Welcome to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of the INVENY private detective agency. We understand that the private detective profession can raise many questions and that our services, although valuable, are often misunderstood. This section is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions you may have.
Explore this FAQ to find out how we can assist you, the rates for our services, the legal terms and conditions, and much more. Our goal is to provide you with an optimal user experience while giving you essential information about our services and expertise.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to hire a private investigator in France?
Yes, the profession of private detective is perfectly legal in France, governed by Article L-621-1 of the Internal Security Code. This text stipulates that private detectives are authorized to gather evidence to defend the interests of their clients. However, their actions must comply with the law, morality, and legitimacy. Detectives must not reveal their identity or the purpose of their mission and must not accept any illegal assignments, such as installing geolocation tags or microphones.
Why hire a private investigator?
Hiring a private investigator allows you to obtain crucial evidence to defend your rights in various civil or criminal cases. In civil matters, it is up to the parties to provide the necessary evidence. A private investigator, thanks to their training and accreditation, can provide strategic information and legal evidence, helping their clients make informed decisions or defend themselves effectively.
Is the detective's report admissible in court?
Yes, private investigator reports are admissible in court, provided they comply with the principles of proportionality, fairness, and legality. AnInvestigation reportInvestigation be detailed and objective, chronologically listing the findings. It may include appendices such as photographs, videos, or witness statements. Case law generally accepts these reports as evidence provided they meet these criteria. Detailed and comprehensive reports produced by licensed detectives are admissible as evidence.
How to become a private investigator in France?
To work as a private investigator in France, it is essential to complete a recognized training program and obtain accreditation from the CNAPS. The training courses available are provided by the École Supérieure des Agents de Recherches Privées (ESARP), the Institut de Formation des Agents de Recherches (IFAR), the University of Nîmes (UNIME), andthe University of Paris II Panthéon Assas. Detectives must also hold a business license, a management license, and a professional card that is renewable every five years after completing 35 hours of continuing education.
How much does a private investigator cost?
Private detective fees in France generally range from €70 to €125 per hour for Investigations and start at €500 for Investigations , excluding taxes. These rates depend on several factors, such as the purpose ofInvestigation, the equipment required, the geographical area, and the complexity of the assignment. In addition to the fees, any expenses incurred during the assignment, such as accommodation, meals, and mileage, are billed separately. The INVENY agency offers competitive rates tailored to the requirements of each case.
Who can hire a private investigator?
Any adult individual, any business or company, as well as local authorities, can hire a private investigator. Whether it is to dispel doubts, obtain information, or search for evidence in the context of legal proceedings, private investigators are able to meet a variety of needs.
Is the detective bound by professional secrecy?
Private investigators have a duty of confidentiality.Article 9 of our code of ethics specifies that private investigators must maintain strict confidentiality regarding information and refrain from making any use of it. Failure to comply with professional secrecy entails criminal liability for the investigator underArticles226-13and226-17of the Criminal Code.
Does your agency take on interns?
Yes, the INVENY private detective agency welcomes interns as part of the initial training offered by schools. Interns must obtain provisional accreditation from the CNAPS. Internships may include mandatory periods for CQP training as a salaried investigator or private investigation agency director, as well as the six months of professional experience required for the CQP-Titre bridge program.
How can you verify that a detective is licensed?
A licensed private investigator has three numbers issued by the CNAPS: the authorization number (AUT), the manager's approval number (AGD), and the professional card number (CAR). These numbers must appear on all documents issued by the firm, such as estimates, invoices, and reports. These credentials can be verified directly with the agency or the CNAPS, and via the DRAKAR teleservice on the CNAPS website.
Can a private investigator replace the police or the gendarmerie?
No, a private investigator cannot replace the police or gendarmerie. Their professions fall within distinct but complementary fields. Private investigators are involved in civil and commercial proceedings, while the police and gendarmerie focus on criminal proceedings. A detective cannot perform administrative or judicial police functions, but can intervene before or after an Investigation .
Can a private investigator carry a weapon?
No, the law strictly prohibits private investigators from carrying a weapon, whether for acquisition, use, or even to suggest that they possess one. This prohibition is provided for inArticle R-631-11 of the Code of Ethics for Persons Engaged in Private Security Activities.
What licenses are required to become a private investigator?
Access to and practice of the profession of private detective in France are strictly regulated and require personal accreditation, a professional license, and a permit to practice issued by the CNAPS. Candidates must provide proof of professional qualifications, a clean criminal record, and undergo an Investigation into their character. Practicing without authorization is punishable by criminal penalties. The CNAPS, under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior, monitors these activities in accordance with Law No. 2011-267 of March 14, 2011.
What methods do private investigators use for their assignments?
Private investigators use various means depending on the complexity of the assignment: digital cameras, camcorders, cell phones with cameras, light vehicles, or motorcycles. Investigations involve tailing subjects on foot, by car, or by motorcycle, as well as surveillance, administrative research, and interviews with individuals.
Can a private investigator testify on my behalf?
Yes, a private investigator can testify on your behalf by reporting the facts observed and gathering relevant testimony. Their testimony can be presented in the form of a statement orInvestigation report, which is recognized as valid testimony by magistrates.
Does a private investigator have an obligation to achieve results?
