Human resources HR professionals are responsible for ensuring that a workspace is safe, inclusive and
achieves high employee performance and engagement. And, much like a police officer,
when these policies are breached or violated, it is up to them to investigate the nature of
the case and communicate this with senior management to decide the necessary penalty.
Externally, for example, a thorough interview process ensures the right person is hired for
the job. Internally, reliable investigative ability helps reduce workplace conflict by
resolving issues like complaints and grievances in a timely manner.
Other professions and uses Investigation skills are crucial in a variety of other roles. Health and Safety Officers
conduct risk assessments and investigate accidents at work. Environmental Health
Officers (EHO) perform regular inspections of restaurants‘ hygiene levels. And Trading
Standard Officers research and inspect whether trading businesses are following
consumer laws and regulations.
Investigation skills are also regularly employed by teachers, who have to resolve
incidents between children and determine the appropriate course of action
Common mistakes Being a good investigator often requires you to evade very human instincts. As most
investigators are in fact human beings, excluding the formidable Danger Mouse, of
course, that can be a difficult practice, making us susceptible to mistakes.
Some critical errors include:
Confirmation bias , adapting their findings to match their pre-existing beliefs or
emotions.
Making assumptions based on the information available, stereotypes and racial or
gender biases. Rather than isolating the facts, bad investigators infer things which could
be false based on gender, race, religion, socio-economics or just because they ‗seem
guilty‘
They rush in . Rather than making a calculated plan of action, some jump to conclusions;
which could leave them missing something out
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A common example of this would be a detective rushing to analyse data, without
properly securing the crime scene – which could lead to evidence going missing.
