What happens to unsubstantiated complaints against private investigators?

Unsubstantiated complaints against private investigators generally do not result in action, meaning that they do not lead to any formal consequences or punitive measures against the investigator. This is an important aspect of regulatory practices, which are designed to differentiate between valid concerns and those that lack sufficient evidence. The aim is to ensure that private investigators are only held accountable for actions that can be substantiated through credible evidence.

This approach recognizes the potential harm that could arise from baseless allegations, which could unjustly damage the reputation and career of a private investigator. Therefore, unsubstantiated complaints are typically set aside, allowing investigators to maintain their professional standing unless credible evidence emerges that necessitates further action.

In contrast, other options would imply a level of consequence or scrutiny that corresponds to a substantiated claim. For instance, permanently recording complaints or forwarding them to police would suggest that even unfounded claims necessitate formal action, which is not aligned with the standard legal and regulatory frameworks that emphasize fairness and due process.