No, private investigators have an obligation of means. They must use all legal and necessary means to accomplish their mission, but they do not guarantee a specific result.
Can a private investigator obtain the address of a third party?
Yes, searching for someone is legal, but only in certain legal and moral cases. For example, a creditor or someone who has a family or emotional connection to the third party may obtain this information. If there is no debt, the consent of the person found is required before their address can be disclosed.
Can a detective help in a case involving unpaid child support?
Yes, a private investigator can intervene in cases of non-payment or reassessment of divorce-related benefits. They can locate the new employer or address of the parent in debt, thereby enabling legal proceedings to be brought for non-payment of child support. They can also provide evidence of the beneficiary's financial independence, justifying the termination of payments. In some cases, the person liable may hide their true income or claim that they cannot afford to pay alimony. A private investigator can investigate the debtor's sources of income and financial assets to provide concrete evidence.
Is it legal to follow an employee?
Yes, provided that monitoring is carried out during working hours and not during personal time, in order to respect the employee's privacy. The internal regulations or employment contract must mention the possibility of monitoring.
Can a private investigator monitor employees' activities?
Yes, under certain conditions. In particular, in casesof fraudulent sick leave, detectives can verify employee loyalty and prevent fraud while respecting employee rights and employer obligations. Internal regulations or employment contracts must mention the possibility of surveillance.
How can unfair competition be proven?
To prove unfair competition, a private investigator can conduct a Investigation to gather evidence of the competitor's wrongdoing, the damage suffered, and the causal link between the two. This evidence can be used to build a strong case for legal action.
Can a detective prove organized insolvency?
Yes, a detective can investigate to prove that the debtor is organizing or aggravating their insolvency. This evidence can be used to initiate legal proceedings. Through in-depthInvestigations , they can identify hidden assets, track financial flows, and analyze the debtor's professional activities and living conditions. Detectives use advanced techniques and specialized software to provide solid evidence of such fraudulent maneuvers.
Why hire a detective for child custody?
Hiring a private investigator in a child custody dispute is crucial for obtaining essential evidence during custody disputes. A detective can verify the child's living conditions and ensure the presence and behavior of the custodial parent. This information can be crucial for custody decisions, for example by proving educational deficiencies, acts of abuse, or dangerous behaviors such as illegal substance use.
What are the skills of a private investigator in aInvestigation ?
In a Investigation , a private investigator possesses a variety of crucial skills. They collect new evidence and testimony that can prove their client's innocence. Experts in discreet surveillance of suspects and witnesses, they conduct interviews to obtain relevant information. They also excel at analyzing data, examining documents, and writing detailed reports for the courts. Their knowledge of the law ensures that evidence is admissible in court, contributing to a robust defense.
Can a detective help prove that sick leave is being abused or not complied with?
Yes, a private investigator can help prove non-compliance with sick leave by monitoring the employee to verify that they are complying with the conditions of the leave. They can provide evidence of fraud,abusive sick leave, and non-compliance with work leave or activities incompatible with the declared state of health. However, the evidence must be obtained legally, respecting the right to privacy.
What is the role of a private investigator in a corporate Investigation ?
A private investigator can play a crucial role in a corporate theft case. They conduct Investigations , monitor premises and merchandise, analyze CCTV footage, and gather evidence. In addition, they can set up a sting operation by coordinating with law enforcement at the right moment. The detective then provides a detailed report with tangible evidence, enabling the company to take effective disciplinary or legal action.
How can you defend your business against customer poaching?
To defend your business against customer poaching, it is crucial to act quickly. A private investigator can identify those responsible, whether they are employees or competitors, and gather the evidence needed to establish fault. This evidence can then be used in court to obtain compensation. In addition, it is essential to prevent such incidents by implementing regular security audits and strict confidentiality protocols to protect sensitive company data.
Is it legal to follow someone?
Yes, it is legal to have someone followed provided that it complies with the laws in force, certain conditions (legal link or proven harm between the individuals, a specific legal framework, etc.) and that it is an Investigation by a licensed private investigator. Private investigators are subject to strict regulations and must respect individuals' privacy, as well as the limits imposed by law. Any illegal surveillance, such as installing unauthorized listening devices or trespassing on private property, is strictly prohibited. If you have any doubts, please do not hesitate to contact us for clear information that complies with the law.
Can the fees of a private investigator be reimbursed by the opposing party in court?
In some cases, the costs incurred for a Investigation may be recovered. If the judge considers these costs to be justified, they may be borne by the losing party, in particular underArticle 700 of the Code of Civil Procedure orArticles 475-1 and 375 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The judge's decision depends on fairness and the circumstances of the case.
Can a private investigator find a missing person?
Yes, they can help locate a person, whether it be a relative, an heir, or a debtor. Using administrative searches, Investigations , and digital trace analysis, they gather the necessary clues. However, they must comply with applicable regulations and ensure that information is only shared with the appropriate authorization.
What evidence can a private investigator gather for an Investigation
A private investigator can gather various types of evidence, such as factual findings, photographs, videos, documents, or testimonies. These items are obtained legally and with respect for privacy. This evidence can be used to support a legal case, disciplinary proceedings, or to shed light on a personal or professional situation. Its validity depends on the rigorous methodology applied during its collection and the investigator's knowledge of evidence administration.
