In an investigation of corporate policy abuse, discovering an act that constitutes a crime should be referred to law enforcement authorities?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Depends on severity

Answer: (A)

When a corporate policy abuse investigation uncovers an act that is a crime, you should refer it to law enforcement authorities. This reflects that crimes fall under the criminal justice process, not internal policy enforcement. Investigators are responsible for gathering evidence and understanding what happened, but they do not prosecute; law enforcement has the authority to investigate, apprehend, and coordinate with prosecutors. By referring the case, you ensure proper evidence handling, maintain chain of custody, and uphold due process for anyone involved. The obligation to report isn’t a matter of judging severity; any act that constitutes a crime should be escalated. This is why opting to report is the correct approach, rather than treating reporting as optional or unnecessary for less severe cases.