When Diane and I decided to start Resolve Investigations, we did so after weighing if we could do the work without compromising certain principles we both held. The industry unfortunately has a reputation in some quarters for being less than reputable.

When engaging the services of a private investigator, it is important for all involved to have a mutual understanding of the legal, ethical and moral obligations involved in the work.

So what does it mean to be an “ethical” private investigator? Here are a few tenets we think matter in the business:

• Discretion – Although complete confidentiality cannot be promised, being discreet with information we learn is paramount to our business operations.
• Legality – It should go without saying that we must operate within the law, but also within common sense, moral and ethical standards. We operate on the “if it doesn’t smell right, then we won’t do it” principle.
• Integrity and Honesty – We will be frank with our clients regarding services which can and cannot be performed or accomplished. Securing a client account is less important than conducting business in a way that builds trust.
• Conflicts of Interest – We will avoid any work where the objectivity, or the appearance of it, may be in question.
• Professionalism – We respect all parties involved in our services and strive to provide our clients with work that meets standards of excellence.

Although it might sound like fun to operate a P.I. business like they are portrayed in Hollywood movies, the reality is that relationships and reputation are the backbone of long-term success in this field. With that in mind, we hope to be around for awhile.

-Eric Dierks