What action should a compliance officer take if an ongoing investigation could be compromised by certain employees remaining present?

When an ongoing investigation is at risk of being compromised due to the presence of certain employees, the most appropriate action for a compliance officer is to re-assign those employees to other responsibilities. This measure protects the integrity of the investigation by minimizing interactions among employees who may have potential conflicts of interest or who could otherwise influence the investigation process.

Re-assignment helps to create a neutral environment, allowing for a thorough and unbiased investigation without the risk of tampering or influencing witness testimonies. It allows the investigation team to proceed with their work without the undue influence or presence of those who might have an interest in the outcome.

In contrast, conducting employee background checks is a preventive measure and does not directly address the immediate concern of the investigation. Destroying documents is unethical and illegal, compromising the investigation and potentially creating legal repercussions. Obtaining depositions could occur later in the process but would not resolve the immediate risk posed by the presence of certain employees during an active investigation. Re-assigning employees is a proactive approach to ensuring that the investigation remains effective and secure.