Private detective, a profession regulated according to specific legislation
The profession of private detective, also called private research agent, cannot be improvised! This profession, little known to the general public, is a governed and regulated profession. It is also thanks to the legislation in force, which supervises the profession, that the evidence collected by a private person is legal and can be presented in court.
The private detective follows specific training
The private detective must hold one of the professional certifications registered in the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP) in order to practice his profession.
Beyond these certifications, on going education is now mandatory. Indeed, private investigators have an obligation to keep abreast of legislative developments. This is ruled by the Internal Security Code (CSI): “The renewal of the professional card is subject to the follow-up of continuous training, under the conditions provided for by decree in the Council of State” (article L. 622-19 -1 of the CSI).
The training units offered allow detectives to learn about the various legislative developments that may impact their profession. Thanks to this continuous training system, the private investigator always practices with a perfect knowledge of the legislation.
The private investigator is licensed
Since 2012, the profession of private search agents has been regulated by the National Council for Private Security Activities, more commonly known as the CNAPS.
The CNAPS governs all private security professions. This public administration, attached to the Ministry of the Interior, provides a strict framework for the detective profession.
Only a detective who has requested and obtained his authorization to practice with the CNAPS is able to work legally.
The private detective respects the code of ethics of his profession
A code of ethics has also been established by the CNAPS in order to establish a line of conduct for the profession. Thus, private research agents must respect the French Constitution and everyone’s privacy. Compliance with this code is essential and makes it possible to avoid all kinds of abuses. It is also stipulated in this code that no matter of what the case is ,a private person may “invoke an imaginary title or quality, – usurp a title, an identity or a function – use unfair means to obtain information or surprise the good faith of anyone”.
IFAR, Institute for the Training of Private Research Agents, also supports this position aimed at making the work of detectives legitimate. No information may be obtained illegally or immorally. In the event of non-compliance with these rules, the detective may have his license to practice suspended.
In addition, it is essential to know that a private research agent can only intervene if there are legal ground and legitimacy to investigate.