Investigative Services

Professional, Confidential Investigations

Companies lose billions of dollars annually due to fraud, employee theft, embezzlement, violations of non-compete contracts, and other types of white-collar crime.

PLE provides professional, confidential investigative services to clients who are experiencing losses due to such crimes and improprieties.

PLE investigators customize all engagements to meet clients’ individual goals and objectives.

Embezzlement
Employee Theft
Industrial Espionage
Insurance Fraud
Internal Affairs
Kickback Schemes
Non-compete Violations
Sabotage of Products or Equipment
Sexual Harassment Complaints
Worker’s Compensation Fraud

In addition, PLE professionals are cognizant of legal and human resource issues and, when necessary, they work closely with legal counsel, human resources representatives, and law enforcement officials to achieve the desired result.

PLE also utilizes state-of-the-art technology to assist with the investigations we are involved with.

Our technology includes online surveys, statement analysis, and the utilization of proprietary web-based investigative reporting that ensures our clients receive the most up-to-date and accurate reporting of our investigative activities.

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Background Investigations

The Employment Management Association estimates approximately 52% of all applications contain misrepresented information regarding past employment, and over 80% of the time education information is misrepresented.
In today’s business environment, Human Resource personnel, managers, and executives need to make informed decisions when evaluating employee applicants. The most neglected tool in personnel selection is the background investigation. Ever increasing technology has expanded the amount of information available regarding applicants. Does your hiring staff have the knowledge, time, and resources required to locate and thoroughly evaluate this information?

PLE consultants utilize a combination of professional interviewing skills and on-line data retrieval to meet your background screening requirements. We know how to quickly and efficiently obtain the information you require.

Background packages, suitable for different levels of employment, can be developed specifically for your company. Our consultants will work directly with your company to design the content of the specific packages you require. After determining what your specific background packages should include, our consultants will develop a cost-effective price structure to meet your needs.

Types of Investigations

Listed below are three examples of packages normally considered for each level of employment:

Entry Level: This level of investigation is typically used for entry-level or hourly positions in your company. Searches of criminal/arrest records, driving history, and workers’ compensation history are routinely accomplished for this level.

Mid Level: A more comprehensive review of the applicant’s past employment history and electronic records. This package is typically used for mid-level management or supervisory positions. Searches of criminal/arrest records, driving history, workers’ compensation history, and credit history are routinely accomplished in this package. Past employer reference interviews should also be accomplished. Depending on the degree of responsibility or technical knowledge the position requires, you should consider verifying education or training and checking personal references.

Executive Level: Upper-management applicants, whose credentials, past performance, and experience are vital to the prospective employer, require a more comprehensive background. Searches of criminal/arrest records, driving history, workers’ compensation history, credit history, employer and personal reference interviews, and education verification should be accomplished for this level. If the individual is being considered for a partner or shareholder position, you should consider a more in-depth look at their personal and financial reliability.

Types of Information We Obtain

PLE Group utilizes a wide variety of database searches, both subscription-based and open source, as well as the experienced investigators to review and analyze the information obtained. Many background check companies offer “background checks” that begin and end with simple database searches performed by administrative personnel; not experienced investigators. PLE Group’s background investigations only begin with the database searches we obtain. Once obtained, PLE Group begins the investigative activity.

Information we can obtain includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Social Security Number Verification
Criminal Records History
Sexual Offenses
Credit Reports Header or Full Credit Report (with authorization)
Employment Verification
Education Verification
Motor Vehicle Records
Concealed Carry Permits
Bankruptcies, Liens & Judgments

PLE Group investigators can interview references, former employers, neighbors or anyone else as required by our client. At the end of each background investigation, an investigator will communicate the results of the background investigation verbally as well as providing the written report.

Turn-Around Time

The turn-around time for performing a background investigation is typically between 1-3 business days, depending on the services requested. If the client needs a quicker turn-around, PLE Group will meet most any reasonable deadline set by the client.

