Private investigator FAQ
Straight answers on licensing, cost, lawful surveillance and court evidence when you brief ProFact anywhere in Australia. Each reply reflects how we work: lawfully, with a written scope, and with reporting that can be reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
Do private investigators have to follow special rules?
Yes. In Australia, private investigators must hold a licence in the state or territory where they operate and work within privacy, surveillance and evidence-handling laws. Requirements differ between jurisdictions, but licensed investigators are bound by codes of conduct and professional standards.
ProFact holds licences across every Australian state and territory. Every brief is scoped, deployed and reported under those obligations. Read what a private investigator can legally do in Australia, and see our licensing and compliance notes.
How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?
Fees depend on the type of work, complexity, location and timeframe. Desk-based enquiries and fixed-scope reports can often be quoted upfront. Surveillance, field work and multi-jurisdiction briefs are usually charged at agreed hourly or daily rates with a written scope.
Indicative starting points are on the private investigator cost calculator. ProFact still quotes in writing before any work begins. If you are deciding whether to hire a private investigator, start with that guide, then contact us with an outline of the matter.
How often are investigations unsuccessful?
Outcomes depend on the brief, the information available at intake, and factors outside any investigator's control. No ethical firm can guarantee a result before work has started.
ProFact assesses each matter at intake, sets realistic expectations, and keeps clients informed if the file cannot progress as originally scoped. Our focus is on evidence that holds up to review, not promises we cannot substantiate.
When does surveillance become illegal?
Surveillance becomes unlawful when it crosses into trespass, harassment, or a method the law does not allow. Recording a private conversation, fitting a tracker, or entering a property is not lawful simply because a client asked for it. The rules differ by state and territory.
ProFact will not hack a phone, enter property without authority, fit a tracker without a lawful basis, or accept a brief that is really about harassment. A fuller account is in what a private investigator can legally do in Australia. Lawful field work is set out on our surveillance investigations page.
Why hire a private investigator instead of the police?
Police prioritise criminal matters within their mandate and resource limits. Private investigators can be engaged on civil disputes, insurance claims, corporate matters and personal concerns where police involvement is not appropriate or available.
ProFact is briefed by insurers, law firms, employers and private clients who need dedicated attention, defined reporting, and evidence prepared for review or proceedings. We do not replace police. We fill a different operational need.
Can investigators testify in court?
Yes. Licensed investigators can give evidence on observations, reports and material gathered lawfully during an investigation. They may appear as witnesses or, in some matters, in an expert capacity depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the evidence.
ProFact reports are written for review from the outset. Where testimony is required, the investigator who scoped and supervised the file is available to support the evidence they signed. That work is covered under court and legal support.
What if the investigation does not achieve my objectives?
Not every brief produces the outcome a client hoped for. Constraints on access, subject behaviour, and the quality of starting information all affect what can be established.
ProFact communicates openly throughout the file. If objectives cannot be met, we say so early and discuss whether to adjust scope or close the matter. Fees reflect work performed under agreed terms, not guaranteed outcomes.
What if an investigator is identified during surveillance?
Professional investigators are trained to minimise exposure and to respond lawfully if approached. Licensed investigators carry identification and can explain their lawful activity where appropriate.
ProFact field teams work to documented protocols. Discretion is part of the operating standard, not an afterthought.
Can I hire an investigator if police are already involved?
Often, yes. Private investigators can work on related civil, insurance or evidential briefs while police handle the criminal stream. Coordination matters: the two processes should not interfere with each other.
ProFact can review your situation at intake and advise whether private investigation is appropriate alongside an active police matter. Speak with us confidentially before proceeding.
How do I become a private investigator?
Requirements vary by state and territory, but typically include approved training, licensing through the relevant authority, and supervised field experience. In NSW, the usual entry qualification for licensed investigators is Certificate III in Investigative Services, not Certificate IV.
If you are interested in working with ProFact, see our careers page for current opportunities and what we look for in investigators joining the firm.
Discuss a brief, confidentially.
Consultations are conducted by a senior investigator. We will scope the matter, confirm capability and provide written terms before any work begins.