Investigators face ethical challenges frequently and handling them effectively is important both for the integrity of the profession and their reputations. An investigators’ code of ethics is a good starting point, but it only outlines expectations. Investigators need the knowledge and skills to anticipate and react when an ethical issue arises.

1. Handling Ethical Issues in
Investigations
Brian Willingham, President of Diligentia Group

2. Brian Willingham
Brian Willingham is a private investigator and founder of
Diligentia Group, a boutique investigative firm dedicated
to providing law firms, financial institutions and decision
makers with comprehensive background investigations,
due diligence investigations and legal investigation
services.
Brian is a prolific blogger and contributor to industry
magazines and publications including Pursuit Magazine
and ACFE Insights.

5. Ethics can get hazy…

6. ETHICAL TUG OF WAR

17. Pretexting

19. Misrepresentation

20. Defending the
defensless

21. Ignoring Facts

23. Ethical
Justification

24. Confidentiality
Anonymity

26. Pressure Tactics

27. “I can tell
you…but
then I’d
have to
kill you.”

28. What creates these
ethical dilemmas?

29. Pressure

30. Recognition

31. Shortcuts

33. Tips to cope with ethical
decision making

34. Talk to people you trust

35. Surround yourself with
good people
(ethical behavior
is contagious)

37. WWARPD
(What would a reasonable person do?)

38. “You can
observe a lot
by watching.”
~ Yogi Berra

40. Thank-you for participating
If you have any questions, please feel free
to email them to:
Brian Willingham, CFE – President, Diligentia Group
brian@diligentiagroup.com
Joe Gerard, Vice President Marketing and Sales
j.gerard@i-sight.com