Corporate Security & Investigations
Overview
Quest can serve as the sole provider of a firm’s consulting and security services or can serve as a complement to a firm's in-house security staff. Many companies have determined that their security needs would be better served by outsourcing these services to an independent provider. Outsourcing provides an independent, highly skilled, and experienced staff that requires minimal training. Quest draws on the expertise of its worldwide network of former federal agents to provide investigative and security-related services tailored to the specific needs of the client firm.
Corporate Fraud
Quest’s proven corporate financial and fraud detection and prevention strategies help businesses maintain continuity and reputation. Investigators assess the specific fraud and develop a tailored investigation strategy to uncover it and prevent similar fraud in the future. Quest’s experts in corporate fraud provide direction for investigation and prosecution of cases related to the following:
Accounting
Embezzlement
Bankruptcy and asset concealment
Securities, investment, and loans
Insurance and health care
Money laundering
Contracts and procurement
Mail and wire fraud
Tax fraud
Intellectual Property Theft
A growing threat, theft of intellectual property (IP) may be the result of a breach of employment by current or former employees, or may be the result of a competitor making use of a company’s technology, violating patents, copyrights, or trademarks. Quest has successfully investigated intellectual property theft for its clients and has provided expert witness testimony in intellectual property lawsuits. In addition, Quest develops intellectual property theft investigation and prevention strategies uniquely tailored to its client. Examples of intellectual property theft include:
Corporate identity
Brand
Trademark
Counterfeit product
Technological trade secrets
Product designs
Customer lists
Third-party licensed intellectual property
Industrial designs
Distribution channel information
Marketing collateral
Employee Dismissal Assistance and Property Recovery
Quest provides employee dismissal assistance and property recovery services, having developed proven strategies specifically for these areas of corporate security.
Contacting terminated employees and recovering company property is key to avoiding litigation in these matters. A typical Quest property recovery team includes two or more investigators (all former Special Agents of the FBI) who can respond within hours in almost any city in the country. The recovery team makes arrangements to meet with the terminated employee to recover company property-without ever entering the subject’s residence. After the property is inventoried the subject signs an inventory document, eliminating future claim or argument.
In order to avoid further potential legal action and protect the client in the event of such action, Quest can make a forensic copy of any electronic materials (e.g., laptop hard drive) contained on recovered property. This specialized procedure provides a precise record of what was contained on the hard drive(s) upon recovery and may be used as evidence in the event of a lawsuit.
It is Quest’s experience that those involved in recovering property from terminated employees should not be employees of the company. An atmosphere of neutrality reduces anxiety. Trained, experienced investigators assigned to this type of recovery have the ability to establish rapport with the terminated employee in a way that company personnel would find difficult. This kind of exchange is almost never possible if employees attempt property recovery.
Security Services
Many in-house security departments are short on resources and training; Quest can provide corporate security services at a fraction of the cost of building an in-house department. According to the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), median salaries in 2000 for a security director ranged from $50,000 to $75,000 per year. Combined with benefits, insurance, and related expenses, the savings to those companies that outsource their corporate security needs are estimated to be approximately 27%.
Should a company grow to need an internal security staff, Quest can locate qualified candidates, screen applicants or assist in the screening process, conduct pre-employment background investigations concerning candidates, make recommendations regarding candidate qualifications, assist in structuring the security unit, provide outsource services until a full complement of employees is in place, and provide training and manuals.
In addition:
Quest designs policies and procedures manuals along with security guard standard operating procedures.
Quest also creates manuals for human resources, disaster recovery, crisis management, evacuations, and more.
Quest can serve as an independent and objective external control organization, acting in the best interests of the company, its business, its management, shareholders, employees and clients.
Quest’s corporate security services include counsel on security matters, development of policies and procedures, as well as programs for the protection of company assets and the prevention of code of conduct violations, as well as the prevention of dishonest, destructive or illegal acts.
Quest’s corporate security services include providing a quality-driven team charged with the responsibility of maintaining the highest ethical standards while supporting the business units and divisions in the protection of personnel, property, revenues, information, and other assets from loss, damage or injury.
Quest’s corporate security services also provide a point of contact to which any person, whether employee or non-employee, can communicate concerns about code of conduct violations or dishonest, destructive or illegal acts without fear of reprisal.
