Editing Private investigator (section)

== Around the world ==
Many jurisdictions require PIs to be licensed. Depending on local laws, they may or may not carry a [[firearm]]. Equipment can vary greatly, but generally involves a wide variety of [[Surveillance#Methods|surveillance equipment]] and recording devices. While PIs may investigate criminal matters, they typically do not hold any [[law enforcement agency powers|law enforcement authority]] by virtue of the position, regardless of licensure. Private investigators’ authority is usually identical to other citizens’ (off-duty or retired [[law enforcement officers]] serving as a PI may retain their police powers at all times, depending on the jurisdiction). They are expected to keep detailed notes and to be prepared to testify in court regarding any of their observations on behalf of their clients, irregular hours may also be required when performing surveillance work.<ref name="main" />   Great care is required to remain within the scope of the law; otherwise, the private investigator may face criminal charges. However, there are also cases around the world, of corrupt or rogue private investigators who have obtained people's private data and information through illegal means.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-07-31 |title=Private investigators will require licence, says Theresa May |url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/jul/31/private-investigator-licence-criminal-offence |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013112947/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/jul/31/private-investigator-licence-criminal-offence |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=הסתיימה חקירת חוקרים פרטיים החשודים בפגיעה בפרטיות לאחר ששלפו מידע אישי אודות אזרחים תוך התחזות |url=https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/privacy_private_investigator |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=GOV.IL |language=he |archive-date=2022-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010093538/https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/privacy_private_investigator |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-07-29 |title=Rogue private eyes report published in full |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-23493112 |access-date=2022-10-11 |archive-date=2022-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011131300/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-23493112 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-06-15 |title=Ikea France fined €1m for snooping on staff |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57482168 |access-date=2022-10-11 |archive-date=2022-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011131257/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57482168 |url-status=live }}</ref> These include phone hacking,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Phone hacking: How scandal unfolded |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/08/16/uk.phone.hacking.explainer/index.html |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=www.cnn.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011131257/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/08/16/uk.phone.hacking.explainer/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[pretexting]], identity theft and other illegal means of accessing government, insurance and police databases<ref>{{Cite web |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=2021-03-22 |title=Ikea goes on trial in France accused of spying on staff |url=http://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/mar/22/ikea-goes-on-trial-in-france-accused-of-spying-on-staff |access-date=2022-10-11 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014001904/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/mar/22/ikea-goes-on-trial-in-france-accused-of-spying-on-staff |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=צימוקי |first=טובה |date=2021-05-23 |title=חשד: חוקרים פרטיים השיגו מידע אישי ממאגרים של חברות ביטוח |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/S10lCFvtO |access-date=2022-10-11 |archive-date=2022-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010093540/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/S10lCFvtO |url-status=live }}</ref> to obtain highly sensitive private information on their targets.

=== Australia===
Private investigators in Australia must be licensed by the licensing authority relevant to the state where they are located. This applies to all states except the Australian Capital Territory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alrc.gov.au/publication/for-your-information-australian-privacy-law-and-practice-alrc-report-108/44-new-exemptions-or-exceptions/private-investigators/|title=Private investigators|website=ALRC|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-09-13|archive-date=2020-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920103115/https://www.alrc.gov.au/publication/for-your-information-australian-privacy-law-and-practice-alrc-report-108/44-new-exemptions-or-exceptions/private-investigators/|url-status=live}}</ref> Companies offering investigation services must also hold a business licence and all their operatives must hold individual licences. Generally, the licences are administered and regulated by the state police; however, in some states, this can also be managed by other government agencies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sandru|first=Peter|date=2020-06-09|title=How to Become a Private Investigator in Australia|url=https://www.investigativelearning.com/post/how-to-become-a-private-investigator-in-australia|access-date=2021-02-21|website=Novel Data|language=en|archive-date=2021-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413233642/https://www.investigativelearning.com/post/how-to-become-a-private-investigator-in-australia|url-status=live}}</ref> The evidence collected by private investigators must adhere to strict rules of admissibility. If proper protocols are not followed during the investigation services, the evidence may be deemed inadmissible in the court of law.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lyonslaw.com.au/blog/are-private-investigators-legal-in-australia/|title=Are Private Investigators Legal In Australia?|date=August 2023 |publisher=Lyons Law Group|access-date=2023-09-18|archive-date=2023-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929003549/https://lyonslaw.com.au/blog/are-private-investigators-legal-in-australia/|url-status=live}}</ref>

