workplace Investigations in Orange County, California
Independent. Compliant. Defensible.
When workplace concerns arise, how the investigation is handled matters. A poorly conducted investigation can increase liability, damage morale, and undermine trust. A properly conducted investigation protects the organization and ensures fairness for all parties involved.
Allen Morris Investigations provides independent workplace investigations throughout California, conducted in full compliance with the California Private Investigator Act (Bus. & Prof. Code § 7520 et seq.).
Kathie Allen is a California Licensed Private Investigator (#27033) with extensive experience in HR, compliance, and complex workplace matters.
Types of Investigations
We conduct prompt, impartial investigations involving:
- Harassment (including sexual harassment)
- Discrimination
- Retaliation
- Bullying and hostile work environment
- Executive misconduct
- Ethics and policy violations
- Whistleblower complaints
- Title IX-related matters
- Public sector and special district investigations
Each matter is handled with discretion, neutrality, and procedural fairness.
Why Licensing Matters in California
Under California law, external investigators conducting workplace investigations must generally be:
- A licensed private investigator,
- A licensed attorney acting within the scope of practice, or
- A properly registered employee under a licensed PI.
Hiring an investigator who does not meet these statutory requirements can create unnecessary legal exposure.
As a licensed PI, Allen Morris Investigations ensures:
- Full compliance with California regulatory requirements
- Legally defensible investigative processes
- Clear, thorough, and objective reporting
Our Approach
Every investigation includes:
✔ Clear scope definition
✔ Trauma-informed, neutral interviewing
✔ Credibility analysis
✔ Evidence review
✔ Detailed written findings
✔ Recommendations when appropriate
We focus on facts and not assumptions. Every report is structured to withstand scrutiny in litigation, administrative review, or internal audit.
Who We Serve
- Private employers
- Public agencies
- Special districts
- Educational institutions
- Nonprofits
- Corporate counsel and employment law firms
We are frequently retained when independence is critical, including investigations involving executives, board members, or senior leadership.
The Difference: Investigative + HR Expertise
Kathie Allen brings a rare combination of:
- Licensed private investigator credentials
- Senior-level HR experience
- Compliance and policy expertise
- Understanding of organizational dynamics
This dual perspective allows for investigations that are not only thorough, but practical and aligned with workplace realities.
Confidential Consultation
If you are facing a workplace complaint and need an independent, compliant investigation, we are available for confidential consultation. Contact us at (949) 573-4624.
Why Choose Allen Morris Investigations
California organizations choose Allen Morris Investigations for independent, impartial workplace investigations because of:
- Specialized training in workplace investigations within education settings.
- Licensed California Private Investigator (PI 27033)
- Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) trained investigator with over 20 years of experience.
- Certified Title IX Investigator
- Certified Mediator
- Experience across K-12, community colleges, and universities.
- Trauma-informed approaches that support fairness and compliance.
- Background as a compliance investigator with insight into organizational dynamics.
- Clear, legally defensible written findings.
- Independent and conflict-free investigative process.
- Statewide service across California
- Download our complete capabilities statement.
Learn more about the lead investigator’s credentials.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Local Experience Matters
Located in Irvine, we serve clients throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Fullerton, Long Beach, and Los Angeles.
Our familiarity with local businesses, corporate structures, and California employment law requirements allows us to conduct investigations efficiently while remaining sensitive to the operational and cultural dynamics of workplace environments.
Case Study: Executive-Level Misconduct Investigation
The Situation
A mid-sized Orange County company retained Allen Morris Investigations after receiving a formal complaint alleging harassment and retaliation by a senior executive.
The matter presented significant risk:
- The accused was a high-level leader with decision-making authority.
- Multiple employees reported concerns about retaliation.
- The organization faced potential exposure under California employment law.
- Morale and trust were deteriorating.
Because internal HR reported to the accused executive, the company determined an independent, external investigation was necessary.
The Challenge
This investigation required:
- Complete neutrality and independence.
- Careful handling of sensitive power dynamics.
- Trauma-informed interviewing.
- Protection against retaliation.
- A process capable of withstanding legal scrutiny.
Additionally, the organization needed the investigation conducted in compliance with the California Private Investigator Act and structured to be defensible in potential litigation.
The Approach
Allen Morris Investigations:
✔ Defined a clear scope and investigation plan.
✔ Conducted in-depth interviews with the complainant, accused, and 12 witnesses.
✔ Reviewed email communications, internal reports, and personnel records.
✔ Assessed credibility using established investigative methodology.
✔ Maintained strict confidentiality throughout the process.
Each interview was documented thoroughly, and all evidence was analyzed objectively without assumptions or bias.
The Findings
The investigation substantiated certain policy violations while not substantiating others.
A detailed written report was delivered to leadership outlining:
- Allegations investigated.
- Evidence reviewed.
- Credibility assessments.
- Findings of fact.
- Policy analysis.
- Risk considerations.
The report was structured to be clear, neutral, and defensible.
The Outcome
As a result of the investigation:
- Leadership implemented corrective action.
- The organization strengthened its anti-retaliation safeguards.
- Policy updates were made to clarify reporting channels.
- Employee confidence in the process improved.
The company was able to demonstrate that it took prompt, impartial, and legally compliant action, significantly reducing risk exposure.
Why It Matters
When allegations involve senior leadership, independence is critical.
A properly structured external investigation protects the organization, protects employees, preserves credibility, and reduces litigation risk.
Allen Morris Investigations provides licensed, compliant, and defensible workplace investigations throughout California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related California Investigative Services
School, Campus, and Title IX Investigations
Investigations in educational settings require neutrality, clear documentation, and compliance with Title IX and related regulations. Review school and campus investigation services.
Harassment and Discrimination Investigations
Claims of harassment or discrimination require a prompt, neutral, and trauma-informed investigative approach. Review harassment and discrimination investigation services.
Employee Misconduct
Misconduct at any level requires clear scope definition, consistent procedures, and defensible findings. See employee misconduct investigation services.
Related Resources
Contact Us
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© 2025 Allen Morris Investigations. Licensed California PI #27033
Phone: 949-573-4624 | kathie@allenmorrispi.com | Irvine, California