Which of the following is a potential conflict of interest for a private investigator?

A potential conflict of interest for a private investigator arises when they work for both parties in a divorce case. This situation can create ethical dilemmas because the investigator may encounter information that is sensitive and pivotal to both sides. The expectation of impartiality is compromised when one professional serves two clients whose interests are directly opposed. This can lead to a breach of confidentiality and loss of trust between the investigator and the parties involved, ultimately jeopardizing the integrity of the investigation and the investigator's professional reputation.

In contrast, conducting personal investigations during off-hours, taking on multiple cases simultaneously, or hiring subcontractors for large investigations generally do not present inherent conflicts of interest, assuming that each case is handled with ethical consideration and due diligence. Each situation must be managed correctly, but they don't, by their nature, involve competing interests as they pertain to the same investigation scenario that would impair the investigator's ability to act responsibly and ethically.