Is it okay to be peeped by a private detective?

We are happy to tell you more about what a private detective is and is not allowed to do. Whether it is a private case or a business case: when hiring a private investigator, possible evidence is sought. That is also exciting for the client, and often the victim of the case. You certainly don't want to be caught and you may wonder how far a private detective can go in his or her investigation and what you can expect.

What a private detective is and is not allowed to do all depends 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 you ever see an episode (or all 😉) of Zeeman Confronts If you have watched it, you probably already know the answer to this part of collecting evidence. When someone is in a public place, we can observe them and are allowed to take both pictures and videos. On this, for example, we can perfectly record 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.

Confidentiality Private Investigator

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.