California Private Investigator Practice Exam

What should a private investigator do if they discover their client has a restraining order against them?

1. Continue the surveillance to gather evidence

2. Leave immediately and stop working for the client

3. Discuss the situation with the client

4. Report the client to law enforcement

The correct answer is: Leave immediately and stop working for the client

When a private investigator discovers that their client has a restraining order against them, the most appropriate action is to leave immediately and stop working for the client. This decision is grounded in the legal and ethical responsibilities that private investigators must uphold. A restraining order signifies that there is a legal directive in place to prevent one person from engaging with or contacting another. If a private investigator were to continue working for a client under such circumstances, they could inadvertently become involved in violating the terms of the restraining order, which could lead to legal repercussions not only for the client but also for the investigator. Additionally, it would be ethically questionable to remain engaged in a professional relationship where the foundation of trust and legal compliance is compromised. This course of action preserves the integrity of the investigator's work and maintains adherence to the law. In contrast, continuing surveillance could lead to legal issues, discussing the situation with the client might inadvertently complicate the matter further, and reporting the client to law enforcement may not be warranted unless there is clear evidence of wrongdoing. Therefore, stopping work immediately is the most prudent choice to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to protect the investigator's professional standing.