Statement on covert surveillance practices
By Roger Bescoby MABI MWAD– Director of client relations
In light of recent media coverage highlighting concerns over unethical practices in the private investigation industry, Conflict International feels it is important to reaffirm our commitment to operating within ethical standards and strict legal frameworks. This clarification aims to distinguish our services from any rogue operators and assure our clients and partners of our dedication to professionalism, discretion, and compliance with all relevant regulations.
We fully acknowledge that any form of covert surveillance must be carried out with the utmost respect for individual privacy and in compliance with all relevant data protection laws. Conflict International operates within the strictest guidelines to ensure that our activities are always proportional, transparent, and legally justified.
Our commitment to professional and ethical conduct is demonstrated through our membership in respected industry bodies, including the Association of British Investigators (ABI) and the World Association of Detectives (WAD). Additionally, our adherence to the ISO and SSAIB standards, along with the ICO recognised UK, GDPR Code of Conduct of the ABI, ensures that we meet the highest ethical and operational benchmarks in the industry.
It is these accreditations that our respected Legal, Banking and Insurer clients comfortably rely upon when exercising their rights to protect their legitimate interests, for example when preparing litigation defences in Court proceedings or investigating potential fraud.
It is unfortunate that certain practices, as highlighted in recent reports, may give the impression that covert surveillance is inherently invasive or unethical. However, we want to emphasise that when conducted lawfully and proportionately, covert surveillance remains a highly valuable tool for businesses, insurers, and legal professionals, providing irrefutable evidence that can make a difference in critical situations.
Our team rigorously follows all applicable privacy and Data Protection collection laws, and Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) are undertaken either by ourselves or our Data Controller clients prior to the commencement of any surveillance operation to ensure that the individual's expectation of a right to privacy is respected. If allegations of trespass, intimidation, or harassment, to which the recent article alludes, have occurred in any circumstance we categorically reject and condemn such behaviour. These actions are never acceptable and are in direct violation of the highest standards upheld by our industry.
We know that with the correct credentials and a strong commitment to ethics, covert surveillance can be a powerful tool for truth and justice, without compromising the dignity or rights of individuals. We urge our clients, and the public at large, to choose professional investigative services that are governed by clearly defined ethical standards and operate within a legal framework that ensures the protection of privacy and data.
Conflict International remain fully committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and delivering reliable, lawful investigative services to our clients. We invite you to check out our credentials at https://conflictinternational.com/about
If you have any questions, concerns or need advice regarding our services or ethical policies, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Conflict International– Professional, ethical, and trusted investigation services.