The word „detective“ is derived from Latin and means so much like „uncover“. Synonym werden also dhe Terme „Private detective“ or „private investigator“ used. „Private detective“ is a translation of the eEnglish word „private detective“. In English by the addition „private“ between the „detective“ as a rank in the police and the private investigator.
The tasks of a detective are very different and range from investigations in the Private environment of the client (e.g. suspected adultery) up to the location of missing persons, the Detection of theft and fraud and dem Securing evidence that can be used in court.
Today, a distinction is often made between private detectives and business detectives, who specialise in investigating cases of suspected white-collar crime. Detectives can be self-employed or employed. In the case of employment relationships, a distinction can be made between employment in a detective agency and employment in a company. VMany companies provide for example 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
Business detectives on the other hand determine among other things at the suspicion of Theft or on unauthorised secondary employment in order to uncover undeclared work or at „to expose the “blue collar". But also Investigations at Industrial espionage, competition and copyright offences, misuse of expenses, Personal verification and checking field staff are part of the range of tasks of a business detective. In addition are in the field of business also eavesdropping protection and eavesdropping defence important fields.
Methodologically, the detective's range of tasks is quite clearly defined. Essentially, it is always about gathering information and documentation. For thiscan classic surveillance and Monitoring are used, but also research (online and offline) and personal interviews. The detective generally utilises all sources of information available to him. This may include, for example, publicly accessible files or special informants to whom he has access.
The data and information gathered is then used by the detective to analysed, compiled and prepared in such a way that the client receives the results of the investigation as a conclusive picture with the corresponding evidence and clues. The results can be used in court.
Detective is not an apprenticeship, and the term is not protected in Germany. The Vocational Training Act does not include the profession of detective. There is therefore no official training programme 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 one Professional Code of Conduct for detectives and are committed to their 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 proves the same. It is also based on on the requirements of the ZAD examinations for detectives. The DIN standard DIN SPEC 33452 regulates the framework conditions and requirements for the services of private detectives. A reputable detective will therefore have completed training, for example the examination „ZAD-certified private investigator - IHK“ and ideally also certification in accordance with DIN SPEC 33452, which is certified by TÜV.
Anyone who hires a detective agency needs good reasons. A reputable detective may only take action if his client has a legitimate interest. The existence of a „legitimate interest“ is enshrined in the Criminal Code and forms the basis for investigations by detectives. Because: Ean observation for example represents an encroachment on the personal rights of every individual. That is why mere curiosity about what a person is doing does not constitute a legitimate interest. Serious detectives must therefore always check whether there is actually a legitimate interest in the case they are offered.
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.
It is important to note that if you want to hire a detective, you should make sure they are reputable. An assignment costst Money, and of course you want this investment to be well invested. Certification in accordance with DIN SPEC 33452 (TÜV certification) or a completedr A training programme with a passed ZAD examination is a good indicator. Of course, training and certification is no guarantee of excellent performance, just as an investigator who is not ZAD-certified is not necessarily bad. Certification merely provides a certain amount of orientation.
Furthermore, it should be checked in advance 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 that the detective cannot guarantee a result. guarantee. If he finds nothing, payment must still be made.
If there is a legitimate interest and a detective can deliver results that can be used in court, the costs of the detective are reimbursable under certain circumstances. Before Gorder the unsuccessful party to pay the costs. take over the „were necessary for the appropriate prosecution or legal defence“ - This may also involve costs for the deployment of a detective or private investigator include. This regulates §91 the ZPO (Code of Civil Procedure). In exceptional cases, legal expenses insurance policies also cover the Detectivecosts. This should be checked with the respective insurance company in advance.
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