Who is responsible for supervising the actions of private investigators within their agency?

The agency supervisor or owner is responsible for supervising the actions of private investigators within their agency because they hold the ultimate accountability for ensuring that all investigations are conducted within the legal and ethical guidelines required by law. This role includes providing oversight, guidance, and support to the investigators as they carry out their duties.

The supervisor's responsibilities typically involve ensuring compliance with state regulations, overseeing the training and conduct of the investigators, and managing the agency's operations. As such, they are positioned to monitor the activities of the investigative staff, provide direction, and intervene when necessary to maintain standards of professionalism and legality in the work being done.

In contrast, while individual investigators are responsible for their own actions, they operate under the guidance of the agency supervisor or owner. A licensed attorney may offer legal advice but does not have supervisory authority over the investigators unless they also own or manage the agency. A state official may regulate or enforce laws affecting private investigators but does not supervise the internal operations of an agency.