What is one of the consequences of a conflict of interest in an investigation context?

In the context of an investigation, a conflict of interest typically arises when a private investigator (PI) has competing interests that could compromise their impartiality and objectivity. When a PI has a personal or financial interest tied to the outcome of an investigation, it can undermine the client's intentions, which essentially refers to the core goals or outcomes the client hopes to achieve through the investigation.

A conflict of interest may lead the investigator to make decisions that favor their own interests rather than those of the client, thereby skewing the investigative process. This diminishment of the client's objectives can affect the quality and reliability of the findings, as the investigator may unconsciously favor certain evidence or narratives that align with their conflicting interests, rather than approaching the investigation with a neutral stance. Hence, it can severely impact the trust between the investigator and the client, as the client may feel that their desires or needs are not being fully respected or considered.

The other choices suggest positive outcomes, such as improved transparency, increased impartiality, or enhanced cooperation, which are not typically associated with conflicts of interest. Instead, conflicts of interest generally lead to negative repercussions in the integrity of the investigative process.