Every year, many people turn to private investigators for help with infidelity cases, background checks, and locating missing persons. There are nearly 35,000 private detectives in the U.S., with most agencies operating in Los Angeles County.
Professionals like background and surveillance investigators use specialized tools to gather secret information but must work within strict legal boundaries. If you’re considering these services, understanding their limits can help you know what to expect during an investigation.
Learn the legal limits of private detectives and how this can help you achieve peace of mind when working with a licensed agency like Worldwide Intelligence Network.
Following the Law: What Private Investigators Can Legally Do
Private detectives must follow specific guidelines when offering private investigation services to ensure their actions remain legal and ethical. In California, Statute 7523 of the Business and Professions Code requires private investigators to obtain a valid license before engaging in investigative work. After receiving their credentials, investigators can:
- Conduct surveillance. Private investigators can observe and document activities in public spaces, such as tracking movements or photographing interactions—as long as they do not trespass on private property or invade personal privacy.
- Access public records. Private detectives can legally search publicly accessible databases like court records and property registries to verify details such as criminal records, property ownership, and business registrations.
- Locate individuals. Using tools like social media platforms and skip-tracing databases (which compile information from credit reports, utility bills, and other public records), missing persons investigators can search for those who have disappeared or individuals involved in legal matters, ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
- Gather evidence for court cases. Investigators can collect evidence such as photos, video footage, or written reports for use in civil or criminal cases as long as the methods comply with the law and do not involve trespassing or other illegal activities.
- Conduct interviews. Private investigators can question witnesses, friends, or colleagues of the subject to gather information during voluntary conversations.
- Conduct background checks. Investigators use legal databases to verify employment, education, and criminal history for corporate hiring processes.
- Work with law enforcement. Private investigators often assist law enforcement agencies by providing additional information for personal cases or ongoing investigations.
What Private Investigators Cannot Legally Do
While private investigators have many tools at their disposal, they are bound by legal limits. Here are some actions they are prohibited from taking:
- Trespass on private property. Investigators cannot enter private property without permission. Trespassing is illegal in California and can lead to severe legal consequences, even for investigative purposes.
- Hack phones, computers, or email accounts. Accessing someone’s phone records, emails, or computers through hacking is prohibited in California. A qualified private investigator must use legal means to gather information and cannot tamper with digital devices.
- Impersonate law enforcement. Professional investigators cannot present themselves as police officers or government officials. Doing so is a serious offense under Statute 538(d) and can result in criminal charges.
- Make unauthorized phone calls. Although investigators may conduct interviews and gather information through phone calls, they cannot impersonate someone else or misrepresent their identity to obtain confidential information.
- Record conversations without consent. In California, private detectives cannot record phone calls or in-person conversations without the permission of all involved parties.
- Arrest individuals. Unlike law enforcement agencies, private investigators do not have the authority to make arrests. They can, however, gather evidence that may assist police officers in taking legal action.
Why Hiring a Licensed Private Investigator Matters
Hiring an unqualified investigator can expose you to legal risks. A licensed professional ensures your case is handled ethically, giving you peace of mind. At Worldwide Intelligence Network, our team is licensed in California and offers a wide range of investigative services, including:
- Background investigations
- Surveillance investigations
- Missing person cases
- Corporate and personal investigations
Our certified investigators use state-of-the-art techniques to deliver accurate results within legal boundaries.
Work With Fully Qualified Private Investigators
Private investigators play a vital role in uncovering the necessary information while adhering to strict legal limits. Knowing what private investigators can and can’t do can help you confidently hire a professional to assist with your case.
At Worldwide Intelligence Network, we provide investigative services that align with local, state, and federal laws. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your needs and explore how we can assist you.