Florida Private Investigator Practice Exam

What happens if a client's whereabouts are unknown when access to their investigative file is requested?

1. The file must be provided anyway

2. The licensee can deny the request

3. The request must be ignored

4. It automatically leads to license suspension

The correct answer is: The licensee can deny the request

When a client's whereabouts are unknown and a request is made for access to their investigative file, the correct response is that the licensee can deny the request. This situation arises due to the obligations private investigators have to maintain client confidentiality and protect sensitive information. If the investigator is unable to confirm the identity of the requester or determine that the request is legitimate, they have the discretion to deny access to the file. This helps safeguard the privacy and security of the client's information, which is a fundamental principle in the practice of private investigation. Other potential responses, like providing the file regardless of the client’s status, could lead to breaches of confidentiality. Ignoring the request or automatically leading to license suspension introduces unnecessary risks that do not align with the ethical and legal standards governing private investigators. Therefore, denying the request when the client's whereabouts are unknown is the appropriate and responsible action to take in this scenario.