I work for a large organization. Recently I had a meeting with a very high up member of the Loss Prevention team; I was basically accused of stealing cash.
Backstory:
I first was asked in several different ways (including being told this wasn't a "cold" question- meaning there was evidence to back it up), each of which I denied (because I haven't ever taken a thing). Next, I was told there was video of me doing such so I might as well confess; this of course is impossible and I stated so. As soon as I stated it was absolutely impossible, the "interrogator" backed off and talked about a different topic.
He then asked me about a procedure I had performed a few times in the past. I told him that I had done it; and there is no policy against what I did, and my past managers have (a) done it, (b) approved it. He said of course there wasn't a policy but it was "unethical", so I said I appologize and I will of course not do this again; however he is the first person to say this (and trust me... what was done can not be a "loss prevention" issue as the company does not incur any loss from this)
After that, he again accused me of stealing again from a different area. Once again, I flat out denied this accusation and explained to him that there are roughly 50 other people that could have done what he claimed I did and actually spoke about how I've been instrumental in putting controls in place to avoid this kind of loss.
I was told that he did not appreciate my hiding something from him and I had to write a statement of what we spoke about.
I understand that NY is an at-will employment state so technically I can be "terminated" for any reason. My question is this, I have recently been seeking a promotion within this organization and by these actions from the Loss Prevention side have tainted my name with senior management and also left a record (the statement) in my personnel file. Is there anything I can do about this?
Also, I know management is very bad about keeping "incidents" quiet. If other employees find out about the accusations, it would damage my credibility (as 30-40 directly report to me); is there anything I can do should (when) this happens?
I appologize for being vague, but I'm trying to tell the story without telling too much as the incident is still "pending"...
Backstory:
I first was asked in several different ways (including being told this wasn't a "cold" question- meaning there was evidence to back it up), each of which I denied (because I haven't ever taken a thing). Next, I was told there was video of me doing such so I might as well confess; this of course is impossible and I stated so. As soon as I stated it was absolutely impossible, the "interrogator" backed off and talked about a different topic.
He then asked me about a procedure I had performed a few times in the past. I told him that I had done it; and there is no policy against what I did, and my past managers have (a) done it, (b) approved it. He said of course there wasn't a policy but it was "unethical", so I said I appologize and I will of course not do this again; however he is the first person to say this (and trust me... what was done can not be a "loss prevention" issue as the company does not incur any loss from this)
After that, he again accused me of stealing again from a different area. Once again, I flat out denied this accusation and explained to him that there are roughly 50 other people that could have done what he claimed I did and actually spoke about how I've been instrumental in putting controls in place to avoid this kind of loss.
I was told that he did not appreciate my hiding something from him and I had to write a statement of what we spoke about.
I understand that NY is an at-will employment state so technically I can be "terminated" for any reason. My question is this, I have recently been seeking a promotion within this organization and by these actions from the Loss Prevention side have tainted my name with senior management and also left a record (the statement) in my personnel file. Is there anything I can do about this?
Also, I know management is very bad about keeping "incidents" quiet. If other employees find out about the accusations, it would damage my credibility (as 30-40 directly report to me); is there anything I can do should (when) this happens?
I appologize for being vague, but I'm trying to tell the story without telling too much as the incident is still "pending"...
