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Is it Illegal to hire a private investigator?

Insurance Claims (03) 9564 7303

Public Enquiries 1300 856 011

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Is it Illegal to hire a private investigator?

Is it illegal to hire a private investigator?

There are many reasons why people seek out private investigators to assist them. It could be to locate someone who has skipped out on debt or has become estranged from their concerned family. Alternatively, it provides an opportunity to gather evidence to use in a future or pending court case – like video exposing a cheating spouse or a worker who might be misrepresenting the extent of any injury in respect to a workers’ compensation claim.

Private investigators are highly skilled at these sorts of activities and can deliver information to their clients through both covert and open interview techniques. They are often used in cases where traditional law enforcement agencies are not able to assist.

But are they legal? The answer to that is not as cut and dry as yes or no, as there are many levels of compliance that needs to be adhered to. But when you do enlist the services of a licensed and appropriately qualified PI, this meets the various state and federal regulatory compliance requirements and ensures that the evidence they return to you can be used in an Australian court of law.

What is a private investigator?

Like many industries, there are stereotypes in respect to private investigators and a lot of people don’t know what they actually do.

The Hollywood portrayal of a PI in a trenchcoat, shaking down people for information using violence and other measures with a cigarette hanging from the corner of their mouth is not what you can actually expect when you walk into a private investigator’s office.

Your average PI is highly trained and skilled at investigatory law services and will often work with clients that include lawyers and attorneys to legally gather evidence that will assist in court cases.

They also work with businesses and debt collection agencies to locate missing debtors, help mediate interview processes (including workplace compensation hearings), verify information, conduct background checks, assist in finding missing persons and undertake surveillance for a range of reasons.

But again, like any other industry, there are genuine private investigators and there are non-reputable, cowboy operators that may use tactics outside of the law. It is important to only enlist the services of a PI agency that is reputable and operates within Australian legislation or you could find yourself on the wrong end of a court case or worse.

What does a private investigator need to do to be legally compliant in Australia?

The first thing to look for with any private investigator or private detective is whether they are accredited. It is law in Australia that PIs be licensed and they need to operate with the confines of both state and federal laws. If they do not have this license, do not consider their services.

The other thing to consider is ethics. If you feel the PI agency you are speaking with is using tactics that are questionable or go against your ethics, do not go with them. There is no need to use non-ethical tactics in private investigations, as appropriately trained PIs have all of the skills they need to legally deliver you a result.

Private investigators are not going to bend or break the law to suit your needs either. They will not stalk someone simply because you are offering to pay them to and they will not investigate people that have any form of restraining or protection order out against you.

You will find the majority of private investigation firms are highly reputable and their investigators are excellent at locating the people, information, and evidence you require within the parameters of the law. Just ensure you do your homework on them first to ensure you are dealing with a reputable firm.

Click here to see more information on our private investigation and surveillance investigation services.

For extra support or assistance with your case, please do not hesitate to contact us at contactus@precisestigation.com or Tel: 03 9564 7303.

contact one of our offices Australia wide
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Melbourne Private Investigator
Level 8 , 90 Collins Street, Melbourne
VIC 3000
Sydney Private Investigator
Level 10 / 20 Martin Place,
Sydney NSW 2000
Brisbane Private Investigator
Level 38 / 71 Eagle Street,
Brisbane QLD 4000
Adelaide Private Investigator
Level 5, Tower 2/121 King William Street,
Adelaide SA 5000
Perth Private Investigator
Level 27 / 44 St Georges Terrace,
Perth WA 6000
Hobart Private Investigator
Level 3 / 85 Macquarie Street,
Hobart TAS 7008
Darwin Private Investigator
Level 16 / 19 Smith Street Mall,
Darwin City NT 0800
Gold Coast Private Investigator
Level 13 / 50 Cavill Avenue,
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
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Precise Investigation are a member of the following professional bodies and associations
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Australian Institute of Professional Investigators
Australian Institute of Professional Investigators
Association of Investigators and Security Professionals
Association of Investigators and Security Professionals
Australian Security Industry Association Limited
Australian Security Industry Association Limited
World Association of Detectives
World Association of Detectives
Australia & New Zealand Institute of Insurance & Finance
Australia & New Zealand Institute of Insurance & Finance
International Association of Auto Theft Investigators Australasian Branch
International Association of Auto Theft Investigators Australasian Branch
International Association Of Special Investigation Units
International Association Of Special Investigation Units
Institute Of Mercantile Agents
Institute Of Mercantile Agents
World Association of Professional Investigators
World Association of Professional Investigators
Association Of Certified Fraud Examiners
Association Of Certified Fraud Examiners
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Precise Investigation
Contact Us: 1300 856 011

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