Pennsylvania Security Guard Practice Exam

The recommended first step when an employee is suspected of stealing is to document observations. This action is crucial because it provides a factual basis for any future investigation. Observations should be detailed and objective, recording specific incidents, times, and behaviors that raised suspicion.

Documenting these observations allows for a thorough review of the situation, ensuring that any actions taken thereafter are grounded in evidence rather than assumptions or hearsay. It creates a record that can be useful not only in internal investigations but also in potential legal proceedings, making it an essential part of due process.

Following this step aligns with best practices in workplace investigations, emphasizing the importance of careful information gathering before taking further actions such as confrontations, contacting law enforcement, or implementing company protocols. Those latter steps may still need to occur, but without initial documentation, there may be a lack of clarity and justification for subsequent actions.