Detective activity is a vital part of the legal order, covering the investigation of crimes, the gathering of evidence and the protection of clients’ interests. As society and the state have developed, the need for professionals able to resolve legal disputes and solve crimes has become obvious. This activity includes both state and private investigations, which play a key role in maintaining law and order. In matters of law enforcement and security, the world’s leading countries increasingly rely not only on state agencies but also on private investigation bureaus and security agencies, which are engaged in investigative work and in studying various aspects of combating offences. The private sector is merging ever more actively with law enforcement. In a number of cases this is explained by special services and police officers lacking the training to handle certain specific tasks at the proper professional level. This article examines the history of detective activity, international experience and the importance of the work of Gabrielyan & Partners Detective Bureau in Armenia’s law enforcement system.
1. The history of detective activity
Detective work as a professional field emerged in the 19th century, when societies began to recognise the need for independent investigation of crimes. Before then, investigations were the prerogative of the state, and law enforcement bodies were responsible not only for solving crimes but also for keeping order in society.
Ancient and medieval methods of investigation. In ancient times crimes were investigated using judicial methods such as torture and interrogation, as well as witness testimony. Medieval societies relied on their customs and law, where facts were often tested not by scientific methods but through religious practices or the instructions of local authorities.
The 19th century. With the rise of large cities and growing crime came the need for specialised investigations. The first private investigator was Eugène-François Vidocq, who opened his own investigation bureau in Paris in 1833 and thereby permanently changed the way government and private investigations are conducted to this day. The first private detective agency in the USA, founded in 1850, was the Allan Pinkerton Agency. It pioneered private investigation, creating a system of surveillance and covert inquiries. The agency also played a key role in law enforcement by protecting business interests. The Pinkerton Agency has now been operating for 150 years.
The 20th century. In the 20th century detective work became more organised and scientifically grounded. New forensic methods such as fingerprinting and forensic examination greatly increased the accuracy of investigations. In the Soviet Union, and later in the post-Soviet states, special state bodies were created to conduct investigations, while private detectives worked within narrower limits.
2. International experience of detective activity
Detective work is approached and regulated differently in different countries, depending on legal traditions and cultural specifics. Let us look at how private detectives operate in several countries.
USA. In the USA, the registration of private investigation firms falls under state jurisdiction. Thirty-five states have laws dealing directly with private investigation bureaus. The main condition for their activity is registration and licensing by executive bodies of the state specifically designated by law, or their official representatives. US citizenship is a mandatory requirement in 16 states. In 22 states, registration as a detective requires a character reference or letter of recommendation. A licence is usually issued for one to two years. The main areas of work are investigating financial crimes, protecting intellectual property and gathering evidence for court proceedings. In the USA, private detectives play an important role in investigations involving both individuals and businesses. Agencies such as Pinkerton remain popular. Detectives have broad powers, but their activities are strictly regulated by state laws.
American legislation uses two similar terms: “private detective” and “private investigator”. In most cases they are interchangeable, but in some states there are real differences. For example, New Jersey’s Private Detective Act effectively gives them different meanings. Under this law, a private detective is a person who has obtained a private detective licence. The owner of a licensed detective agency may hire assistants, whom the licensing authority classifies as private investigators.
The range of services private detectives may provide in the USA is quite diverse. New Jersey’s Private Detective Act lists the following:
- investigating crimes and other offences;
- searching for missing persons;
- gathering information about a person (habits, reputation, conduct, character, etc.);
- checking the credibility of witnesses or other persons;
- locating lost or stolen property;
- establishing the circumstances of fires, accidents, damage, injuries or losses to persons, firms, associations and corporations, or to movable or immovable property, and identifying those responsible;
- determining whether a person, firm or corporation belongs to any organisation, society or association;
- securing evidence in criminal or civil cases.
An analysis of the services offered by various detective agencies shows that firms often specialise in a particular type of service. For example, many companies check insurance claims for possible fraud. Some firms specialise in monitoring compliance with wage obligations. Today, large investigation agencies dominate the private investigation sector, and private investigation has become one of the most powerful commercial industries in the USA.
United Kingdom. In the UK there are no statutory provisions or government regulations requiring private detectives to register. Detectives work in accordance with the rules on personal data protection and privacy. They cannot conduct official investigations but actively help gather evidence for private cases, including family disputes and corporate investigations. The licensing system for private detectives promotes a high level of professionalism. A large number of private investigation agencies currently operate in the UK, serving both individuals and industrial companies. The largest include Argen, Kroll Associates, Control Risks, Derby Associates – Security Consultants, Private and Commercial Investigations, and Nationwide. In recent years, the criminal investigation work handled by private agents in the UK has focused primarily on crimes involving computer systems. The most promising areas for private investigation agencies in the UK include securing office and private premises, detecting listening devices, and personal protection of clients, including foreign nationals.
France. In France, private investigation bureaus are regulated by Law No. 891 of 28 September 1942. Former French police officers may own private detective bureaus only with the written permission of the Minister of the Interior. Under Law No. 80-1058 of 23 December 1980, any breach of the above provisions of Law No. 891 “is punishable by imprisonment of one to three years and a fine”. The same penalty applies to the head of a bureau who uses private agents who do not meet the legal requirements. In France, detectives handle investigations related to corporate matters and family issues, and identify breaches of contractual obligations. French detectives have no right to detain suspects; they help clients gather information and prepare evidence.
