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Another PI’s acting suspiciously with lab equipment and materials — What do I do?

Reader question: While working in my lab several evenings, I noticed another PI loading lab glassware and jars of reagents into his car and driving off. Maybe he’s continuing his experiments in a home lab, or he could be running another small company “on the side.” Should I just “shut up,” or should I ask somebody to look into this. I certainly don’t want to get an innocent person in trouble, nor do I wish to lay myself open to charges of slander, but I also have loyalty obligations to my institution. What should I do?

Expert Comments: Many people would prefer to remain silent and not get involved. In fact, surveys show that many employees will actually choose to “shut up” rather than face the possible consequences of getting someone in trouble or being called a “rat.” Employees often hope that there’s a reasonable explanation and walk away from the incident. Indeed, people will just brush it off, thinking, “everyone does it; it’s no big deal.”

Getting involved can be scary and fraught with conflict. You indicated you felt the behavior was “suspicious” as well as it was happening “at night” and for “several nights.” This is a “red flag” warning that you should never ignore.

In this case, you should first be sure that you are aware of the organization’s policy about reporting “suspicious incidents.” Most organizations, especially large universities and colleges, will have very clear procedures regarding how to report it. The usual procedure is to tell your supervisor. So find that policy, and read it carefully.

Second, follow that policy. For example, if it says to report the incident to your supervisor or department head, ask to meet with the correct person and confidentially tell him as matter-of-factly as possible what you observed.

Third, ask that the discussion be confidential. Also add that your intention is not to get an innocent person in trouble because there might be a reasonable explanation. After the discussion, follow up with an e-mail and say something like: “I am following up on our confidential discussion from yesterday (date). Thanks for meeting with me.”

The e-mail will serve to document that you followed policy and that you requested confidentiality. You have done what an organization requires you to do, and you have also acknowledged your personal commitment to your institution.

Expert comments by Amy Block Joy, PhD, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis, is the author of Whistleblower (http://www.amyblockjoy.com), a memoir in which she recounts blowing the whistle on another employee’s misuse of federal grant funds.