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Abstract

Private sector investigators are arguably now more important to combating economic crime than the police and other types of public sector investigators. However, academic research on private sector investigators and their work remains limited. What research exists shows that their investigations can result in disciplinary and criminal justice outcomes for individuals deemed culpable. However, concerns have been raised regarding their competence, ethical orientation and consequently, their legitimacy. The main purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which private sector investigators can perform competent and objective economic crime investigations free from undue external influence. Its objective was to build on previous research by obtaining quantitative and qualitative data on private sector investigators’ professional experience and qualifications, the guidance they follow, the work they perform and its ethical environment. It comprised an anonymous online survey of 50 private sector investigators, half from commercial and not for profit ‘in-house’ teams and half from professional services firms. The survey findings, which were predominantly quantitative in nature, were enriched with qualitative data from interviews with four investigations unit heads. With regard to competence, a key finding was that approximately a quarter of survey participants reported that they were either partially confident or not confident performing a range of investigative activities, including investigative interviewing, to a competent standard. Regarding objectivity, another key finding was that almost a fifth of respondents reported experiencing unethical behaviour in their work, mainly arising from organisational or client pressure. This represents the first empirical data on the ethical environment of private sector investigations that corroborates previous theoretical research. The potential reasons for these key findings and ways to enhance the legitimacy of private sector investigators, including more robust industry-led accreditation and formal government regulation, are discussed.

Course: Criminal Justice - MSc - C2681F

Date Deposited: 2024-11-21

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14570.html