Conducting investigations is second nature to many security executives. Since a large percentage of CSOs have a law enforcement background in some form or another, conducting inquiries is a routine function with which they are very comfortable. How a security executive approaches investigations can contribute to the “Corporate Cop” image that CSOs have been battling for years, or it can completely change the perception of security. Keep in mind that a number of security executives have lost their jobs over the manner in which an investigation was handled.
Another thing that has to be taken into account, depending on where in the world an issue has arisen, the security executive may find that it is illegal to conduct an investigation in a particular country. A number of countries around the world prohibit any type of investigation from being conducted in their country unless it is performed by officials of the country.