Dangers

We would like to present You with a few remarks on dangers connected with entering into a contract with a "pseudo-detective", who are unfortunately numerous on Polish market.

Conditions indispensable to provide detective service

Detective service act states clearly that detective service may be only provided by:
A person with detective service license,
A person or company registered in the Record of Regulated Activities in the Ministry of Interior and Administration.

Both of the documents are equally important and should always appear together. Confirmation of a registration in the Record of Regulated Activities as physical or technical security activity is by no means an authorization to conduct detective work.

Moreover, the act obliges detectives to sign a contract with the Client and to present the Client with a written report after the investigation has finished. The act states clearly what elements the report should include.

Furthermore, each and every detective, in accordance with the law, must issue an invoice for the agreed remuneration and prepayment. A detective must have a valid civil insurance policy.

Direct consequences of choosing a pseudo-detective:

Impossibility of presenting evidentiary material in court, prosecutor’s office etc.
Impossibility of hearing the pseudo-detective in court.
In case of using illegally acquired information the Client is exposed to the risk of being prosecuted in a civil or criminal case.
A person performing detective activities without authorization according to article 46 of the above mentioned act bears criminal responsibility – up to two years of imprisonment.
If the contractor does not issue an invoice for the remuneration or prepayment, (s)he incurs the risk of penal revenue proceedings being brought against the contractor and/or the Client.

Summary

When choosing a detective one should bear in mind the following:
Check the detective's documents: license, registration at The Record of Regulated Activities in the Ministry of Interior and Administration, but also his/her ID and references. A professional detective should have a few glowing references
Require invoice for remuneration and prepayment. A pseudo-detective may ask the Client for a prepayment and then not perform the contracted work or perform it unprofessionally, in which case he/she impedes the task for a professional detective.
Before deciding it is recommendable to survey the rates offered by licensed detectives. It arouses suspicion if a detective is reluctant to inform about the prices on the phone. Also, if the rates offered are temptingly low, the offeror is probably an unlicensed amateur.
Check the address data of the detective’s office. The lack of address or phone number is not only illegal, but also disqualifies the office from among professional and trustworthy detectives.
Require a contract for the service. A detective may not act without it, but more importantly it also makes it impossible for the Client to assert his/her rights in court.

Make a wise and lawful choice.
Select a licensed detective. Select professionalism.