Code of Professional Conduct: Standards & Ethics for the Investigative Profession

This new edition of Kitty’s book should be on the desk of every investigator. Not using it as a resource is a risk to your personal and professional reputation. - H. Ellis Armistead, Pres., H. Ellis Armistead & Associates, LLC

This is the fourth edition of the first codification of ethical standards for professional private investigators. Originally published twenty years ago, it is based upon existing codes of various state, national and international organizations. The Code has now expanded to include state of the art accepted practices and procedures. The investigator’s world is not static. States differ as to their regulations. Laws change daily. The investigator is affected by technology, legal codes and accepted ethical standards. The burden falls upon the investigator to be reasonably current with these changing trends. The Code seeks to act as a guide in this fluctuating world. The motto Do No Harm is the basis for this writing. It clarifies and simplifies the manner in which investigators can interact with members of the public and within their own ranks. The profession demands that the most diligent, honest, and professional conduct be afforded those who pay for the services of the investigator. This fourth edition has honed the manner in which this is best accomplished.

The Code is a resource for the investigator's office. It is a “go to” book and a training manual. While it might not answer all the questions, it is a guidebook and a tool to be used to maintain high standards. The Code is also recommended to attorneys using the services of a professional investigator. Any business or individual hiring an investigator can use The Code to enhance the process.

If ever there was a bible for the investigative profession, this is it.

More praise for The Code:

Every investigator, in fact every Professional, should read and adhere to the Code so brilliantly defined by Kitty Hailey. That would ensure integrity, transparency and acceptable behavior by all! - Jim Carino, Founder and Executive Director Emeritus, Intellenet

As a civil rights lawyer, the importance of a non-biased investigation in a search for the truth is paramount. Kitty is the only investigator I trust to handle these sensitive matters, as she is a CLI and has the highest ethical standards. - Alan Denenberg, Esq., Abramson and Denenberg, PC

What the ABA’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct is for attorneys, Ms. Hailey’s Code of Professional Conduct: Standards & Ethics for the Investigative Profession is for the investigator. If you aspire to provide the diligent and professional services that all clients deserve, this book should be in your library. Ms. Hailey is regarded as the
authority on ethics in investigations and has provided this guide for ensuring that you adhere to the highest principles.
If you are preparing to take the Certified Legal Investigator® exam through NALI, this is essential reading. - Jennifer Brown, J.D., CLI, Certified Legal Investigator Chair, National Association of Legal Investigators

A beacon of ethics and proper technique, Kitty has taken the entire industry on, from Alabama to Wyoming, and taught us what an ethical investigator looks like. “Do no harm” is the mantra for many of us, because it’s succinct and purposeful, and when we traverse our often dangerous and uncharted work, it keeps us safe. - Cynthia Hetherington, President, The Hetherington Group