ABSTRACT
According to Merriam-Webster, integrity is a “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.” In private investigation, that code is considerably more moral than artistic—it has to do with a combination of loyalty and honesty. Integrity forces an investigator to combine steadfast dedication to their client with an unwavering search for the truth, no matter what that truth might mean for the client, so long as the information requested by the client is able to be obtained legally. It also requires the investigator to work within the limits of the law and, ultimately, to avoid any actions that would cause them to cringe with shame when they look in the mirror. In other words, integrity requires ethics.
Ethics are when responsible community members take the needs and desires of other people into account when they make decisions. They recognize that virtually everybody shares the “core values” of life, happiness, and the ability to accomplish goals. People who respect only their own needs and desires are taking the selfish point of view. Moving to the “ethical point of view” requires a decision that other people and their core values are also worthy of respect.
(Moor, 2004, p. 100)