DIGITAL FORENSICS & INFORMATION SECURITY
Overview
Quest has done extensive research and monitoring of the growing risks associated with electronic data transfer technology, the Internet, and the use of technology for financial fraud and other criminal activities. Quest and its information security and computer forensics team have responded to this developing area of concern with professionals trained in data retrieval analysis and technologies.
Computer forensics deals with the restoration, preservation, identification, extraction and documentation of computer evidence. Evidence might be sought in a wide range of computer crime or misuse, including but not limited to theft of trade secrets, theft or destruction of intellectual property, and fraud. Many types of criminal and civil proceedings can and do make use of evidence revealed by computer forensics.
Quest's services include:
Contingency planning/business recovery
Interface and access point analysis
Deleted data identification and recovery services
Contents of files protected by passwords
Detailed histories of Internet and email usage
Identity and recovery of concealed documents and images
Expert witness testimony concerning the installation, use, and deletion of software
Analysis of information security systems and procedures
Departing employee data collection
Additionally:
Corporations utilize Quest's information security and computer forensics team to ascertain evidence relating to sexual harassment, embezzlement, theft or misappropriation of trade secrets, and other internal/confidential information.
Individuals utilize Quest's information security and computer forensics team in possible claims of wrongful termination, sexual harassment, or age discrimination.
Quest works with criminal prosecutors who use computer evidence in prosecuting a variety of crimes, such as homicide, financial fraud, drug and embezzlement record keeping, and child pornography.
Quest works with civil litigators who utilize personal and business records found on computer systems in fraud, discrimination, and harassment cases.
Quest works with insurance companies that may be able to mitigate costs by using discovered computer evidence of possible fraud in accident, arson, and workman's compensation cases.
Quest works with law enforcement officials who require assistance in pre-search warrant preparations and post-seizure handling of the computer equipment.
PREMISES SECURITY ENGINEERING
Overview
Quest provides comprehensive and integrated premises security engineering services, conducting site assessments of operations, personnel, internal & external threats, equipment & technology certifications, and ingress/egress points. In addition, Quest conducts site assessments in anticipation of providing expert witness testimony, risk assessment, and recommendations to mitigate future liability. Quest’s premises security engineering solutions provide safe and secure working environments free of internal and external threats.
Quest's premises security engineering services include survey and analysis of the following:
Operational security regarding the flow of traffic in and out of the site(s).
Security relative to ingress/egress points, docks areas, interior traffic flow, and vertical transportation operations and control.
Specific architectural security issues regarding the parking areas associated with the site(s) or other associated potential risks to structural elements adjacent to the site(s).
Operational issues regarding security officer programs.
Application of security technology.
Identification verification programs.
Operational issues regarding monitoring security and CCTV systems.
Security related to courier delivery operations.
Existing emergency action/management plans.
Integration and optimization of physical security and electronic security systems.
After such site assessments, Quest provides written security analysis and recommendation reports that contain comprehensive analysis and recommendations. These reports also contain findings regarding crime rate and social environment in order to provide an overview of the security climate and threat assessment for the site.
FORENSIC PROFILING
Overview
Forensic profiling has received a good deal of publicity regarding cases of sexual homicide and sexual assault, but it also can be very beneficial to businesses that seek to evaluate many other issues. Quest is uniquely qualified to provide forensic profiling services as its Forensic profiling team includes former forensic profilers, criminal psychologists, and instructors for the FBI.
Forensic profiling is the evaluation of investigative results rather than investigation in the usual sense. It is the careful examination and analysis of verbal, physical and sexual behavior, taking into consideration the context within which each element of behavior occurred. All known information is considered, with each factor viewed in isolation and then collectively, along with all other factors. Speculation, theory and fact each have a role to play but each must be carefully evaluated for what it is, in ascending order of significance. Speculation can open the mind to theories not previously considered and a well-based theory can lead to new sources of fact.
The goal of forensic profiling is to maximize understanding of the crime and the criminal so that strategies developed for investigations, interviews, and other methods, have a greater chance of success. Quest's experienced profiling team maximizes its training, research capabilities, and focused deductive reasoning to profile offenders or suspect personalities. Quest develops strategies to deal with an offender or a specific personality and utilizes proven interview techniques to provide powerful forensic profiling services.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Overview
Business continuity in today's marketplace faces a variety of risks. Quest’s Crisis Management services include the review and design of crisis management response and resolution plans that ensure effective response at a time of crisis, minimizing potential loss to assets and operations.
