What does a private detective do?

A private investigator collects and analyzes information on behalf of private individuals, companies, lawyers, and other organizations. The goal is usually to gain clarity, establish facts, or gather information that can be used in a personal, business, or legal decision.

Depending on the research question, an investigation may consist of observation, open-source research, interviews, digital research, and the careful recording of events in a research report. Consider, for example, an investigation into suspected cases of cheating, stalking, housing fraud, disappearances or fraud within a company.

A private investigator is not a police officer and does not have special investigative powers. The investigation must be conducted within the law, and the infringement on privacy may not go beyond what is necessary for the research question.

Can you just hire a private detective?

No, hiring a private detective is not possible for every question. There must be a concrete and justified interest. Mere curiosity about a neighbor, colleague, or former partner is insufficient.

A legitimate interest may exist, for example, in the case of concrete indications of fraud, stalking, unlawful occupancy, breach of a non-compete clause, or other conduct causing you damage or threatening to cause you damage. A serious suspicion of adultery may also be grounds for assessing whether a limited and proportionate investigation is permissible.

Before we start, we examine exactly what you want to know, what importance the outcome places on you, what evidence is already available, and whether a less invasive method can provide the same answer. If it turns out that there are insufficient grounds for investigation, we will tell you honestly. This way, you do not spend money on an investigation that is not legally, practically, or substantively justified.

How do you recognize a reliable private detective?

In the Netherlands, a private investigator works for a private investigation agency that must hold a license. The investigators are also screened and must meet the applicable requirements. On the website of In Justis, you can read which rules apply to private detective agencies..

Strongwood is a recognized detective agency with license number POB 809 and has been conducting investigations for private individuals and organizations since 1997. Our private detectives work in accordance with the Private Security Organizations and Detective Agencies Act, applicable privacy regulations, and a fixed investigation protocol.

A professional detective agency discusses in advance not only what is possible, but also what is not possible or not permitted. You should also receive clarity regarding the research question, the methodology, the expected costs, and the reporting method. Read more about Strongwood and our researchers.

What is a private detective allowed and not allowed to do?

Under certain conditions, a private investigator may observe persons in public spaces, consult public sources, speak to involved parties or witnesses, record relevant events, and analyze available information. An investigation agency may also conduct digital investigations when there is a lawful basis for doing so and, where necessary, the appropriate consent.

A private investigator may not break in, hack, impersonate a police officer, or request confidential personal data without a valid reason. Furthermore, the chosen investigation method may not go beyond what is necessary for the purpose of the investigation.

Therefore, we assess proportionality and subsidiarity in advance. This means that the investigation must be proportionate to the client's interest and that it is first determined whether a less intrusive approach is possible.

Does it involve a criminal offense, such as violence, serious threats, or theft? Then filing a report or making a notification to the police is often the first step. In case of immediate danger, always call 112. The police provide more information online about file a police report for threats. A private investigator can conduct additional investigations in some situations, but does not replace the police.

Is my suspicion strong enough for a private detective?

You do not have to determine for yourself whether you already have sufficient evidence. That is precisely what the intake is for. Tell us what you have seen, heard, or received, and which events you cannot explain. Even details that seem unimportant can help to properly assess the situation.

During a no-obligation consultation, we assess whether the clues are concrete enough, what information is still missing, and whether an investigation by a private detective offers a realistic chance of clarity.

Sometimes it turns out that an immediate investigation is premature. In such cases, it may be wiser to first keep track of events, dates, messages, or other relevant information. In other cases, acting quickly is crucial, for example in cases of stalking, fraud, or the risk of evidence being lost. We only recommend an investigation when the proposed approach is expected to yield a usable answer.

How much does a private detective cost?

The cost of a private investigator varies by case. Those wishing to hire a private investigator for a brief digital investigation will face a different level of effort compared to multiple days of observation by various investigators. The price depends on, among other things, the investigation method, the number of hours and investigators required, travel time, urgency, and the scope of the report.

During the intake, we discuss what you want to know and the most suitable approach. Based on this, you will receive a clear estimate of the work and costs. If it becomes apparent during the assessment that additional effort is required, this will be discussed with you first.

