What should not be promised to an informant to ensure ethical dealings?

In the context of ethical dealings with informants, the promise of anything that cannot be followed through is critical to avoid. Making promises one cannot keep not only compromises the integrity of the investigator but also can lead to distrust between the investigator and the informant. Ethical practices in private investigations require full transparency and honesty to maintain credibility and reliability in the information provided by informants.

When an investigator offers a promise that cannot be fulfilled, it could lead to a breakdown in the relationship with the informant, potentially causing them to withhold crucial information in the future or to feel betrayed. This diminishes the overall effectiveness of the investigative process and can have legal implications for both the investigator and the informant.

In contrast, while complete anonymity, assistance with legal challenges, or ways to avoid punishment might seem appealing, they can explore ethical boundaries depending on the situation and the nature of the promises made. However, making unfulfillable promises undermines ethical standards and professionalism.