Ultimately, our goal is to make accurate, relevant information available for you in a timely manner. This will allow you to screen-out unqualified applicants before investing additional, unnecessary time and administrative expenses and to quickly identify the qualified applicant(s).
Provide a single point of contact, client relationship manager who will team with you to develop business solutions and resolve any issues that may arise.
Provide accurate and detailed billing information customized to your requirements and billing cycles.

Employee Interviews

Often, incidents occur in the workplace, which requires further investigation and/or the collection of additional evidence. Usually, employees are in-the-know on most of these workplace incidents, but they are reluctant to volunteer information for fear of retaliation or other personal consequences.

PLE investigators are well-trained and experienced in interview techniques. We understand the importance of good employer-employee relations and are careful not to jeopardize those relationships during the interview.

Normally, PLE investigators videotape the entire employee interview which provides an accurate record and reduces the chance of any subsequent allegations against the investigator and/or the employer. Once policy violations are admitted in the interview and captured on videotape, the potential for arbitration hearings, unemployment hearings, or civil litigation, is greatly reduced.

PLE is frequently asked to conduct employee interviews in areas involving:

Substance abuse
Drug trafficking
Employee theft
Sabotage
Workplace violence or threats
Sexual harassment

Turn-Around Time

The turn-around time for performing a background investigation is typically between 1-3 business days, depending on the services requested. If the client needs a quicker turn-around, PLE Group will meet most any reasonable deadline set by the client.

Ultimately, our goal is to make accurate, relevant information available for you in a timely manner. This will allow you to screen-out unqualified applicants before investing additional, unnecessary time and administrative expenses and to quickly identify the qualified applicant(s).
Provide a single point of contact, client relationship manager who will team with you to develop business solutions and resolve any issues that may arise.
Provide accurate and detailed billing information customized to your requirements and billing cycles.

Surveillance

Surveillance, when used properly, can be an extremely effective investigative method. The general objective of conducting surveillance is to collect and document information (i.e., activities and identities of individuals involved in the questionable or illegal activity) that may not be readily ascertainable otherwise. In addition to the different types of surveillance (fixed point/stationary, mobile — vehicular and/or foot), there are varying degrees or levels. Depending on the specific objectives desired, “loose” or “close-in” surveillance may be utilized. In formulating the surveillance plan, PLE ensures the objectives and expectations of our clients are thoroughly understood and addressed. This is instrumental in determining the level of surveillance to be utilized and the acceptable/unacceptable levels of risks.

Surveillance Objectives

Obtain legal and admissible evidence to use in court
To obtain evidence of a crime
To locate persons by watching known/suspected sites or associates
Verify previously reported information
Locate hidden property or contraband
To prevent the commission of a crime or and occasionally apprehend a suspect in the commission of a crime
Obtain information for later use in interviews and interrogations
Develop leads and information received from other sources
Know at all times the whereabouts of a suspect

Worker's Comp Fraud Surveillance

Worker’s Comp Fraud Surveillance

It is an unfortunate reality that workers’ compensation has become a regular occurrence in today’s workplace. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Workers’ Compensation costs industry an estimated $7.2 billion in 2007, approximately 10% of all claims. Even more unfortunate though is the growing number of individuals who fraudulently claim to be injured and seek benefits and compensation for which they are not entitled.

Every $1 spent on worker’s compensation anti-fraud efforts yields a $6.17 return

– California Insurance Department study

In most cases, the savings realized by successfully documenting workers compensation fraud surpass the costs associated with conducting them. Simply put, these investigations more than pay for themselves.

Our highly trained team of investigators help our clients (large and small business employers, claims adjusters, third-party administrators, and self-insurers) protect themselves from becoming victims of workers’ compensation fraud. Using lawful covert surveillance techniques, PLE’s experienced investigators will conduct surveillance in a non-intrusive, legally sufficient manner. We document and preserve video evidence of fraudulent activity and then work closely with our clients and/or their legal counsel in preparation for possible judicial or administrative proceedings. We pay special attention to all state and federal statutory restrictions, carefully avoiding invasion of privacy issues. All information and activity documented must be done in such a manner as to be legally sufficient and admissible in any legal or administrative hearing. It also must be easily defensible from the counter-claims (liability) often made by subjects.

