I'm not sure I agree with the characterization that public sector folks serve the justice system in the sense that they would ignore facts.(Yes it does likely happen in both sectors) I send stuff to the lab for an answer. If it is it is, if it isn’t it isn’t. That goes in my report.

I think the private sector investigators can certainly withdraw from a case and tell the attorney and client they are working for what they think as to the strength of the states case and if they have it in them their opinion as to the clients involvement. I have heard of many doing it. Certainly the attorney and client can continue to shop for a more suitable expert to meet their needs and often do. Much like running the computer model 90 times until the desired result is obtained. Is that right. I guess that depends on which side of the fence you are standing on. Some will say hell no it isn’t right. Some will say well everyone has a right to a defense. So if I just sling some meaningless mud on the wall to see what sticks all I am doing is giving the client his inalienable right to a defense even though I know he is guilty.

I think it all boils down too, and always will, the integrity of each investigator. Public or private really makes no difference. I am more then happy to let a case go if I don't have all the pieces.

Dave