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2.20 Law Enforcement and Government Inquires Policy

Policy Statement

THE COMPANY will fully comply with all lawful requests from law enforcement, government agencies, regulatory officials, and courts. At the same time, THE COMPANY must ensure that any response to such inquiries is handled properly, consistently, and in a legally compliant manner.

To protect Team Members, THE COMPANY, and guests, only authorized leadership may speak with law enforcement, attorneys, investigators, or government officials regarding Company operations, employees, or records.

 

Required Notification

Team Members must immediately notify one of the following if contacted or approached by any of the individuals listed below, whether at work, at home, by phone, or online:

  • Manager on Duty
  • Restaurant Manager
  • District Manager
  • Director of Operations
  • DGI Corporate Office Team

This applies to inquiries from:

  • Law enforcement officers (local, state, federal)
  • Government inspectors or regulators
  • Health Department officials
  • OSHA or Department of Labor representatives
  • Attorneys (for any party)
  • Private investigators
  • Court officials
  • Any third party requesting information about THE COMPANY, employees, or operations

 

Prohibited Actions Without Authorization

Team Members must not, under any circumstances:

  • Provide statements or interviews
  • Share or confirm any information about THE COMPANY
  • Provide documents, logs, footage, or records
  • Allow access to back-of-house, storage, office, or restricted areas
  • Grant access to cameras, POS systems, or digital systems
  • Sign any paperwork, affidavits, or acknowledgments
  • Verbally confirm details about employees or operations
  • Offer opinions, guesses, or explanations

Team Members may only comply with requests after receiving clear instructions from THE COMPANY leadership in writing.

This protects everyone involved and ensures legal compliance.

 

All legal documents must be forwarded immediately to THE COMPANY leadership, including:

  • Subpoenas
  • Warrants
  • Summonses
  • Inspection notices
  • Regulatory citations
  • Court orders
  • Requests for statements
  • Letters from attorneys

Team Members must not attempt to interpret legal documents themselves. THE COMPANY will review documents internally and, when needed, consult legal counsel.

 

If an Officer or Official Insists on Immediate Access

If a law enforcement officer or government official insists on access or presents a warrant, Team Members should:

  1. Remain calm and respectful
  2. Notify the Manager, District Manager, Director of Operations, or DGI Corporate Office immediately
  3. Politely say: “I am required to contact my Company leadership. They will assist you right away.”
  4. Do not interfere with the officer or official
  5. Do not consent to any search, access, or questioning
  6. If a warrant is presented, ask for a copy to provide to leadership

Team Members should never obstruct an officer—but they should also not voluntarily provide information without leadership approval.

 

Confidentiality of Requests

To protect privacy and preserve legal integrity:

  • Team Members must not discuss government or law enforcement inquiries with coworkers, guests, or others
  • All inquiries will be handled confidentially by leadership
  • Only authorized individuals may communicate with law enforcement or officials on behalf of THE COMPANY

 

Retaliation Prohibited

Team Members are protected from retaliation for:

  • Reporting a law enforcement or government inquiry
  • Cooperating with THE COMPANY’s internal protocol
  • Requesting clarification before responding
  • Following this policy correctly

Retaliation is itself a violation and may result in disciplinary action.

 

Protected Rights Notice

Nothing in this policy prevents Team Members from:

  • Exercising legally protected rights
  • Cooperating with legitimate government investigations when legally required
  • Reporting unsafe, illegal, or discriminatory conduct to agencies such as OSHA, the EEOC, or the Department of Labor

However, Team Members must still comply with this policy regarding:

  • Access to THE COMPANY property
  • Disclosure of THE COMPANY or team member information
  • Handling of documents
  • Statements made on behalf of THE COMPANY
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