The word „detective“ comes from Latin and means „to uncover“. The terms „private detective“ or „private investigator“ are also used as synonyms. „Private detective“ is a translation of the English word „private detective“. In English, the addition of the word „private“ distinguishes between the „detective“ as a police rank and the private investigator.
The tasks of a detective are quite diverse and range from investigations in the private sphere of the client (e.g., in cases of suspected marital infidelity) to finding missing persons, uncovering theft and fraud, and securing legally admissible evidence.
Today, the private detective is often distinguished from the business detective, who has specialized in investigating cases of alleged economic crime. Detectives can work independently or be employed. In the case of employment relationships, a distinction can be made between employment in a detective agency and employment within a company. For example, many companies employ their own business detectives.
The detective's range of tasks is broad. Smaller detective agencies in particular therefore often specialise in a specific segment; however, large detective agencies also offer the entire spectrum of services, i.e. they are both business and private detective agencies.
As already mentioned, the most important topics for private detective agencies include
However, economic detectives investigate, among other things, suspicion of theft or illegal side employment to uncover black work or to expose „yellow collar“ workers. However, investigations into economic espionage, competition and copyright violations, abuse of expenses, background checks, and the screening of field sales representatives are also part of the duties of an economic detective. Furthermore, in the field of business, eavesdropping protection and surveillance are also important areas.
Methodically speaking, the detective’s scope of duties is fairly clearly defined. At its core, it always involves gathering information and documenting it. This can involve classic observation and surveillance, but also research (online and offline) and interviewing people. The detective generally uses all the information sources available to him or her. These can include, for example, publicly accessible files or special informants with whom he or she has access.
The collected data and information are then analyzed, compiled, and prepared in such a way that the client receives the investigation result as a coherent picture with the corresponding evidence and clues. The results are admissible in court.
Being a detective is not a teaching profession, and the term is not protected in Germany. The Vocational Education Act does not recognize the profession of detective. There is therefore no official training to become a detective. This also means that in principle anyone in Germany can call themselves a detective.
There are three major professional associations for detectives in Germany: BDD, BID and DDV. They have developed a professional code of conduct for detectives and are bound by its principles.
Based on these professional regulations, a vocational training plan for detectives was developed in the mid-1980s. This was incorporated into the Central Centre for Training in the Detective Industry (ZAD). In this respect, ZAD certification is an indicator of the quality of the detective agency or detective. It ensures that the services are professional, reputable and legally compliant.
The TÜV certification confirms the same. It is also based on the requirements of the ZAD examinations for detectives. The DIN standard DIN SPEC 33452 regulates the framework conditions and requirements for the performance of private detectives. Therefore, a serious detective will have completed training, for example the examination „ZAD-certified private mediator – IHK“, and ideally also possess certification according to DIN SPEC 33452, which is certified by the TÜV.
Anyone who hires a detective needs valid reasons. A reputable detective may only act if there is a legitimate interest on the part of their client. The existence of a „legitimate interest“ is enshrined in the criminal law and forms the basis for detective investigations. Because: For example, observing someone is an interference with the personal rights of every individual. Therefore, mere curiosity about what someone is doing is not a legitimate interest. Therefore, reputable detectives must always check whether there is actually a legitimate interest in the case they are offering.
This depends first of all on the size and scope of the case. But even in „smaller“ cases, for example where only one target person is involved, it may be necessary to deploy several detectives. Several investigators are regularly deployed for surveillance, for example, as this is the only way to ensure that the target person does not notice the investigator.
This depends on the detective's experience, but also on the size and nature of the assignment. Thefts are not always easy to solve and evidence can be found in no time at all. Eavesdropping defence, bugging protection and surveillance are time-consuming anyway. This is why detectives usually charge by the hour. It is possible to cap the budget in advance. Sometimes flat rates can also be agreed.
What is important: Anyone who wants to hire a detective should be careful about the reliability of the person. An assignment costs money, and this investment should of course be well thought out. Certification according to DIN SPEC 33452 (TÜV certification) or a completed training course with successful ZAD examination are good indicators of this. Of course, training and certification are not a guarantee of excellent performance; the same goes for an investigator who is not ZAD-certified; they do not necessarily have to be bad. The certification merely provides some guidance.
Furthermore, it should already be checked beforehand whether there is actually a legitimate interest. It is also important to bear in mind that the contract with the detective is a service contract. This means: The detective cannot guarantee a result. If he/she finds nothing, payment must still be made.
If there is a legitimate interest and a detective can provide results that are useful to the court, the costs for the detective are reimbursable under certain circumstances. In court, the losing party must bear the costs that were „necessary for the purpose of appropriate legal pursuit or defense“—this can also include costs for the use of a detective or private mediator. This is governed by §91 of the ZPO (Civil Procedure Code). In exceptional cases, legal protection insurance companies also cover the detective costs. This should be requested in advance from the respective insurance company.
Interested in a detective? Our Security service it also conducts discreet observations and investigations.
Paffen Sicherheitsdienst offers you all security services from a single source.
We would be happy to create a customised security concept for you!
