Digital Ethics

Pursuit Magazine publishes many fine articles for Private Investigations professionals. In many ways, the ethics issues for Private Detectives are similar to those facing attorneys.  Of course, an attorney who hires a PI is responsible for the PI's ethical conduct. PI's should familiarize themselves with the ethical duties and restrictions of attorneys, and attorneys should have that potentially awkward concversation with any PI they work with to ensure that they are knowledgeable in this area. A growing area of confusion and sincere concern involves the "whats" and ""hows" of electronic media, survelliance and discovery.   In this article titled "Ethics in an Electronic Era: 50 Ways to Get in Ethical Trouble with Technology", authors Sharon Nelson and John Simek provide food for thought for both attorneys and Private Investigators.  Unlike most basic articles on the subject, this one is may very well cause many to raise their eyebrows as they think"ohhhh, hadn't thought of that!" and "wonder if the other side knows this?"  Of course, check the statutes and ethics rules for your jurisdiction - have the conversation with your fellow professional - together you can obtain the best results for the client and maintain high ethical standards.

At Byrd, Stillinger & Associates Private Investigations, we work with clients and attorneys to obtain the best evidence ethically, efficiently and quickly in investigations ranging from adultery and custody to insurance fraud and criminal defense.  Contact us for more information.

Byrd, Stillinger & Associates Private Investigations

www.investigatesc.com

1416 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Columbia, Lexington, Camden, Sumter, Newberry, Winnsboro, Chapin and statewide