Private detective rules, what is and is not allowed, such as being spied on by a private detective, we are happy to tell you more about it. Whether it is a private matter, or a business matter: when hiring a private detective, possible evidence is sought. This is also exciting for the client, and often the victim, of the case. Of course, you certainly do not want to be caught and you may wonder how far a private detective may go in his or her investigation and what you can expect.
Private detective rules, do's and don'ts all depend on the situation
Unfortunately, we have to disappoint you, because there is not one answer to the title of this blog. Being peeped is of course a broad concept. In addition to a broad interpretation of the concept of peeping, it entirely depends on the situation what a private detective is and is not allowed to do. There are many rules that we must adhere to and of course always adhere to. In order not to disappoint you completely, we would like to give some examples in which we explain what is and is not allowed.
Filming and photographing
When someone is in a public place, we can observe them and are allowed to take both photos and videos. On these, we can perfectly record, for example, that suspicions of adultery to beat. Does the suspect enter his or her home, or that of a lover or mistress? Then it's something different. We are not allowed to take pictures with the camera against the window, but we are allowed to record what you can normally see with the naked eye when you just walk by.
Be ready for the indisputable and possibly hard evidence that a private detective can provide you. Of course, the truth isn't always nice.
(Digital) eavesdropping
Placing a tap on a telephone number like the police do, and we are rarely allowed to do that. We only do this in the case of company investigations, when the telephone is actually owned by the employer, and therefore our customer. In the private sphere, on the other hand, a private detective has more of an advisory role. We can recommend programs that can be downloaded to, for example, be able to follow apps and text messages. This is something that can be used, for example, in stalking cases.
Arrest a suspect
Arresting is not our job, that is definitely the job of the police. A private detective is no more or less than an ordinary Dutch citizen in this regard. Citizenship does, however, include the right to 'arrest' someone who you catch in the act of committing a criminal offense without using force. When the police arrive, the suspect is immediately handed over.
Place tracer under a car
This is a typical example of which you need to know what is allowed and what is not. Placing a tracer must of course meet all legal requirements. In any case, there must be a legitimate interest. This is only allowed if the aim is to guarantee road safety. There is one other exception: when it comes to a business research and therefore a company car, then you may also record the pattern. Using a tracer is therefore not possible in all cases. As convenient as it is.
General Data Protection Regulation
To ensure privacy, a private investigator must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Within the GDPR there is a special code of conduct for private researchers. This states how the personal data of the 'suspect' will be handled. Think, for example, of the purpose for which data is collected and how long it may be kept.
Private detective confidentiality rules
Finally, we would like to inform you that you as a victim or client do not have to worry about your privacy. Your story will never just be exposed because of course we want to work discreetly, but also because we have a professional duty of confidentiality. Is it about details or a requirement to testify about a criminal offence? Then we may have to transfer the data to the police. They often take over the case from us because solving it is beyond our control.
