Prohibited conduct, disciplinary actions, and grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation
Prohibited conduct
Licensees may not practice without a license, employ unlicensed investigators, or knowingly aid unlicensed activity. They may not impersonate law enforcement, use badges, titles, or uniforms that imply police authority, or make false statements to CLEET. Other prohibitions include fraud, theft, bribery, illegal wiretapping, accessing records by deceit, threatening or harassing subjects, disclosing confidential information without authorization, and committing crimes involving dishonesty or violence.
Grounds and discipline
Grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation include conviction of a disqualifying offense, fraud or deceit, incompetence, negligence, violation of the Act or rules, failure to cooperate with an investigation, and obtaining a license by false statement. Discipline can range from a reprimand or probation to suspension, revocation, and a civil penalty. CLEET may also seek an injunction against unlicensed activity. A client's authorization is not a defense to illegal conduct.
Worked example
A client asks an investigator to place a GPS tracker on an ex-spouse's car without the owner's consent. The investigator does it. Even if the client claims ownership or a moral right to the information, the placement may be trespass and may violate tracking or privacy law. The investigator's license can be disciplined, and criminal or civil liability may follow. Lawful alternatives include public surveillance, consented tracking, or lawful legal process.
Traps
The client told me to do it is not a defense. Do not assume only criminal convictions can trigger discipline; administrative violations and dishonesty can be enough. A police-style badge is not a harmless prop. Retaliating against a complainant can add separate grounds.