To become registered in New South Wales requires a Class 2E licence, which can be applied for through the NSW Fair Trading website.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/business-essentials/information-for-specific-industries/commercial-agents/commercial-agent-licence|title=Commercial Agent licence - NSW Fair Trading Site|website=www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au|access-date=2023-04-09|archive-date=2023-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408052007/https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/trades-and-businesses/business-essentials/information-for-specific-industries/commercial-agents/commercial-agent-licence|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Australian Capital Territory does not require PIs to be licensed, although they are still bound by legislation. PIs working in the ACT cannot enter the NSW area without a CAPI license, else they will be in breach of the law.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}
In Queensland, a private investigator need to be licensed under the [[Queensland Government]] and apply for a private investigator licence<ref>{{cite web |last1=Queensland |first1=The State of |title=Apply for a private investigator licence {{!}} Security (manpower) licence |url=https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/regulated-industries-licensing-and-legislation/security-industry-regulation/get-a-security-licence/security-manpower-licence/apply-for-a-private-investigator-licence |website=www.qld.gov.au |language=en |access-date=2018-11-27 |archive-date=2018-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127193549/https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/regulated-industries-licensing-and-legislation/security-industry-regulation/get-a-security-licence/security-manpower-licence/apply-for-a-private-investigator-licence |url-status=live }}</ref> by completing an application for a security provider licence. Applicant will need to have a criminal history check and submit fingerprint.

===Canada===
Private investigators in Canada are licensed at the provincial level by the appropriate body. For instance, in the province of [[Ontario]], private investigators are licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services (MCSCS).<ref>{{cite web |date=2016-09-07 |title=Apply for a Licence |url=http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/PSIS/ApplyforaLicence/PSIS_apply.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124093933/http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/PSIS/ApplyforaLicence/PSIS_apply.html |archive-date=2016-11-24 |access-date=2016-12-12 |publisher=Government of Ontario}}</ref> In the province of [[Alberta]], private investigators are licensed and regulated by the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.<ref>{{cite web |title=Private Investigator |url=http://occinfo.alis.alberta.ca/occinfopreview/info/browse-occupations/occupation-profile.html?id=71003126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220125550/http://occinfo.alis.alberta.ca/occinfopreview/info/browse-occupations/occupation-profile.html?id=71003126 |archive-date=2016-12-20 |access-date=2016-12-12 |publisher=Government of Alberta}}</ref> Similar licensing requirements apply in other [[provinces and territories of Canada]]. As per the [[Ontario]] text of the [https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/05p34 Private Security and Investigative Services Act of 2005], private investigators are forbidden from referring to themselves as [[detective]] or [[private detective]]. In order to become a licensed private investigator, you must be 18 years of age or older in [[Ontario]] (in other [[Provinces and territories of Canada]] the eligible age to work may be higher); have a clean criminal record or obtain a waiver; and submit a correctly completed application for a license. You are required to complete 50-hours of basic training with an accredited source such as a university, college, or through private agencies licensed to administer the course. Upon completion of basic training, individuals are required to write and pass the basic test to obtain a private investigator's license

===UK===
In 2001, the Private Security Industry Act empowered the [[Security Industry Authority]] (SIA) to introduce licensing for private investigators in the United Kingdom. Although the SIA regulates various other sectors of the private security industry, the specific licensing framework for private investigators has never been fully implemented, and remains unimplemented as of January 2025. As a result, there is no government-backed licensing scheme for private investigators in the UK.{{cn|date=January 2025}}