Crisis management planning involves addressing crises resulting from natural disasters or man-made incidents, identifying and training crisis management teams, developing and testing emergency plans and procedures, and developing and testing evacuation of employees. Crisis management also frequently requires frequent and competent communication between the firm and members of the media.
Quest’s experiences team of crisis management experts includes former crisis center command and response personnel from the FBI along with media relations training and services.
Policy planning and development.
Emergency plans and procedures.
Critical incident management.
Domestic and international law enforcement.
Media relations and crisis communications.
Disaster recovery planning.
TECHNICAL SURVEILLANCE COUNTER-MEASURES (TSCM)
Overview
Competitiveness in today's global corporate environment cannot be underestimated. Electronic eavesdropping, trash covers, video surveillance and other sophisticated forms of corporate espionage have become commonplace. These methods of espionage are used to gain an economic or competitive advantage and pose real threats.
Quest’s TSCM team can conduct counter surveillance detection sweeps of premises, telephone lines and instruments, data processing equipment, and networks. These sweeps detect unwanted listening devices and other security weaknesses that could compromise executive communications and confidential and proprietary information.
DUE DILIGENCE & BACKGROUNDS
Overview
Corporate reputation and good will, along with brand name equity, are earned over many years. These are among a company’s most valuable and most delicate assets. In today's “mass media” environment, a single transaction or bad association can create frenzy for scandal, causing irreparable damage to a company's good name. Thorough corporate due diligence of potential partners, clients, and employees is necessary to reduce these risks and minimize exposure to protracted and harmful litigation. Due Diligence is the systematic and specific acquisition of information on an individual or corporation before they are engaged. Whether they are an agent or consultant, a supplier or a distributor, a partner or potential acquisition, Quest can gather the information and intelligence needed (appropriate authorization may be required). The following menu of checks can be customized to meet the due diligence needs of any company.
Intellectual Property Clearance, Acquisition & Enforcement
Intellectual Property, i.e., trademarks, patents, copyrights, domain names, and trade secrets, gives organizations their competitive advantages. Infringement, dilution and piracy, or mis-administration and theft erode the value of an organization’s Intellectual Property and can result in consumer danger, loss of market share, and harm to a firm's reputation. Quest provides guidance on strategic issues concerning the protection and enforcement or the expansion of a company’s Intellectual Property portfolio.
Asset Tracing
Conducted prior to major financial transactions, Quest’s asset tracing services assist businesses in the process of M&A (mergers and acquisitions), joint ventures and investments. Asset tracing includes property ownership and value checks, identification of financial assets, location of physical assets, and search of corporate interests.
Consumer Credit Report
Conducted prior to major financial transactions, Quest’s asset tracing services assist businesses in the process of M&A (mergers and acquisitions), joint ventures and investments. Asset tracing includes property ownership and value checks, identification of financial assets, location of physical assets, and search of corporate interests.
County and Statewide Criminal Records Search
Quest investigates county or available statewide criminal records to uncover felony and misdemeanor convictions. Examples of criminal records include theft, assault, robbery and drug possession.
Edgar Filings
A review of (SEC) Securities Exchange Commission filings may reveal securities or options holdings, company board memberships, and previous corporate affiliations.
Education Verification
Quest contacts institutions where degrees may have been attempted or received, and reports dates of attendance, major course of study, and other available information.
Employment Verification
Quest provides past employment verification including confirmation of employment dates, positions held, salary, and other information that may be available under the former employer's policy.
Federal Civil Records Search
These searches are performed through Federal District Court and generally involve disputes with considerations greater than $50,000, suits filed between parties residing in different states, or individuals in violation of Federal Law such as Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Federal Civil Records Search
This search is conducted through the Federal District Court and may include charges such as bank robbery, embezzlement, tax evasion, mail fraud, or crimes occurring across state lines.
Federal District Bankruptcy Records Search
These searches involve a review of U.S. District Bankruptcy Court records. Findings may include information from Chapters 7, 11 and 13 filings. Bankruptcy records may reveal asset and liability amounts, as well as additional debtors.