In many instances, having an outside investigative agency obtain witness and subject statements in some cases makes better operational and financial sense. Many of our investigators are former law enforcement officers and have extensive experience in conducting interviews and eliciting admissions from individuals involved in illegal activity.

Background of Claimant: Our first objective is to gather as much background information on the claimant as possible. Through discussions with the client, using in-house database searches, and checking public records, investigators build a profile of the claimant. To maximize surveillance efforts, pretext telephone calls are used to help determine when the claimant is most likely to be home.

Surveillance of Claimant: PLE investigators are professionally trained and experienced, with an in-depth understanding of the importance of the associated legalities. Our investigators will not trespass on the surveillance target’s property, enter their residence under false pretenses, or use unethical tactics to obtain evidence.

Surveillance Equipment: PLE investigators are equipped with state-of-the-art video recording equipment. From vehicles containing cover cameras to small, hand-held/portable devices such as portfolios, bags, hats, etc., PLE investigators have the equipment and resources necessary to conduct surveillance whenever and wherever our clients need. At the conclusion, the videotape documentation is edited to a composite, creating an effective presentation for hearings or court proceedings.

Investigative Report: A detailed investigative report is provided to the client, along with the composite and raw, unedited footage videotape. Still, frames from the surveillance footage are inserted into the report, detailing the claimant’s activity. In addition, the entire investigation is provided on DVD or USB “thumb” drive’s, with appropriate segments of video recordings linked to relevant activity.

Surveillance Detection/Counter-Surveillance: Individuals may be targeted by surveillance for business, legal and/or personal reasons. PLE offers our clients specialized services and aid in the detection and subsequent remediation of physical and electronic surveillance.

Undercover Investigations

PLE fully recognizes the critical issue of liability in today’s business world. With increasing frequency, companies and government agencies are using professionally trained undercover agents to detect illegal activities (drug trafficking, drug abuse, theft of inventory or equipment, sabotage to equipment, or product tampering) and company policy violations (alcohol abuse, time theft, sexual harassment). Additionally, undercover agents are used to evaluating hiring practices, training, or management at corporate facilities.

Just as the incidence of illegal activities and company policy violations have risen, so too have the number of companies offering their services to address these issues. As you investigate these companies, consider the following benefits of PLE Group:

Credibility

Since 1981, PLE has been providing experienced agents to corporate America and government agencies, resulting in a high degree of success in undercover operations.
PLE Group works closely with the appropriate local or state law enforcement agency while on assignment.
PLE Group provides weekly reporting to company management, and when necessary, to the appropriate law enforcement agency, including:
- Agent Daily Activity Reports
- Statement of Witness Reports on Criminal Activity and Company Policy Violations
- Chain of Custody Reports for Evidence
The above reporting enhances testimony in court, arbitration and unemployment hearings.

Agent Qualifications

Most agents hold a Criminal Justice Degree, have military police experience, or are certified police officers.
PLE agents must pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug testing prior to receiving their offer of employment.
In order to enhance an agent’s credibility in court testimony and arbitration hearings, PLE Group agents are drug tested before, during and after each assignment, and if desired by the client, are given a polygraph examination after each assignment.

Training

All PLE agents receive a minimum of 150 hours of specialized undercover training. This training covers in detail the following areas:

Entrapment
Court Testimony
Drug Identification
Report Writing
Corporate Offense Recognition
Evidentiary Chain of Custody
Undercover Strategy

Experience

PLE has conducted over 1400 undercover investigations for law enforcement agencies and corporations throughout the United States.

As an independent source of information for company management, PLE undercover agents expose drug trafficking/abuse, internal theft, company policy violations, sexual harassment, product tampering, and equipment sabotage. PLE agents standardized reporting technique results in objective and reliable information.

Evaluation of Your Needs

A successful undercover investigation begins with a thorough evaluation of your company’s issues and concerns. Because PLE Group recognizes that all situations are unique, we are dedicated to understanding the affected business unit’s culture, operations, and management. Such understanding allows us to tailor our services to ensure we meet your needs. Recognizing that confidentiality is of the utmost importance, we take every precaution to maintain the integrity of each undercover investigation.

