Ethical Standards and Confidential Practice
Ethics and confidentiality are not optional considerations in private investigation work. They are foundational requirements. Spade & Archer conducts all investigations in accordance with applicable laws, professional standards, and ethical obligations governing licensed private investigators.
Investigative work frequently involves sensitive personal information, business intelligence, or matters that may later be examined by attorneys, courts, or regulatory bodies. For that reason, every investigation is approached with restraint, discipline, and respect for the legal and personal consequences involved.
Lawful Investigations Only
All investigative activity conducted by Spade & Archer is performed lawfully and within the scope of licensed authority. The firm does not engage in conduct that violates privacy laws, surveillance statutes, or evidentiary rules.
I don't involve myself or your case in illegal surveillance or recording. I don't support harassment or coercive tactics. I do not hack anything or gain unlawful access. In addition, I do not coach or coerce statements or information during humint collection.
Investigations are designed to produce information that is legally obtained, defensible, and usable, not shortcuts that create risk for clients.
Confidentiality is My Operational Standard
Confidentiality is treated as an operational requirement, not a marketing claim. Client identities, communications, and investigative findings are protected throughout the lifecycle of an engagement.
Spade & Archer does not publicly share case details. I do not promote my business with client lists. I do not disclose to anyone investigative findings without your written authorization. I do not discuss who my clients are, even to my junior associates.
When investigations involve sensitive family issues, business disputes, or reputational risk, discretion is maintained at every stage — from intake through conclusion.
Ethical Boundaries Protect Clients
Ethical limitations are not obstacles to effective investigations. They are safeguards that protect clients from legal exposure, reputational harm, and unreliable outcomes.
Spade & Archer will decline or terminate an engagement if the requested investigation cannot be conducted in a lawful manner. Or, should the scope exceed ethical or regulatory boundaries. We also will decline an investigation that creates unreasonable legal or personal risk. I also will not tarnish our reputation with clients requesting information for improper purposes.
Clients are informed honestly when an investigation is not appropriate or advisable.
More Ethical Considerations of Spade & Archer
Evidence Integrity and Documentation
Investigations conducted by Spade & Archer are documented with care and precision. When findings may intersect with legal proceedings, special attention is given to accuracy, sourcing, and evidentiary handling.
This includes:
-
Clear documentation of investigative steps
-
Preservation of original materials where applicable
-
Avoidance of evidence contamination or manipulation
-
Professional reporting suitable for attorney or court review
The goal is not volume of information, but reliable, verifiable findings.
No Outsourcing of Investigative Authority
Spade & Archer does not outsource investigative authority to unlicensed individuals, offshore research services, or automated systems. Investigative judgment, discretion, and accountability remain under licensed oversight at all times.
This distinction is critical. Many modern “investigation” services operate outside professional licensing frameworks. Spade & Archer does not.
Digital and Cyber Ethics
When investigations involve digital or online elements, additional ethical considerations apply. Spade & Archer does not rely on automated scraping tools, data brokers, or unverified third-party databases to produce investigative conclusions.
Digital investigations are conducted with an understanding of:
-
Data accuracy limitations
-
Privacy laws governing electronic information
-
The difference between open-source intelligence and unauthorized access
-
The risk of misinterpretation or false attribution
Care is taken to ensure digital findings are responsibly gathered and correctly contextualized.
Professional Accountability
Private investigation is a regulated profession. Ethical conduct, confidentiality, and accountability are enforced through licensure, oversight, and professional responsibility.
Clients are encouraged to:
-
Ask questions about investigative methods
-
Understand legal limitations
-
Verify licensing and credentials
-
Expect transparency regarding scope and process
Spade & Archer welcomes that scrutiny.
Contact San Francisco's Private Investigator
Let's get to work. Client's wanting a premium experience without red tape are welcome to apply.