
Independent Investigations
Campus Integrity Group ensures prompt, independent, and thorough investigations into alleged misconduct in K-1 2 school communities. We also have a demonstrated record of handling complex, sensitive, multi-respondent, and high-profile cases that are simply beyond the experience level of your in-house team. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to investigations, we follow professional best practices at each step, including interviews, documentation, evidence collection, and analysis.
Why should a school consider hiring an outside investigator? Plenty of reasons.
First, our role is to conduct thorough, impartial investigations based on the preponderance of evidence standard. We have no personal or professional ties to the school or individuals involved, helping us avoid bias and blind spots that can compromise the integrity of an internal investigation. The result: a more accurate, objective, and defensible outcome—reducing risk and liability for everyone involved.
External investigators are also often perceived as more neutral and credible than school-based staff, especially in sensitive cases like those implicating administrators or that pose potential civil liability. Moreover, parties and witnesses are often more willing to share potentially embarrassing information with outside investigators than members of their own community who they will see every day at school. Finally, many K-12 administrators and other staff members tasked with investigating a complaint wear multiple hats, and lack the time, resources, training, or independence needed for a truly fair and focused investigation.
Additional frequently asked questions about our investigative approach are below, but please contact us for more information!
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Our team has extensive hands-on training interviewing children in a trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and legally defensible manner. We have interviewed hundreds of student complainants and witnesses, and always seek to build rapport and trust.
The most reliable information comes from open storytelling and inviting children to share their experience in a safe environment. Focusing on facts, context, feelings, sequence, and other key information can help children maximize the information and corroboration they can provide. We avoid leading questions, and do not use suggestion, judgmental language, threats or fear.
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Even when law enforcement or child protective services are involved, schools are often still required to conduct their own investigations under Title VI, Title IX, and local policies—particularly in cases of staff-on-student discrimination, harassment, or abuse. In many districts, internal investigations are also necessary before any disciplinary action can be taken, especially when no criminal charges are filed.
Campus Integrity Group prioritizes student safety while respecting legal boundaries. We work collaboratively with authorities, ensuring our school-based investigations are timely, compliant, and do not interfere with law enforcement.
We also guide schools in determining when and how to report allegations to the authorities—and when protective action, such as temporarily removing staff, may be warranted.
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When we conduct an in-person interview of a student, we request that a quiet and private room be reserved for us in an area that will create a safe environment for the student.
We usually work in pairs, with one primary interviewer and a colleague taking notes and identifying follow-up questions. Together, they promptly prepare a detailed written report following the interview. This approach can be less intimidating for witnesses who can engage with the person asking questions as the other takes notes, and helps avoid the need for a second interview.
For minors, it is our policy to get parental permission before each interview. While we prefer parents not be present because students can fear disclosing embarrassing information or things that might make their parents upset, we are happy to work with parents as needed to put them at ease.
Campus Integrity Group typically does not record our interviews, although we do remote interviews when necessary and appropriate.
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Plenty of reasons.
First, our role is to conduct thorough, impartial investigations based on the preponderance of evidence standard. We have no personal or professional ties to the individuals involved, helping us avoid bias and blind spots that can compromise the integrity of an internal investigation. The result: a more accurate, objective, and defensible outcome—reducing risk and liability for everyone involved.
External investigators are also often perceived as more neutral and credible than school-based staff, especially in sensitive cases.
Finally, internal staff often wear multiple hats—as administrators, counselors, or teachers—and may lack the time, training, or independence needed for a truly fair and focused investigation.
Campus Integrity Group has the expertise, experience, and resources to conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations. We also have a demonstrated record of handling complex, sensitive, multi-respondent, and high profile cases that are simply beyond the experience level of an in-house team.
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Yes! Serious allegations of misconduct—especially in K-12 school communities—require a swift, strategic, and coordinated response. Campus Integrity Group brings deep frontline experience managing high-stakes situations with care, objectivity, and professionalism.
