Just Cause
The decision makers determine the available evidence does not sufficiently support or establish that the alleged conduct occurred. What is the finding?
Unsubstantiated
T/F - Investigators should lump multiple policy violations into one allegation.
False
What document needs to be signed prior to questioning?
Interview Advisory or Tennessen
What perspective should your report be written in?
Third Person
What number planet is earth from the sun?
3
What is Just Cause?
Seven standards of expectations for a report.
Give one example of an open ended question.
Who, what, when, where, why, how questions
1. What document must a subject sign when they choose to proceed with an interview without union representation?
2. Who should receive a copy of the document?
1. Union Waiver
2. Union Representative
Name five examples of documents that could be in your exhibits.
Interview Advisories
Union Waivers
Relevant policies
Work schedules
Photos
Videos
Incident reports
Performance reviews
Signed PD
Signed Workplace Relations
Timecards
This artist painted "The Starry Night"
Vincent Van Gogh
As investigators, what are the three elements of just cause that are related to our role?
1. Forewarning
2. Fair Investigation
3. Proof
What are two things should an investigator communicate when notifying an employee of an investigation?
1. Confidentiality
2. Retaliation is prohibited
3. Union rep (if applicable)
4. Notice of allegation
What interview technique begins with broad, open-ended questions and gradually narrows to more specific questions?
Funnel Technique
Identify three individuals who could potentially read your investigation report.
Decision Makers
Union
HR Business Partner
Arbitrator
MMB
This US state is known as the Land of Enchantment.
New Mexico
During an investigation, a witness provides information that supports the allegation. The Subject provides an explanation that contradicts the witness. What should the investigator do?
Reclarify the question to make sure you're understanding it from both parties.
Ask why someone else might be reporting it differently.
Document both sides.
Who is entitled to union representation?
Subject who is covered by a collective bargaining agreement
What should an investigator do when an employee refuses to answer questions during an interview?
Explain that decisions are made based on the facts received, so if they do not participate, the decision will be made without the benefit of the information they have.
What governs government data?
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Chapter 13)
This is the only US State with a one syllable name.
Maine
A subject says they didn't know a particular conduct was prohibited. The supervisor has documentation showing the subject received the policy and completed training on it. What element is this evidence most relevant to?
Forewarning
Create an allegation:
On 08/04/2026, John Doe damaged a state-owned vehicle while pulling out of a parking ramp. John did not complete the required documentation or notify the appropriate parties of the damage.
It is alleged that on 08/04/2026, John Doe was involved in an incident that resulted in damage to a state vehicle and did not appropriately report the incident.
What are two things that should be included during a subject interview opening statement?
- Interview Advisory
- Union or union waiver
- Explain your role
- Advise the nature of the allegation(s)
- Discuss confidentiality
- Retaliation is prohibited
- Ground rules
What is the proper way to reference supporting documents in an investigation report?
Introduce and cite the exhibits in your report. Exhibits should be cited by (parenthesis). Example: (Exhibit 1)
In baseball, this position stands between 2nd and 3rd base.
Shortstop