Preparation is vital
Time and again one experiences that even industry leaders are unprepared to appropriately respond to searches and investigations; specifically in regard to companies with international connections. In this connection BCKM offers suitable coaching and various check-lists for these kinds of situations offering extensive preparation for senior company managers.
Even though this will not replace thorough compliance work, such preparation nonetheless can offer the following dividends.
Clear stage instructions for company searches by the authorities
You have already simulated all scenarios for searches and the individual departments have clear instructions for such an eventuality. If police and prosecutors show up unexpectedly, even the porter knows how to react and who needs to be contacted.
Base for Visitors and Welcoming Team
Prosecutors and police officials are received professionally and are led to a pre-defined office or meeting room. Direct contact to employees and clients should be avoided if possible. This serves to protect uninvolved individuals from major uncertainty.
Gain Time before the Prosecutor and Corporate Lawyer arrive
A trained and competent employee politely asks the lead investigation official specifically to delay their search until the investigating prosecutor has arrived on site. At the same time they insist on the presence of the company lawyer that represents them in criminal law or a defence attorney. They will know that most prosecutors are ready to negotiate under these circumstances and is clear about whom they need to call. The availability of the required contact person in case of emergency is ensured. Therefore time is gained and the confiscation of documents is overseen professionally.
Enquiring into the reason for the search
Meanwhile trained employees are de-escalating the situation professionally, however without opening every filing cabinet for the investigating officials and without making all documents available to them, which are not covered by the search warrant. The investigating officials are asked exactly what they are searching for. Only the requested information is given to them.
After the search: Contact experts
You are able to avoid confusion and frantic over-reaction. If you are prepared it will be easier. In any event consult an expert – for example BCKM – over which strategy is best suitable and who you should contact in order to get the problem under control. Experience, instinct and competent persons are required to avert a crisis.
Factors for a successful crisis handling
Fundamental Factor of Success: Competent and Knowledgeable Negotiators
A proven fundamental factor for success is to be able to offer competent and knowledgeable negotiators whose proposals will be accepted by the investigating authorities (prosecutor, police or tax fraud investigation) and therefore support advantageous solutions for the company.
BCKM therefore works together with designated specialists for crisis intervention and the processing of corruption cases. We have access to experienced project managers, forensic experts, auditors and last but not least IT specialists.
Our consulting team therefore includes business economists, information scientists, lawyers and industrial engineers.