The SIA has periodically announced potential dates for when private investigator licensing might take effect, including a proposal for discussion in Parliament in May 2015. However, no formal scheme has emerged. In December 2014, Corporate Livewire published an article by a UK private investigator at BAR Investigations,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Eastham |first1=John |title=Private Investigators |url=https://privateinvestigationsuk.net/ |website=Private Investigations UK |access-date=2023-09-05 |archive-date=2023-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001212114/https://privateinvestigationsuk.net/ |url-status=live }}</ref> discussing the implications of the unimplemented licensing regime and other industry concerns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing-private-investigations.aspx |title=Regulation of Private Investigations |publisher=Sia.homeoffice.gov.uk |access-date=2015-07-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728191851/http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing-private-investigations.aspx |archive-date=2015-07-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.corporatelivewire.com/top-story.html?id=private-investigators-in-the-uk-how-the-role-is-changing |title=Top Stories |publisher=Corporate LiveWire |date=2014-12-17 |access-date=2015-07-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921033137/http://www.corporatelivewire.com/top-story.html?id=private-investigators-in-the-uk-how-the-role-is-changing |archive-date=2015-09-21 }}</ref> The cost of hiring a private investigator in the UK varies according to the complexity of the inquiry and the investigator’s level of experience, with typical daily rates ranging from £200 to £500.

===United States===
Private investigators in the United States may or may not be licensed or registered by a government licensing authority or state police of the state where they are located. Licensing varies from state to state and can range from: a) no state license required; b) city or state business license required (such as in five states ([[Idaho]], [[Alaska]], [[Mississippi]], [[South Dakota]], and [[Wyoming]]); c) to needing several years of experience and licensing-related training classes and testing (as is the case with [[Virginia]], West Virginia,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/PISGLicInfo.aspx|title=Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Information|access-date=2021-01-30|archive-date=2021-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204061548/https://sos.wv.gov/business/Pages/PISGLicInfo.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[California]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pursuitmag.com/resources/investigator-licensing/|title=Private Investigator Licensing Requirements|website=pursuitmag.com|access-date=1 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008213330/http://pursuitmag.com/resources/investigator-licensing/|archive-date=8 October 2017}}</ref> In some states (Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island), work experience can be substituted with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Section 874 IAC 1-2-1 - Experience and education requirements, 874 Ind. Admin. Code 1-2-1 {{!}} Casetext Search + Citator |url=https://casetext.com/regulation/indiana-administrative-code/title-874-private-investigator-and-security-guard-licensing-board/article-1-private-investigator-firms-and-security-guard-agencies/rule-874-iac-1-2-private-investigator-firm-licensing/section-874-iac-1-2-1-experience-and-education-requirements |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=casetext.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Licensing requirements |url=https://www.michigan.gov/en/lara/bureau-list/cscl/licensing/prof/detectives/applicant/licensing-requirements |website=State of Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Rhode Island General Laws :: Title 5 - Businesses and Professions :: Chapter 5-5 - Private Detective Act :: Chapter 5-5-3 - License qualifications. |url=https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/2012/title-5/chapter-5-5/chapter-5-5-3/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Justia Law |language=en}}</ref> In many states, companies offering investigation services must hold an agency license, and all of their investigators or detectives must hold individual licenses or registrations; <ref>{{Cite web |title=How to Become a Private Investigator: Licensing Requirements by State |url=https://pursuitmag.com/resources/investigator-licensing/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Pursuit Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> furthermore, certain states such as [[Washington (state)|Washington]] have separate classes of licensing for roles such as trainers of private investigators, individual private investigators, and private investigative agencies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Get your license: Private investigator certified trainer {{!}} Washington State Department of Licensing |url=https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/private-investigator-trainer/get-your-license-private-investigator-certified-trainer |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Washington State Department of Licensing}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=WAC 308-17-110: |url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-110 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230604074314/https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-110 |archive-date=2023-06-04 |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Washington State Legislature}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=WAC 308-17-100 |url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=308-17-100 |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=Washington State Legislature}}</ref> A few states require character references from people not related to the applicant by blood or marriage (3 in Massachusetts,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Requirements for a private investigator license |url=https://www.mass.gov/info-details/requirements-for-a-private-investigator-license |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240815122739/https://www.mass.gov/info-details/requirements-for-a-private-investigator-license |archive-date=2024-08-15 |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Mass.gov |language=en}}</ref> 5 in Minnesota<ref>{{Cite web |title=Requirements and Procedures for Application |url=https://dps.mn.gov/entity/pdb/Documents/application-requirements-procedures.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729174055/https://dps.mn.gov/entity/pdb/Documents/application-requirements-procedures.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2024-07-29 |website=STATE OF MINNESOTA BOARD OF PRIVATE DETECTIVE AND PROTECTIVE AGENT SERVICES}}</ref>). A few reciprocity agreements allow a US private investigator<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 January 2025 |title=American Private Investigator |url=https://americanprivateinvestigator.com/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=American Private Investigator |language=en-US}}</ref> working in one state to continue work in another for a limited time without getting a separate license, but not all states participate in these agreements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Private Investigator Reciprocity - Bureau of Security and Investigative Services |url=https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/pi_recip.shtml |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Bureau of Security and Investigative Services}}</ref>

