PI's Ethics

Private investigators are ethical people. Sure there are those very few that are not. Private investigators are often drawn to the profession because of the ethics they already have since the profession is one that recognizes ethical behavior. So where are ethics derived from for private investigators? 

• Personal ethics - The profession attracts those with higher ethics and moral values due to the nature of the work - fact finding. Also, finding those that are doing wrong. Individuals with higher ethical and moral values feel comfortable working in the environment of private investigations. 
• State regulations - many states regulate private investigators in some form or fashion. There is often minimum standards for hiring such as background, then regulations for unethical behaviors, disciplinary actions. 
• State laws - State laws are also another method for determining ethical practices for private investigators. Private investigators are not above the law, in fact, they are expected to understand and follow the rules more so than the average individual. 
• Training - Those that complete training have received ethics training as well - additional information that identifies the ethical requirements for the position. 
• Reputation - Private investigators are business oriented. They make their living by conducting investigations. Being ethical is critical to building their reputation with their clients, within the legal system, and among their peers. Loss of reputation equals loss of business. 

Ethics and moral behaviors above what many would consider the norm are standard for private investigators and their standards are derived from several sources as mentioned above. Private investigators are attracted to the profession because it fits their life style, it is dictated in regulations, laws, and training. And, most importantly, maintaining their ethics is critical to their success.