6 Things Private Investigators CANNOT Do (and What They Can)
September 10, 2024 - Reading time: 8 minutes
Updated October 8, 2024
When hiring a private investigator, many clients are often unaware of the legal boundaries that govern this profession. In Thailand, as elsewhere, there are strict regulations that private investigators must adhere to, ensuring that their work remains lawful and ethical. This article, presented by Bangkok Private Investigators, sheds light on some of the most common misconceptions about what private detectives can and cannot do.
1. Breaking and Entering Is Off-Limits
One of the most critical boundaries for private investigators is the prohibition against breaking into private property. For instance, a client might request that a private investigator break into a hotel room to plant a hidden camera, with the aim of catching a cheating spouse. This request, however, is not only unethical but also highly illegal. Entering someone's premises without their permission constitutes trespassing, and secretly recording them is a blatant violation of privacy laws. Such actions can result in severe legal consequences for both the investigator and the client. We ask that prospective clients do not contact us to request services which are illegal or unethical.
2. No Planting of Hidden Cameras in Private Spaces
While private investigators are permitted to conduct surveillance in public areas, they cannot install hidden cameras in private spaces, such as hotel rooms, without the explicit consent of the individual being recorded. This restriction is in place to protect the privacy of individuals, ensuring that their private lives are not unlawfully invaded. Bangkok Private Investigators are skilled in obtaining critical evidence in public settings, where the law allows the taking of photos and videos, without crossing the legal line.
3. Hacking Phones and Social Media Is Prohibited
Another area where private investigators are bound by law is in digital investigations. Despite popular belief, private investigators cannot hack into phones, social media accounts, or any other personal digital devices. Such activities are illegal and can lead to criminal charges. However, private investigators can use publicly available data to conduct thorough social media background checks and open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations. These methods allow investigators to gather valuable information legally, by sifting through public records, social media profiles, and other online resources.
Other Legal Boundaries for Private Investigators
In addition to the above, there are other activities that private investigators are prohibited from doing:
4. Impersonation of Law Enforcement: While social engineering can sometimes play a role during investigations, private investigators cannot pose as police officers or government officials to gain information or access to restricted areas.
5. Wiretapping and Eavesdropping: Intercepting phone calls or using listening devices to record private conversations without consent is typically illegal.
6. Obtaining Protected Information: Private investigators cannot access bank records, medical records, or other protected information without legal authorisation from the subject of the investigation.
What Private Investigators Can Do
Despite these limitations, private investigators are highly skilled professionals who excel in lawful methods of investigation. For example, Bangkok Private Investigators can use tools to detect infidelity, where the subject of the investigation may appear on dating websites or even in adult material. By leveraging their expertise in legal surveillance and public data analysis, private investigators can uncover the truth without crossing ethical or legal boundaries.
1. Surveillance Services
One of the primary functions of most detective agencies is surveillance. This service is invaluable for clients seeking to monitor activities discreetly. Surveillance can be employed in various scenarios, such as monitoring a spouse’s activities in cases of suspected infidelity, overseeing employees to prevent internal fraud, or ensuring the safety of a person by tracking their movements ('protective surveillance'). With state-of-the-art camera equipment and highly trained professionals, Bangkok Investigators deliver accurate and comprehensive surveillance reports.
2. Background Checks
Background checks are essential for both personal and professional reasons. Bangkok Investigators offer thorough background investigation services to verify an individual's history and credentials. This can be particularly useful for employers conducting pre-employment checks, individuals considering a significant personal relationship, landlords that are looking to screen prospective tenants, or businesses entering into partnerships. The checks include verification of educational qualifications, employment history, criminal records, and other relevant details, ensuring clients make informed decisions in their personal and/or professional lives.
3. Corporate Investigations
In the corporate sphere, Bangkok Investigators provide a range of services aimed at protecting businesses from internal and external threats. These services include investigating corporate fraud, intellectual property theft, and other misconducts that may jeopardise a company’s operations. Additionally, we conduct due diligence investigations for mergers and acquisitions, ensuring that all parties involved are legitimate and trustworthy.
4. Missing Persons Investigations
The distress of a missing person can be overwhelming. We offer specialised services to locate missing individuals, whether they are lost family members or individuals who have disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Through extensive research, interviews, and fieldwork, our investigators work diligently to bring missing persons back to their loved ones.
5. Legal Support Services
For those involved in legal disputes, private investigators provide essential support services. These include gathering evidence for court cases, serving legal documents (process serving), and assisting in locating witnesses. Our expertise ensures that the evidence collected is admissible in court and supports the legal process effectively.
6. Asset Searches
In situations where assets need to be located or verified, such as during divorce proceedings or financial disputes, Bangkok Investigators offer asset search services. This involves tracing hidden assets, including real estate, capital, and investments, helping clients obtain a fair resolution in legal and financial matters.
7. Undercover Operations
For sensitive investigations where discretion is paramount, Bangkok Investigators conduct undercover operations. This can involve infiltrating organisations, gathering insider information, or covertly observing activities without being detected. These operations are executed with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
About Us / Conclusion
Bangkok Private Investigators conduct discreet investigations throughout Thailand and offer free quotes for all services. If you're considering hiring a private investigator, it's crucial to understand what they can legally do. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and ensure that your investigation stays within the bounds of the law.
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