In 1887, [[Colorado]] became the first state in the union to institute licensing requirements for private investigators.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Colorado General Assembly |date=1887-01-01 |title=To regulate private detective business in this state. |url=https://scholar.law.colorado.edu/session-laws-1861-1900/1999/ |journal=Session Laws 1861-1900}}</ref> Section 12-21-101 of the 1973 edition of [[Colorado Revised Statutes]] mandated license for "detective business", section 12-21-109 declared unlicensed operation a misdemeanor. However, on February 7, 1977, after [[El Paso County, Colorado|El Paso County]] challenged a local security company Ro'Mar Investigation and Security, Inc.'s right to conduct investigations without a license, the [[Colorado Supreme Court]] deemed the law unconstitutional in People v. Ro'Mar, citing that the statute did not define a "detective business" and the [[Secretary of State of Colorado|Secretary of State]] lacked the ability to define it by rule.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 1977 |title=People v. Ro'Mar |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/colorado/supreme-court/1977/27121.html |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=Justia Law |language=en}}</ref> Following this, several private investigators formed Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC) in order to try to get the licensing laws reinstated, but the bills died in the General Assembly.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Prendergast|first=Alan|date=2006-08-10|title=The Case of the Missing License|url=https://www.westword.com/news/the-case-of-the-missing-license-5090114|access-date=2021-07-06|website=Westword|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190237/https://www.westword.com/news/the-case-of-the-missing-license-5090114|url-status=live}}</ref> Four reviews carried out by the [[Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies]] in 1985, 1987, 2000 and 2006 recommended against state regulation due to the lack to harm to consumers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2011 |title=2011 Sunrise Review: Private Investigators |url=https://ij.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/sunrise/Colorado_2011_PrivateInvestigators.pdf |website=Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies}}</ref> On June 10, 2011, [[Governor of Colorado|Governor]] [[John Hickenlooper]] signed into law Colorado House Bill 1195, which reinstated licenses for private investigators on voluntary basis effective July 1, 2012. A license applicant would have to be of 21 years of age or older, hold United States citizenship and have at least 4,000 hours of work experience as an investigator or part of a local, state or federal law enforcement agency; or 2,000 hours with post-secondary education.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Colorado HB1195 {{!}} 2011 {{!}} Regular Session|url=https://legiscan.com/CO/text/HB1195/id/294747|access-date=2021-07-06|website=LegiScan|language=en|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183051/https://legiscan.com/CO/text/HB1195/id/294747|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 6, 2014, Hickenlooper signed into law Senate Bill 133, which effective June 1, 2015, made licensure mandatory. This split the licenses into two categories: Class I, requiring the applicant to be 21 years of age or older, hold United States citizenship and pass the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam. Class II requires in addition to Class I requirements a minimum of 4,000 hours of work experience as an investigator or part of a local, state or federal law enforcement agency.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Colorado SB133 {{!}} 2014 {{!}} Regular Session|url=https://legiscan.com/CO/text/SB133/id/1021788|access-date=2021-07-06|website=LegiScan|language=en|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184314/https://legiscan.com/CO/text/SB133/id/1021788|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, following a review, the [[Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies]]' Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform suggested licensure requirement elimination, predicting "little to no consumer harm".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Karlik|first=Michael|title=DORA recommends repeal, continuation of 27 regulations|url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/quick-hits/dora-recommends-repeal-continuation-of-27-regulations/article_68bc4faa-f40b-11e9-9fe0-970c24770a06.html|access-date=2021-07-06|website=Colorado Politics|date=21 October 2019 |language=en|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183624/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/quick-hits/dora-recommends-repeal-continuation-of-27-regulations/article_68bc4faa-f40b-11e9-9fe0-970c24770a06.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, Governor [[Jared Polis]] vetoed House Bill 1207 to keep licensure requirements, causing the licensure requirements to expire on August 31, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Colorado HB1207 {{!}} 2020 {{!}} Regular Session|url=https://legiscan.com/CO/bill/HB1207/2020|access-date=2021-07-06|website=LegiScan|language=en|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185530/https://legiscan.com/CO/bill/HB1207/2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Florida has 3 types of licenses: Class CC for private investigator intern, C for private investigator, and MA for manager of a private investigative agency. As Class C license requires at least two years of experience, most applicants start with Class CC, which allows them to work under a sponsorship of a licensed Class C investigator.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Private Investigation Licenses / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services|url=https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Investigation-Licenses|access-date=2020-12-02|website=www.fdacs.gov|archive-date=2020-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212103555/https://www.fdacs.gov/Business-Services/Private-Investigation-Licenses|url-status=live}}</ref>