The cheapest approach is not always the most effective. For example, a single observation moment may reveal too little when a recurring behavioral pattern needs to be demonstrated. Conversely, there is little point in observing for days when a targeted check can already provide sufficient clarity.

Strongwood does not charge for an initial consultation or telephone advice. On our page about the hiring a private detective read more about the possible investigations.

Does the other person notice that a private detective has been hired?

Private investigators are trained to work discreetly and inconspicuously. The principle is that the investigation is not disturbed and that the person being investigated is not alerted during the execution.

However, a reliable detective agency cannot provide an absolute guarantee that no one will ever notice anything. Unexpected circumstances, the behavior of the person involved, and the environment can influence the investigation. Therefore, we carefully prepare the approach and adjust it as needed during the process.

Because personal data may be processed during criminal investigations, strict privacy rules apply. We only collect information that is relevant and necessary for the established research question. The data is secured, not shared without valid reason, and not retained longer than necessary or legally required.

Working discreetly therefore means not only conducting investigations unobtrusively, but also handling all collected information with care.

How long does an investigation by a private detective take?

The duration depends on the question that needs to be answered. Sometimes a single targeted investigation is sufficient. In other situations, a private investigator must establish a recurring pattern over a longer period.

An investigation may take longer if someone is unpredictable, certain behavior occurs only occasionally, or information from external sources is required. The chosen method also makes a difference. Digital investigation has, for example, a different schedule than on-site observation.

At the start, we provide a realistic estimate of the expected research duration. If circumstances change or the chosen approach yields insufficient results, we will discuss this immediately. This way, you maintain control over the progress and costs.

What if the investigation yields no results?

An investigation does not always provide the confirmation someone hopes for or fears. Sometimes the suspicion is confirmed, sometimes not, and sometimes no firm conclusion can be drawn within the agreed investigation period.

Finding no evidence is not automatically the same as proving that something never happens. An observation or check shows what could be established during the moments under investigation. Therefore, a clear distinction is made in the report between facts, observations, and conclusions.

Even an unconfirmed suspicion can be valuable. You then know which investigation methods were used, what was established, and whether further investigation is still worthwhile.

If, during the investigation, we notice that the chosen approach is unlikely to yield a usable result, we will not proceed without consultation. We will discuss whether a different perspective is justified or advise terminating the investigation.

Strongwood does not work on a no cure, no pay basis. You pay for the professional investigative work, not for a promised outcome. After all, no one can honestly guarantee in advance what an investigation will reveal.

Can I use the investigation report as evidence?

Upon completion, depending on the assignment, you will receive a research report containing the relevant findings. This may include observations, data, consulted sources, and available photo or video footage.

Such a report can be discussed with a lawyer, mediator, employer, insurer, or other involved expert. It can also be submitted in legal proceedings. Ultimately, a judge determines the value attributed to the report and the individual findings.

Therefore, it is important that information is collected lawfully, verifiably, and carefully. A professional report states not only what has been established, but also when, where, and how this occurred. Facts and interpretations must be clearly separated.

When is it wise to hire a private investigator?

Hiring a private investigator can be wise when you have a concrete problem, cannot obtain reliable clarity yourself, and the outcome is important for a personal, business, or legal decision.

It always starts with a clear question. Do you want to know if certain behavior is actually taking place? Do you need information about a recurring pattern? Or do you want to find out how a digital incident could have happened? The more specific the research question, the more targeted and efficient the private investigator can work.

Are you unsure whether hiring a private detective is possible or worthwhile in your situation? Then contact contact Strongwood without obligation. We will discuss the situation confidentially and tell you honestly what we can and cannot do for you.

Consult confidentially first

Hiring a private investigator does not start immediately with observation, but with listening and formulating the right research question. During an initial consultation, we assess whether an investigation is permitted, which approach is likely to succeed, and what approximate costs you can expect.

Hire a private investigator and know what is possible in your situation? Then take contact Strongwood for a no-obligation and confidential consultation.