In simple terms, a private detective is an investigator whose mission is to carry out investigations on behalf of a third party (individual or company).

The scope of his mission thus depends on the type of request he has received. You will find on the site the different specialties according to their legal field.

Article L621-1 of the Internal Security Code specifies that the liberal profession of private investigator consists of "collecting, even without stating his status or revealing the object of his mission, information or intelligence intended for third parties, with a view to defending their interests."

Private detectives have been provided with a code of ethics since July 2012 and must conduct legitimate and legal investigations. Access to the profession requires professional qualifications, obtaining approval and authorization issued by the National Council for Private Security Activities ( CNAPS ) .

Also, the profession is subject to professional secrecy under article 226-13 of the penal code for all information disclosed by their clients but also for that collected during their investigations.

For more details on the profession, refer to the section: Regulations.