Undercover Operations Services

Our goal is to reduce your exposure to liability that may result from improper employee activities, such as the following:

Drug Abuse
Alcohol Abuse
Drug Trafficking
Internal Theft
Sabotage/Vandalism
Product Tampering
Sexual Harassment
Violation of Company Policy

PLE Group will provide your company with Daily Activity Reports and Statement of Witness Reports to ensure that management remains current regarding the progress of the investigation. All reports are available for review through our secure file server.

Method of Conducting Investigations

The undercover investigative process involves establishing fictitious backgrounds in order to gain the confidence of possible suspects for the purpose of gathering evidence of illegal or prohibited activities. A successful investigation requires extensive planning and attention to detail before, during, and after the investigation. An undercover investigation is comprised of eight basic steps:

Development of a cover story– This includes creating: a plausible work history that will make the agent an ideal candidate for the job; a rationale for the agent’s relocating to the assigned geographical area; and an appropriate past work history, college, and or other experience. The success or failure of an undercover investigation hinges upon the development of a plausible cover story.

PLE establishes an agent’s residence near the facility where he or she will be working. This process may also include registration of the agent’s vehicle and transfer of the agent’s driver’s license to the appropriate state.

Agent interview– The agent must prepare for the job that he or she will be working by gaining knowledge of the responsibilities and performance expectations of that job. A copy of the client’s employment application, pre-employment test or interview questions helps the agent prepare for the interview.

Agent employment– Once employed by the company, the agent immediately begins investigative work by becoming acquainted with company employees and making other related contacts.

Agent reports– Throughout the agent’s term of employment with the company, he or she will provide regular and accurate reporting to PLE Group. After review, PLE Group will forward all reports regarding the progress of the investigation to company management.

Communication– PLE Group management will regularly meet with the agent to discuss investigative strategy. When necessary, PLE Group will also meet with the law enforcement contact and company management to inform each of the progress or results of the investigation.

Shutdown– Once the company is satisfied with the results of the investigation; company management will give PLE Group ten days advance notice to conclude the investigation. At this time PLE Group, the company, and law enforcement representatives will discuss procedures to remove the agent from employment at the company and coordinate any possible arrests.

Agent summary– After the agent has been removed; he or she will provide a full written summary of the investigation. The agent will also be available to testify at employment hearings, arbitrations, or court proceedings.

Content, Presentation, and Receipt of Reports

PLE agents are required to provide accurate, concise, comprehensive, objective, clear, and coherent reports to the company. Detailed and consistent reporting ensures that agents maintain credibility and can account for their testimony in legal proceedings. PLE Group agents provide reports in two forms:

Daily Activity Report (DAR) – This report provides all relevant information regarding the agent’s activities during each workday. The agent will attempt to include such information as: dates and times the agent arrives and leaves work; location of work; activities and duties performed at work; work breaks; names of key people with whom the agent comes in contact; dates, times, and nature of phone conversations; dates, times, and nature of all contact with PLE supervisors and corporate and law enforcement agency contacts; useful physical descriptions of possible suspects; times and locations of all meetings; and dates and times spent recording information for the Daily Activity Report.

Statement of Witness Report (SOR) – This narrative summary is based on facts contained in the Daily Activity Reports that contribute to the detection of company policy violations or criminal activity. PLE provides company management with reporting– including Daily Activity Reports, Statement of Witness Reports, and other documentation the company may require– that will outline company policy violations and chain of custody of evidence.

Time Frame and Costs

Time Frame for Results

During professional undercover investigations, establishing trust and a close association with employees within the company takes time. While every investigation is unique, a thorough investigation usually requires at least 90 days to realize any results, with a multitude of factors determining the time frame.

Most importantly, the agent is simultaneously performing a job, meeting job and investigative standards, and acclimating to a new work environment, new co-workers and, most likely, a new city. The agent must become familiar with the personalities of co-workers and carefully gain the trust and friendship of employees and associates.

