Lawful methods. Objective findings. Accountable conduct.

Instructions we will not accept

Blackthorn does not undertake work intended to harass, intimidate, unlawfully monitor, control or interfere with another person. We do not hack, intercept private communications, bypass access controls, procure illegally sourced records or misrepresent legal powers.

How a matter is assessed

We accept where

• The client is identifiable and authorised.
• A legitimate, specific purpose exists.
• The question can be investigated through lawful and proportionate methods.
• We have, or can lawfully source, the required competence.
• Conflicts and risks can be managed.
• The client accepts objective reporting and realistic limitations.

We clarify or refer where

• Legal privilege, employment procedure or court authority may be required.
• Digital forensics, forensic accounting, medical opinion or cyber incident response is central to the matter.
• There is immediate danger, a crime to report, a child-protection concern or an emergency response required.
• The scope is too broad, speculative or emotionally driven to investigate responsibly.
• Cross-border legal or privacy issues require specialist advice.

We decline where

• The objective is harassment, revenge, coercion, intimidation or unlawful control.
• Hacking, interception, credential theft, unlawful tracking or protected records are requested.
• The client cannot demonstrate a legitimate connection to the matter.
• The client demands a predetermined finding.
• The assignment would interfere with a court order, police investigation or protected person.
• The safety, legal or reputational risk cannot be managed.

Objectivity

An investigation establishes what the available evidence supports. Findings may confirm a concern, contradict it or remain inconclusive. Uncertainty and limitations are reported rather than concealed. We do not measure our work by the number of allegations proved, people surveilled or adverse findings produced — those measures create incentives that conflict with objective investigation.

Privacy and evidence principles

The fact that information can be found does not mean it should be collected, used, retained or disclosed. Every activity must remain connected to the approved purpose and scope.

Context is preserved as carefully as content. A screenshot without source, date, identity resolution or context may be operationally misleading and legally weak.

Complaints

A documented complaints process will provide a fair way to raise concerns about conduct, privacy, methods or service. The final channel and responsible officer will be published once verified.

Launch control: Publish the verified complaints contact, escalation timeframes, PSiRA information where applicable and independent escalation route before public launch.