Which area should be inspected for signs of substance abuse or theft during an investigation?

Inspecting employee lockers is crucial in an investigation for signs of substance abuse or theft because these lockers are used by individual employees to store personal items. They can often contain substances or items that indicate illegal activities or improper conduct. For instance, if an employee is abusing substances, evidence such as paraphernalia or controlled substances may be found in their locker. Additionally, lockers can be a hiding place for stolen goods and items improperly removed from the workplace.

While other areas like boardrooms or storage facilities may contain valuable information regarding company operations or inventory, they are less likely to provide personal evidence of individual employee misconduct. Parking lots might have a role in observing suspicious behavior or unauthorized access, but they do not typically serve as direct repositories of personal belongings that could reveal substance abuse or theft. Inspecting employee lockers focuses specifically on the individual's space where personal and work-related items intersect, making it a targeted approach in uncovering potential violations.