Our team is equipped to:
Assess immediate risk and coordinate protective measures such as interim removal or reassignment, schedule modifications, and individualized safety planning
Mitigate threats including potential harm, retaliation, and media exposure
Coordinate with law enforcement and preserving time-sensitive evidence
Support critical decision-making around personnel, safety, and communications—helping school leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity
Craft clear, responsible messaging for internal and external audiences, including school staff, families, and the broader community
Maintain procedural integrity through detailed documentation, retaliation monitoring, and legally sound actions in line with Title IX, mandated reporting laws, school policies, and collective bargaining agreements
Provide independent, objective consultation that helps school leaders prioritize, evaluate options, and implement effective response plans
Facilitate recovery and prevention efforts by identifying training needs for administrators, staff, students, and other community stakeholders once the immediate crisis has passed
We understand the urgency and complexity of these moments—and we’re here to help you respond with confidence, care, and compliance.
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Absolutely—Campus Integrity Group can collaborate seamlessly with your school’s attorneys or internal investigators.
We’re often brought in to assist with complex or sensitive complaints, particularly those that have hit a roadblock or are particularly sensitive or complex.
We also serve as an overflow resource during especially demanding periods, ensuring your investigations remain timely, thorough, and compliant—without overburdening internal staff.
Training and Capacity Building
In addition to direct support, we offer hands-on training for internal investigators. Our goal is to strengthen your team’s ability to conduct fair, effective, and well-documented investigations. Core training areas include:
Building rapport with parties and witnesses
Trauma-informed interviewing practices
Narrative-based fact-finding
Evidence collection and analysis
Effective and accurate documentation
Maintaining neutrality and ensuring due process
Managing investigation timelines and avoiding delay
Whether you need short-term support or long-term support, Campus Integrity Group is here to enhance your school’s investigative response.
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We adhere to strict protocols when it comes to evidence handling and chain of custody to ensure the reliability of every investigation. Whether managing physical evidence, digital records, or sensitive documentation, our team follows clear, defensible procedures for collection, storage, and transfer. This meticulous attention to detail protects the evidentiary value of materials, supports transparency, and helps prevent challenges to the investigation’s credibility.
We understand the importance of maintaining a clear, documented chain of custody—particularly in cases that may involve legal proceedings, employment actions, or media scrutiny. Our process ensures that all evidence is handled with care, confidentiality, and accountability from from initial collection to final resolution.
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We are skilled in conducting complex record analysis, including the review of digital evidence such as cell phone data, text messages, emails, and other forms of electronic communication. These cases often require a high level of attention to detail, technical knowledge, and the ability to interpret large volumes of information within the context of school policies, timelines, and legal standards.
Our team carefully examines digital records to identify relevant patterns, corroborate accounts, and ensure that all findings are thoroughly documented and clearly communicated.
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Our team includes savvy, well-trained researchers with specialized experience in social media investigations and open-source intelligence (OSINT). In today’s digital landscape, much of what’s relevant to school-based misconduct—harassment, threats, or inappropriate relationships—can play out or leave traces online.
We know how to effectively locate, preserve, and interpret publicly available content across a wide range of platforms, using ethical and legally compliant methods. This includes everything from social media posts and comments to user profiles, images, videos, and online interactions.
By incorporating OSINT strategies into our investigative approach, we’re able to uncover critical context, verify timelines, corroborate accounts, and identify patterns of behavior that might otherwise go undetected. Our digital fluency enhances the depth and accuracy of our findings, particularly in cases where online behavior is central to understanding the misconduct.
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We specialize in navigating some of the most complex and sensitive misconduct cases—particularly those involving anonymous reports, delayed outcries, and other difficult or unclear circumstances. These types of cases require a deep understanding of trauma-informed practices, developmentally appropriate interviewing, and investigative strategies that preserve neutrality while uncovering critical information.
Our team brings extensive experience in handling these challenges with care and precision, ensuring that each report is taken seriously, every voice is heard, and investigative integrity is upheld from start to finish.