Ethical Guidelines for Private Investigators
A private investigator cannot break the law. They cannot harass, trespass, bribe, hack, or lie to get information. If asked to leave private property, they must depart immediately.
Services Provided by Private Investigators
- A private investigator gathers information to help solve legal, financial, and personal problems.
- Clients hire them when suspecting cheating spouses, theft, missing persons, and more.
- Surveillance is a common service private investigators get hired for.
Legal Boundaries for Private Investigators
Private investigators undertake research that ordinary citizens cannot legally do. Their work varies but stays within legal bounds. They may follow someone, interview people, get records, or research online. Licenses are required to practice.
Lawsuits and Privacy Violations
If a private investigator violates privacy, they can get sued – like for unlawfully recording conversations or trespassing. However, just hiring one to investigate you does not automatically mean grounds to sue. As long as they limited work to public areas and did not violate lawful privacy rights, proving injuries may be difficult.
Importance of Hiring Ethical Private Investigators
It is important to hire private investigators who operate ethically and legally, set realistic expectations, and produce beneficial, admissible evidence.