however, can totally replace HUMINT, or human intelligence.
Today's employer requires more insight and knowledge about the labor staff than ever before. Employee integrity issues, sexual harassment laws, avoiding wrongful terminations and other realities of management, demand clear, complete and insightful intelligence. Undercover operations have proven to be one of the most reliable and useful investigative methods in identifying and documenting criminal misconduct or policy violations in the workplace. Companies routinely use the service to head off problems before they begin, or eliminate existing problems, which can severely damage profits and operations.
A Corporate Undercover Investigation is an effective method of gathering "inside" company information. An investigator uncovers extensive and sensitive information, typically unattainable through any other means, which can be used for a variety of positive business purposes.
The substantial growth and success of Data Quest's Corporate Undercover Division is largely attributed to the personalized service given to each one of its clients. Prior to beginning an assignment, Data Quest analyzes the corporate environment and provides each client with a case management plan. The plan establishes a thorough understanding of what type of information is important to the client and ensures that such information is gathered, analyzed and communicated in a timely and concise manner.
An Undercover Investigator is a qualified operative that is hired by a company as a regular employee. The investigator is selected to match a specific peer group including ethnicity, gender and age. He or she maintains a presence in the company for a period of time ingratiating himself/herself into the workplace as a regular employee. The investigator, through his/her unique vantage point, can identify and document any problems occurring within the company.
An Undercover Investigator can be placed into a variety of environments, including, but not limited to:
- Amusement/Entertainment (movie theaters, nightclubs)
- Banking/Financial
- Distribution
- Food & Beverage (restaurants, bars)
- Hospitality (hotels)
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Warehousing
Data Quest Undercover Operatives are specially trained investigators who understand the purpose of their assignment. In addition to their investigative experience, operatives also possess the relevant job qualifications to satisfactorily meet their undercover job requirements, such as experience in food & beverage, retail, hotel, manufacturing and warehousing.
Every Corporate Undercover assignment is carefully monitored and guided by a dedicated Account Supervisor to ensure a successful investigation and the highest possible return on investment for our clients. Data Quest has the expertise and experience to follow up in any way on the information gathered, such as preparing a case for prosecution or any type of civil or labor litigation. Investigators are also available to testify in any criminal or civil proceeding.
Verbal updates and weekly written reports are provided to management, which contain a wealth of inside information. The following is a sampling of information commonly collected:
- Employee Dishonesty & Malfeasance
- Theft of merchandise or cash
- Price alteration
- Fraudulent exchanges or refunds of merchandise
- Unauthorized discounts
- Kickbacks
- Unreported shortages in merchandise from vendors
- Padded expenditures
- Sabotage
- Substance Abuse (Narcotics & Alcohol)
- Sale
- Ingestion
- Supervision
- Lack of supervision
- Poor supervisory judgment
- Favoritism
- Employee respect for supervision
- Poor scheduling
- Unnecessary overtime
- Poor service
- Training procedures
- Production records poorly maintained
- Stocking, housekeeping and maintenance
- Work Performance
- Falsification of time and/or production records
- Unauthorized or overstaying relief
- Arguing or fighting
- Misuse of company materials
- Careless handling of merchandise
- Leaving early, tardiness, absenteeism
- Gambling, smoking, drinking, eating
- Profanity, obscenity
- Failure to cooperate
- Discrimination
- Sexual harassment
- Security
- Guard system
- Exit security
- Employee identification
- Key control
- Lock-up practices
- Alarms and time clocks
- Security at shipping and receiving docks
- Cashier's office security
- Cash register security
- Sealing or locking of trucks
- Pass system for removal of merchandise
- Persons in unauthorized areas
- Fire prevention
- Storage of materials
- Night security
- Sabotage to equipment or merchandise
- Morale
- Employee attitudes toward their jobs
- Labor turnover
- Promotions
- Overtime
- Effects of policy changes
- Rumors
Data Quest is a full-service, licensed, corporate private investigations agency; thus, when appropriate, the undercover portion of the investigation can be augmented by covert surveillance, sting operations or assistance from law enforcement.
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