What must a Private Investigator disclose to a client when starting an investigation?

When starting an investigation, a Private Investigator must disclose their qualifications and fees to the client. This transparency is essential for establishing trust and professionalism in the relationship between the investigator and the client. It ensures that the client is fully informed about the investigator’s background, skills, and the financial implications of the services being provided. This disclosure allows the client to understand what to expect from the investigation process and helps them gauge whether the investigator meets the necessary criteria for their needs.

Disclosing qualifications includes sharing information about training, certifications, experience, and any relevant licensure required to perform investigative work. This reassures clients that they are hiring a competent and legitimate professional. Additionally, discussing fees upfront helps avoid any misunderstandings or disputes regarding costs later in the investigation.

Other options, such as sharing the investigator's personal life, a list of previous clients, or confidential strategies, do not contribute to a professional and ethical client-investigator relationship in the same way. Personal matters or specific client lists could breach confidentiality agreements, and revealing strategies could compromise the effectiveness of the investigation.