Key facts
- In January 2012, some 2,032
registered data controllers claimed they were operating a business
as a private investigator, but industry groups have claimed that
as many as 10,000 people are working in the field. No one knows
precisely how many private investigators there are in the UK.
- As many as 65% of private investigators are former
police officers.
- Currently, anyone can undertake private investigative
activity regardless of skills, experience or criminality as there
is no direct regulation of private investigations.
- Unscrupulous private investigators are the dealers
in an illegal market in personal information, including: bank
account details; telephone history; tax information; previous
convictions; medical history; and the results of covert surveillance.
- Fees charged by investigators are opaque and
vary enormously, from a small day fee of £250 for small firms
or sole operatives, to several thousands of pounds per day for
senior investigators, or difficult tasks.
- Sophisticated surveillance equipment is readily
available for sale on the Internet, sometimes for less than £100.
|
|
