Are you considering hiring a private investigator in Australia? You’re not alone. Many individuals and businesses find themselves in a situation where they need to gather information or evidence that isn’t readily available, and they don’t know where to turn.
While private investigators are often seen in movies and TV shows conducting surveillance, following people, and breaking into homes and businesses, there are strict laws in Australia that govern what private investigators can and cannot do.
If you’re considering hiring a private investigator, it’s important to understand what they can and cannot do legally. Here is a brief overview:
10 Things Private Investigators in Australia Can Do
1. Surveillance
Private investigators in Australia can conduct surveillance, but there are strict laws that govern how they can do it. First and foremost, investigators must not break the law while conducting surveillance. This means they cannot trespass onto private property, enter a home or business without permission, or use force to enter a premises.
Investigators also cannot use illegal recording devices, such as hidden cameras, to record video or audio footage. In addition, they cannot use listening devices to eavesdrop on conversations.
2. Background Checks
Private investigators in Australia can conduct background checks, but there are again strict laws that govern how this can be done. Investigators must only access and use publicly available information when conducting a background check. They cannot illegally access private records, such as medical records or financial records.
This can be used for employment screening, due diligence checks, or to gather information on someone you are dating. One common use is for employment background checking, this lets the employer know of any potential red flags before hiring someone.
3. Skip Tracing
Skip tracing is the process of tracking down a person’s whereabouts. Private investigators in Australia can conduct skip tracing, but they must only use publicly available information to do so. They cannot illegally access private records, such as phone records or credit reports.
Skip tracing is commonly used to locate debtors, find missing persons, or to locate witnesses for a court case.
4. Servicing Legal Documents
Private investigators in Australia can be hired to serve legal documents, such as court summons or subpoenas. Investigators must ensure that the documents are served to the correct person and that they are served in accordance with the law.
In addition, private investigators cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should speak to a lawyer.
5. Undercover Operations
Private investigators in Australia can conduct undercover operations, but there are strict laws that govern how this can be done.Investigators cannot break the law while conducting an undercover operation. This means they cannot trespass onto private property, enter a home or business without permission, or use force to enter a premises.
In addition, investigators cannot use illegal recording devices, such as hidden cameras, to record video or audio footage. Nor can they use listening devices to eavesdrop on conversations.
Undercover operations are commonly used to gather information or evidence in cases of fraud, corruption, or theft.
6. Security Services
Private investigators in Australia can provide security services, but there are again strict laws that govern how this can be done. Investigators must only use legal and lawful methods to provide security. This means they cannot carry weapons or use force to protect property or people.
Security services are commonly used to provide event security, asset protection, or personal protection.
7. Facts for legal proceeding
In terms of evidence, anything gathered by a private investigator can only be used if it is relevant to the case and if it would be admissible in court. This means that the evidence must be legal and obtained through legal means.
If the evidence is illegal or obtained through illegal means, then it is classified as tainted evidence and cannot be used in court. This can be damaging to the case and may even result in the charges being dropped.
8. Acquire evidences on cases such as infidelity
This is one of the most common services offered by private investigators in Australia. Cheating spouses or partners can be difficult to catch, but private investigators have the skills and resources needed to gather evidence of infidelity.
This evidence can then be used in divorce or child custody proceedings. Partners who’s cheating has been exposed may also be subject to criminal charges, such as adultery. This can also help with property division in a divorce.
9. Missing persons
Private investigators in Australia can help locate missing persons. This includes finding people who have run away from home, been abducted, or gone missing under suspicious circumstances.
Investigators will use a variety of methods to find missing persons, including conducting interviews, searching public records, and using skip tracing techniques.
10. Character reference checks
Private investigators in Australia can conduct character reference checks. This involves speaking to the subject’s friends, family, and acquaintances to gather information about their character.
This type of check is often used by employers to screen job applicants. It can also be used by landlords to screen tenant applicants.
Hire A Private Investigator for Your Investigation Needs
Private investigators in Australia can be hired to carry out a wide range of investigations. If you need an investigator for your case, make sure to hire a registered and licensed professional.
Triumph Australia is one of the leading private investigation firms in Australia, with a team of experienced and qualified investigators. We offer a wide range of services, including infidelity investigations, missing persons investigations, and security services.
Get in touch with us at 1300 776 873 and let us help you with your investigation needs.