Financial Institutions Sanctions
This search includes formal sanctions against members of financial and health care services industries by federal and state regulatory agencies including the NASD, SEC, HUD, stock exchanges and other groups.
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle) Check
Driving records may provide identifying information such as full name and physical description, dates of convictions, violations and accidents, sections violated, docket numbers, court locations, and accident report numbers.
National Law Enforcement Review
Research may determine if an individual is wanted by a local, state or federal agency in connection with a crime, for questioning, or as a possible witness, or if an individual has an outstanding warrant for arrest.
Newspaper Articles and Clippings
A review of major newspapers, news wires, magazines, trade journals, and other publications nationwide may determine if the subject has made headlines in business or personal dealings.
Pending State Court Suits and Recorded Judgments
This search provides records of civil suits filed by or against an individual. Quest provides a copy of the complaint and the final order, or, if a case is pending, a summary of the status of the suit.
Personal Profile and Electronic Research
This nationwide data repository offers information including corporate affiliations, UCC filings, current address and telephone numbers, liens, judgments and bankruptcies, property ownership and deed transfers, vehicle ownership (including aircraft and water-craft), and professional licenses.
Professional License and Credential Verification
Quest contacts the state or national licensing board or agency to verify a license type, license number, status, original issue date, and other available information.
Social Security Number Verification
This search may determine the following crucial information (a) whether the Social Security Number is validly issued; (b) the owner of the SSN; (c) year and state the SSN was issued; and (d) the current and other known or previous addresses associated with that SSN.
State / Federal Tax Liens
This search is performed at a county level to discover a claim on property or goods of an individual by governmental tax agencies, determining if there is a legal requirement to pay past tax obligations before other payments.
Internet Search
Quest also performs exhaustive Internet searches using the continually improving and updated search methods and search engines.
LITIGATION SUPPORT
Overview
Quest’s worldwide intelligence network provides law firms and corporate legal counsel with the most comprehensive litigation support services available. With years of experience providing litigation support to federal prosecutors, Quest is uniquely qualified to conduct discreet inquiries and investigations in support of all types of civil litigation.
Worldwide locating of witnesses.
Worldwide interviewing of witnesses.
Collection, organization, and preservation of documentary evidence.
Collection and safeguard over integrity of evidence and chain of custody.
Forensic analysis of physical evidence.
Expert witness testimony.
Witness protection/security and transportation.
Asset identification, location, and seizure.
Consultation on corporate use of the civil RICO statute.
Computer related data evidence recovery and investigation.
Electronic searches for illegal listening devices.
Polygraph testing.
Document & handwriting analysis.
Surveillance and undercover observations.
EMPLOYEE TERMINATION & PROPERTY RECOVERY
Overview
Quest has built an excellent reputation in the area of employee dismissal assistance and property / fleet vehicle recovery services for terminated employees. Our teams of investigators have developed highly effective property recovery methods, as well as, successful techniques for dealing with terminated employees that help ensure the efficient and safe collection of company assets, while avoiding potential litigation and protecting the company's reputation.
Quest's system greatly reduces the possibility of litigation and will maintain a company's reputation in an otherwise potentially hostile setting. Proper techniques for communicating with terminated employees and recovering company property are crucial to avoiding litigation.
Third-Party Expertise & Neutrality
The personal background and expertise of Quest personnel in forensic profiling, crisis negotiation and criminal psychology, together with on the job experience as career FBI field agents, supervisors and managers, has been invaluable in developing this program.
A typical Quest property recovery team includes two or more investigators (all former Special Agents of the FBI and former law enforcement officers trained by the FBI) who can respond within 30 minutes to a few hours in almost any city in the country without the cost of air travel and lodging. In addition, international teams can also be assembled.
The team arranges to meet with the terminated employee and recover company property in a friendly setting, without entering the terminated employee's residence. After the property is inventoried, the terminated employee signs the inventory, eliminating future claims or arguments.
It is Quest's experience that those involved in recovering property from terminated employees should not be employees of the company. An atmosphere of neutrality reduces anxiety. Trained, experienced investigators assigned to this type of recovery have the ability to establish rapport with the terminated employee in a way that company personnel would find difficult. This kind of exchange is almost never possible if employees attempt property recovery.