Additional factors-such as the length of the probationary period, the agent’s specific position within the company, and employment gained through a temporary agency versus direct employment by the company also play a role in determining the time required for a successful investigation. Other considerations include the agent’s status as a full time or part time employee, the shift to which the agent is assigned, the mobility of the agent’s job, and any restraints placed on us by law enforcement.

It is important to remember that undercover work is as much an art as it is a science. Many external factors, beyond the control of either PLE Group or the company, can influence the success of an investigation. However, through careful, professional planning and years of experience, most challenges can be anticipated and addressed before they negatively affect the investigation.

Costs

Each agent is billed at a fixed monthly expense per month plus all out of pocket expenses, to include, but not limited to the below-listed items. If two or more agents are used at the same location, the service fee for each additional agent(s) is reduced by 25% per month.

Other Costs: Each monthly invoice will include the above-mentioned management fee, plus all out of pocket expenses, including:

The difference in the hourly wage the agent earns while working in the undercover position and the minimum guaranteed hourly wage PLE Group commits to paying the agent.
Expenses associated with moving the agent to and from the assignment location and monthly rent expense.
Operational money to purchase drugs and other contraband.
Travel and lodging expenses to set up the investigation.
Travel and lodging expense associated with regular PLE Group supervisory visits with the agent (approximately one visit per two-four weeks).

Other Considerations

Advantages of Client Company Involvement

In order to maximize the agent’s effectiveness, the company can play a critical role in helping to place the agent in a job on the best shift and job location, prior to the actual start of the investigation. The ideal job should allow the agent the ability to move around the premises and meet as many people as possible. The company can also assist PLE management in matching the best available undercover agent with the investigative task by providing background information, such as workforce demographics, type of problems confronting the company, and information obtained during any previous undercover investigations.

Establishing a good working relationship with the appropriate law enforcement agency also plays a crucial role in every successful undercover investigation, especially when the goal involves detection of illegal activity. The company performs a critical function in assisting with this process. Some law enforcement agencies resist working with a private investigative company due to the law enforcement agency’s lack of available personnel or budgeted overtime. If the client company assists us with establishing law enforcement contacts, law enforcement contacts are typically more willing to work with us because they recognize that they are directly assisting a member of their community. In addition, the company may have a better knowledge of the local law enforcement officials and may have already established a sound relationship.

Once such a relationship has been established, the law enforcement agency’s dedicated contact will take all evidence from our agent and process it according to the agency’s current operating procedures. Additionally, the law enforcement contact will typically back up the agent if the agent purchases contraband outside of the company’s facility. PLE always works within the guidelines established by the local law enforcement agency and our client company.

The Client can assist in the success of an investigation in other ways as well. A personnel roster of employees with whom the agent will be working and who are on the agent’s shift is helpful in correctly identifying employees and, when necessary, the proper spellings of their names. Knowledge of establishments frequented by employees helps the agent establish and develop contact(s). Any corporate policy handbooks and blueprints of applicable buildings involved under the scope of the investigation are also useful information for the agent. All of these factors help the agent become familiar with the company, its employees, and the area(s) in which he or she will be working.

Advantages of Conducting an Undercover Investigation

The advantages of conducting an undercover investigation are many. Most importantly, you are decreasing your exposure to unnecessary liability caused by the possible illegal activities taking place within your facility. At the same time, you can increase productivity by effectively dealing with employees who are committing illegal acts or violating company policy. Reducing the number and frequency of illegal activities and company policy violations may also result in a reduction in turnover, employee training costs, workers’ compensation costs, health care costs, and employee thefts. Finally, your company is also providing a safer working environment for those employees you wish to retain.

PLE Considerations

A wide variety of considerations helps to determine the appropriate methods for carrying out an undercover investigation. In conjunction with the client, PLE must select the most appropriate agent for the job, one who is compatible with the existing company workforce and culture. Criteria for agent selection include demographic factors of the workforce, such as age range, the ratio of men to women, and race and ethnic composition. The agent must also understand the company’s structure regarding daily functions and operating procedures. In addition, company culture, employee interaction, and any union membership requirements provide very important information for optimally placing an agent in the workforce. All of these factors and more must all be taken into account before determining which agent is best suited for the job, and which approach is best for conducting the investigation.