For a Private Investigator License in New York, an investigator needs three years of verifiable experience, and to pass a NY State Department of State Division of licensing Services exam.

In 1893 [[Anti-Pinkerton Act|a federal law]] was passed explicitly barring the government from employing the Pinkerton Detective Agency or a similar agency.

=== Vietnam ===
Current Vietnamese law stipulates that investigation is the authority of state agencies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xâm phạm hoạt động tư pháp và thẩm quyền điều tra các hành vi xâm phạm |url=https://dangcongsan.vn/ban-doc/hoi-dap/xam-pham-hoat-dong-tu-phap-va-tham-quyen-dieu-tra-cac-hanh-vi-xam-pham-575213.html |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=dangcongsan.vn |language=vi}}</ref> According to the Investment Law and Decrees 108/2006/NĐ-CP and 52/2008/NĐ-CP, businesses providing security services are not allowed to conduct investigations or private detective activities in any form. However, due to social demand, private detective offices have rapidly developed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-04-11 |title=Thám tử tư, mở hay trói? |url=https://tienphong.vn/tham-tu-tu-mo-hay-troi-post157744.tpo |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Báo điện tử Tiền Phong |language=vi}}</ref>

Recently, private detective services have grown significantly, primarily in the form of information provision. Common services in Vietnam include information investigation, address finding, surveillance, phone number tracking, information verification, missing person searches, DNA testing, and counterfeit goods investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Understanding the Cost of Hiring Private Investigators in Hanoi: Influencing Factors and Calculation Methods |url=https://sotaydangvien.thainguyen.gov.vn/upload/2005699/20230329/chiphithuethamtutaihanoi_bc71c.pdf |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=sotaydangvien.thainguyen.gov.vn |language=vi}}</ref> The cost of hiring a private investigator is around one million VND per day.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Bỏ hàng chục triệu đồng thuê thám tử theo dõi vợ ngoại tình |url=https://www.baogiaothong.vn/bo-hang-chuc-trieu-dong-thue-tham-tu-theo-doi-vo-ngoai-tinh-192269127.htm |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Báo Giao thông |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Nở rộ dịch vụ thám tử tư |url=https://vnexpress.net/no-ro-dich-vu-tham-tu-tu-2173451.html |access-date=2024-09-08 |website= |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=Dịch vụ thám tử hà nội |url=https://thamtututhanglong.vn/dich-vu-tham-tu-ha-noi/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |website= |language=en}}</ref> For cases involving infidelity surveillance or searching for missing children, clients may pay tens of millions of VND per contract. Additionally, some internet service providers have shown signs of participating in this service.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2010-08-31 |title=Nhà mạng làm... thám tử tư |url=https://tuoitre.vn/nha-mang-lam-tham-tu-tu-398145.htm |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=TUOI TRE ONLINE |language=vi}}</ref> In general, [[Vietnam]] needs a clear legal framework for the private detective profession. In reality, many private detectives operate illegally, leading to calls for proper regulation of this profession.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Thám tử tư thời 4.0: Khung pháp lý nào cho hoạt động thám tử tư? |url=https://cand.com.vn/Phong-su/Tham-tu-tu-thoi-4-0-Khung-phap-ly-nao-cho-hoat-dong-tham-tu-tu-i511737/ |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Báo Công an Nhân dân điện tử |language=vi}}</ref>