Comprehensive Approach
In order to avoid further potential legal action and protect the client in the event of such action, Quest can make a forensic copy of any electronic media (e.g., laptop hard drive, Blackberry/smartphone, etc.) that are included with the recovered property. This specialized procedure provides a precise record of what was contained on the electronic media upon recovery (before the company’s IT department has access to it), and may be used as evidence in the event of a lawsuit.
Recovery of company vehicle, laptop, and other company assets including fax machine, printer, company documents, product samples, etc.
Protects company's reputation.
Avoids litigation.
Avoids costly expenses of air transportation and lodging.
SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY
Overview
Quest provides comprehensive and integrated school safety and security services including:
Incident / crisis team management
Site vulnerability assessments
Safety / security plan
Review & planning
Plan development
Plan implementation
Plan updating / training plan testing
School Safety, Security and Vulnerability Assessments
Quest's proven assessment plan includes 4 phases.
Phase I: Physical Security Assessment
Quest reviews your current security policy, procedures, and systems; conduct fact gathering interviews a complete overview and analysis of existing conditions as it pertains to the school's buildings and grounds. Our site security survey includes access control, cameras, lighting, doors, windows, roof and vent access, security system hardware, alarm and detections services, lock and key control, fire alarm, perimeter security, points of concealment, storage of hazardous materials, etc.
We team with you to identify exposures and potential liabilities including identifying areas on school property that can be dangerous to students, visitors and staff. We can provide immediate assistance in high-risk areas and develop plans that can be implemented quickly at operational levels in cost effective ways. We are sensitive to the safety and security of the school as well as an understanding of cost, time and public image.
We will conduct an in-depth threat vulnerability assessment, including computer system security assessment. Review school expansion plans.
At the close of Phase I, Quest will provide a comprehensive Physical Security Assessment report with findings and recommendations. The report will identify strengths, areas for improvements and a plan of action to fortify the areas of improvement.
Phase II: Interview Process
This phase focuses attention on the overall perception of safety and security by your administrative staff, teachers, parents, and support personnel. These interviews have a tremendous value and importance as they provide all of the stakeholders an opportunity to discuss concerns, observations, and recommendations on a variety of issues that are familiar to them. Interviews are conducted in settings that ensure integrity and objectivity to the assessment process. Interviews draw from a wide and diverse range of individuals who are knowledgeable about the schools. We feel the understanding of what challenges students and teachers face is an integral part of the planning process. Following these interviews, we prepare a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations. Whereas, Phase I reviews security from the outside in, Phase II reviews existing conditions from the inside out.
At the close of Phase II, Quest will provide a full internal security assessment report. The report will identify strengths, areas for improvement and a possible plan of action to work on these opportunities for improvement.
Phase III: Crisis Management
Quest believes that effective crisis management plans provide the capability to respond in a crisis or emergency situation. We conduct reviews of existing crisis management and emergency response plans, looking at ways to improve and enhance these plans. In Phase III, we examine the following:
Identify and assess threat vulnerability potential and exposure regarding the following emergency conditions:
Fire
Flood
Severe weather
School bus accidents or incident
Bomb threat
School shooting
Chemical or other hazardous material incident
Student or staff death (suicide, homicide, or natural)
Acts of terror or war
Medical emergencies
Student/Teacher violence
Review existing crisis management and emergency response plans.
Review emergency evacuation plans, transportation, escape and evacuation routes, and relocation and recovery areas.
We provide you the opportunity to build a strong working relationship with local police, fire, and emergency management personnel and to understand their roles, responsibilities and capabilities. Your plan is based on these roles, responsibilities and capabilities. If you choose to use our 24/7 option, we implement the plan we have worked out for you, work in coordination with emergency operations personnel, law enforcement and local authorities and the press.
When we assist you in plan writing we review 911 system and existing backup systems.
We review media liaison procedures.
Incident / crisis team management
Site vulnerability assessments
Safety / security plan
Review & planning
Plan development
Plan implementation
Plan updating / training plan testing
At the close of Phase III, Quest will provide a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations.
Phase IV: Recovery / Business Resumption
During this phase, Quest will assist you in documenting the incident for your insurance and all other reporting needs. We can provide you with a video or photo history of the incident and will partner with you until you are back to normal operations.