Maine Licensed Private Investigators Code of Ethics
Maine Licensed Private Investigators Association (MLPIA) members holding an active private investigators license, issued by the State of Maine, recognize and subscribe to the high principles of ethical conduct as set forth below. At all times, each investigator will represent the highest standard of integrity, dealing honestly, justly, fairly and courteously with all clients they represent. The members shall maintain the highest level of ethical conduct in the practice of their profession.
- Members shall practice honesty and integrity with other investigators and fellow professionals. At no time shall they attempt to damage or injure the professional reputation of the Association, another investigator or private investigative agency.
- Members shall extend the effectiveness of their profession by cooperating with law enforcement and governmental agencies as well as with other investigators and related professionals through the exchange of information and experience so long as the interests of their client are not compromised.
- Members shall provide those services for which they are competent and qualified to perform. They will refrain from accepting an assignment if there is a personal or business conflict of interest. Clients will be treated fairly and rightly and counseled regarding any illegal or unethical requests. With each undertaking, the basis for fees and the duties of the investigator will be provided to the client.
- Members shall adhere to confidentiality in their investigative dealings and respect that of their clients and information obtained.
- Members shall not compete illegally with other investigators in the solicitation of work. They will conduct themselves in an ethical manner whenever engaged in the solicitation of work.
- Members shall not represent themselves in an illegally misleading or deceptive manner. They shall avoid all conduct or practice likely to discredit or do injury to the dignity and honor of their profession.
- Members shall not knowingly violate any laws regulating business practices and the profession itself. No rights or privileges of a citizen, which may be guaranteed by the United States or an individual State’s Constitution, will be violated.
- Members shall make all reporting based upon truth and fact and will express honest opinions on that basis. No personal feelings or prejudices will be allowed to interfere with factual and truthful disclosures of the results obtained from investigative assignments for clients.
- Members will maintain technical competency at such a level that the client receives the highest quality services that the member’s discipline is capable of offering. They will take advantage of professional growth and training opportunities whenever possible and remain contemporary with advances in the profession.
- Members pledge to support the efforts of the MLPIA in promoting high standards for the profession of private investigation. Members vow that at all times they will interact with their colleagues in a professional and ethical manner.
- Members shall, prior to providing a person with any personally identifying or location information of an individual, conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure that the person has a legitimate business or legal interest in obtaining that information. When such due diligence is not possible or appropriate, or if the person appears to not have a legal or business interest, the person shall be informed that their contact information will be provided to the subject they are seeking and the personal identifying information of the subject they are seeking will only be provided to the person if that party consents.
- Members will continually strive to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the public on the role of the Private Investigator and their duties and responsibilities as related to the support and administration of justice.
- Members pledge to perform their duties at the highest standard of excellence possible and to retain their professional reputation and that of fellow investigators and professional associates.
- Members shall strive to enhance community relations through work and deed as the MLPIA endeavors to elevate the status of the profession of private investigators.
- If an investigator or agency is alleged to have acted in an unethical, illegal or unfair manner or practice, said allegations should be directed in writing to the President of the MLPIA and to the Chair of the Ethics Committee.
MLPIA Code of Ethics November 1, 2010
