This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq
Our law firm defends federal employees in investigations and disciplinary actions. Almost all federal employee disciplinary cases start with a misconduct investigation. When a federal employee is subject to an investigation, it is essential to retain a federal employee lawyer as soon as possible.
Issues Commonly Investigated by Agencies
While anything can prompt an investigation by a federal agency, some of the more common issues that trigger an investigation include the following:
- Absence Without Leave
- General Misconduct at Work
- Lack of Candor or Integrity Issues
- Misuse of a Government Computer/Internet/Fax
- Misuse of a Government Credit Card, Vehicle or Travel Card
- Public Complaints
- Sexual Harassment or Discrimination in the Workplace
- Time Card/Attendance Issues
- Off-Duty Criminal, Alcohol / Traffic Conduct
- Security Violations
- Insubordination
- Disrespectful Conduct in the Workplace
How Federal Employee Investigations Usually Start
Federal employee investigations usually start when the individual is called by an investigator to set up an interview. Investigators almost never provide specific information about the nature of an investigation until the federal employee arrives at the meeting.











