Alabama Private Investigator Practice Exam

Can a licensee contact someone under investigation to reveal confidential information?

1. Yes, with permission

2. No, not under any circumstances

3. Only if documented

4. Yes, if it's for clarification

The correct answer is: No, not under any circumstances

In the context of private investigation, maintaining confidentiality is paramount, especially when dealing with individuals under investigation. A licensee must adhere to ethical standards and legal guidelines that protect the privacy of all parties involved. Any attempt to contact someone under investigation to reveal confidential information generally violates these ethical and legal obligations. Such actions could compromise the integrity of the investigation and lead to legal repercussions. Furthermore, various laws and professional codes of conduct prohibit unauthorized communication regarding sensitive or confidential information. This includes situations where the investigator seeks to solicit information from someone linked to the investigation, as it could infringe on privacy rights and possibly tamper with the investigation. Other choices hint at potential permissibility under certain conditions, which could mislead investigators into thinking there might be scenarios where contacting an individual under investigation is acceptable, but these scenarios do not align with the standard practices expected in the field. Therefore, the stance taken here is clear: there should be no contact with individuals under investigation regarding confidential information, reinforcing the commitment to ethical investigative practices.