How should I handle a rude investigator?

Q. I’m dealing with an enforcement agency investigator who is really rude. She accuses me of hiding information, threatens to subpoena information and says things like, “I know all about your company and how it treats minorities.” She’s been calling my managers at home and demanding that they answer questions. What do I do? Am I going to make things worse if I complain about her behavior?

A. Enforcement agencies don’t want their investigators to behave badly. If you have a reasonable complaint about the behavior of agency staff, don’t hesitate to contact the staff member’s supervisor (if you know who that is) or the head of the agency.

Make your complaint calmly and courteously, and back it up with specifics if you can. You may not get immediate satisfaction, but your complaint will be heard and likely will be acted on.