Professional Ethics and Business Conduct
Professional Ethics and Business Conduct
This domain tests judgment: conflicts, confidentiality, lawful deception limits, fees, and client communication. Missouri does not impose a statewide PI ethics code, but you are bound by contract law, consumer-protection law (RSMo 407.020), privacy and wiretap statutes, and the expectations of attorneys who retain you as an agent. Ethical failures usually appear as billing disputes, evidence suppression, or licensing complaints.
Core rules
- Use a written engagement letter: scope, deliverables, fee structure, expenses, termination, and confidentiality.
- Run conflict checks; decline matters adverse to a current client or where you have a personal stake.
- Keep client information confidential; share only on need-to-know and with lawful process.
- Do not misrepresent yourself as police, an attorney, or the subject; pretexting to obtain protected records is illegal.
- Bill accurately: distinguish travel, surveillance, research, and court time; no unauthorized charges.
- Avoid contingency fees tied to testimony or case outcome; they undermine credibility.
Worked example
A client offers a bonus if you find something on a custody opponent and asks you to create a fake social-media profile to connect with her. Reasoning: a fake profile may violate platform terms and ethics rules, and deception to access non-public information can cross into fraud or unauthorized access. You can review public posts and document them; you decline the fake account and confirm the scope in writing. The bonus is declined because it ties pay to a desired result.
Traps that cost marks
- Taking a case without a written scope or fee agreement.
- Disclosing case details to friends or on social media.
- Using unlicensed subcontractors without client consent.
- Agreeing to testify to whatever the client needs.
- Ignoring a conflict because the fee is attractive.