Japan. In Japan, private detectives conduct investigations related to corporate security, fraud and cybercrime. Japan’s 1934 Law No. 214 on Private Security Business sets the following requirements for private detective and security work:
- the candidate must have special training;
- written permission to carry out private security and detective activity;
- no criminal record.
Their activities are governed by strict laws, and they work closely with law enforcement. However, Japanese detectives have no power to detain suspects.
Canada. In Canada, private investigation bureaus are regulated by special acts forming part of provincial legislation. Each province drafts and adopts its own acts, based on local conditions, setting out the terms for establishing and running private bureaus. A common and mandatory element of all these acts is the procedure for registering and obtaining permission for private investigation in the province. In Ontario, for example, the main areas of private investigation agencies’ work include combating shoplifting, conducting investigations, external surveillance, fighting fraud, CCTV and video surveillance, and installing and servicing electronic security alarm systems. Canadian private investigation bureaus provide their services to clients on a confidential basis.
Germany. In Germany, a private investigation bureau must be registered as a “trade establishment”, since it “pursues the aim of earning money”, and must comply with all legal provisions and regulations applying to such establishments. The founder is not required to have special education or relevant work experience.
Italy. In Italy, the new Code of Criminal Procedure introduced in 1989 effectively legalised private investigation bureaus, making them full participants in court proceedings who may advise and assist the defence in gathering evidence for the accused. Even so, private detectives themselves consider their position ambiguous, since Italy still has no law regulating private investigation bureaus (the Italian parliament has already rejected 28 bills). As a result, many investigation bureaus in Italy operate without any sanction or permit; by some estimates there are as many as 5,000 of them.
Russia. In Russia, private detective activity is regulated by the Law on Private Detective and Security Activity. Private detectives handle criminal case investigations, corporate investigations and family matters. Unlike in many other countries, Russian private detectives cover a wide range of activities, from employee screening to investigating financial crimes. However, their powers are limited, and they cannot officially take part in criminal cases without the involvement of law enforcement.
3. Gabrielyan & Partners Detective Bureau: its importance and significance for Armenia
Detective activity in Armenia began to develop relatively recently, and one of the main achievements in this field has been the opening of Gabrielyan & Partners Detective Bureau. It is the first and currently the only detective agency offering a wide range of services in private investigation, security and the protection of the interests of citizens and businesses. Since its founding, the bureau has played a key role in changing perceptions of private detective work in Armenia.
Founding and goals. The bureau was founded to provide high-quality investigations, protect the rights of individuals and organisations, and improve the system of law and order in Armenia. Its main goal is to provide clients with professional services in investigating various offences, from family matters to corporate disputes.
Main areas of activity. The bureau’s key areas of work include private investigations in criminal cases, fraud protection, gathering information for court proceedings and investigations related to corporate security. The bureau is active in cybersecurity, which is becoming especially relevant amid digitalisation and the growth of online crime.
Significance for society and the economy. In the Armenian legal system, where private investigations previously received little attention, Gabrielyan & Partners has become an important element that ensures high-quality investigations and draws attention to the need to develop private security. It helps build trust in private detectives and broadens the country’s legal culture.
Legal significance and development of the profession. The detective bureau works actively with human rights defenders, lawyers and law enforcement, helping to shape a sound legal framework for private investigations in Armenia. The bureau also supports the professional development of private detectives, which raises the level of trust in the profession in the country.
4. The importance of detective activity in the modern world
Detective activity plays an important role in the modern world, especially amid globalisation, rising crime and technological development. The importance of the profession lies in its ability to protect the interests of citizens and businesses, detect and prevent crimes, and ensure justice.
Cyber threats and technology. Amid digital transformation and growing cyber threats, detectives play a key role in investigating online crime, protecting data and preventing financial violations. Modern detectives use the latest technologies to gather information and analyse data.
Corporate security. With globalisation and the expansion of international business networks, the need to protect corporate interests is growing, which requires engaging private detectives to investigate financial crimes and information leaks and to protect intellectual property.
Role in law and order. Private detectives are becoming important partners of law enforcement, providing information and support in solving crimes. In today’s world, investigations often extend beyond a single jurisdiction, requiring detectives to cooperate internationally.
Gabrielyan & Partners Detective Bureau in Armenia is a striking example of how private detective work can be effectively integrated into a country’s legal system. It helps shape professional standards and build trust in private investigations, improving legal culture and strengthening justice. Amid globalisation and rising crime, the importance of detective work — gathering evidence and protecting citizens’ rights — will only grow.
Private detectives are thus becoming an integral part of the system of law and order, playing a key role in ensuring security and justice in modern society.
Author: Vrezh Haykovich Gabrielyan
Junior detective, Gabrielyan & Partners Detective Bureau
Yerevan, 2024
Read at the source (in Russian): “Gabrielyan & Partners” — Vecher