Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations

Investigating harassment in your agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. This course provides a successful and effective approach to conducting legally sufficient harassment investigations that provide the agency with the information it needs, while withstanding third-party scrutiny.

Tuesday, Oct. 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

Today’s class explains the principles that underpin a successful investigation of employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play into an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Wednesday, Oct. 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

This class explains the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with correct preparation and knowledge. It distinguished between EEO and non-EEO harassment claims. It also tackles the important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have? And more.

Thursday, Oct. 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

Learn the legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this critical and challenging part of harassment investigations – conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Plus, learn how technology is changing the investigation process, including tips for conducting virtual interviews.

Learning objectives

• Identify the relationship between the foundations of Federal accountability and harassment investigations.
• Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigation’s legal sufficiency.
• Identify witness rights and management rights.
• Properly handle challenging witnesses.
• Write a thorough report of investigation.

Training time

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm ET each day

Pricing

Early bird (register by Sept. 1, 2024)

• 3 days = $1,095
• 2 days = $825
• 1 day = $495

Standard (register through Oct. 3, 2024)

• 3 days = $1,195
• 2 days = $925
• 1 day = $595

Event FAQs

Can I attend this class using my government computer? 

This event will be held on Zoom. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you are welcome to use your personal email address to register and to attend the sessions from your personal device. Dial-in telephone access is also available.

Can I earn CLE credits for this class?

CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees. If you are seeking CLE credit, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Can I share my access link with co-workers?

No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.

Can I register a teleworker?

This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or attending from an agency facility.

How do I receive a group discount?

Group discounts are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event by the early bird registration deadline. The group discount must be requested in writing with registration submission via email or fax.

What are the Substitute, Cancellation and No-show Policies for Registered Participants?

Substitutions may be made at no cost with advance notice to FELTG. We kindly request 24 hours’ advance notice. No substitutions will be permitted within one hour of the training start time. No cancellations are accepted within 30 days of the training start date. No cancellations are accepted on pre-paid registrations. There are no refunds for no-shows.