In this episode, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with legendary investigator Kitty Hailey to explore her remarkable five decade career in private investigations, wrongful conviction cases, and investigative ethics. Starting her career without a traditional law enforcement background, Kitty shares how curiosity, determination, and a passion for justice led her into the investigative world during a turbulent period in American history. Over the years, she built a respected investigative practice and became one of the leading voices in ethics and professional standards within the industry. The conversation explores her work on civil rights and wrongful incarceration cases, helping move more than 20 individuals off death row or out of prison entirely. Kitty explains the importance of uncovering evidence that can withstand scrutiny in court, and why thorough investigations before conviction are critical to preventing miscarriages of justice. She also reflects on the realities of working as a female investigator in the 1970s, the evolution of the profession over time, and how she used perception and adaptability to her advantage during surveillance operations. Alongside her investigative work, Kitty discusses writing the industry defining book on ethics for private investigators, which has become a standard reference across much of the United States. She also highlights the importance of professional associations, networking, and mentoring within the investigative community. A powerful and insightful conversation on justice, ethics, wrongful convictions, and the evolution of the investigative profession.
