Australian Private Investigators and Privacy

Privateinvestigators perform a whole range of assignments on behalf of their clients and, as with any other citizen in Australia, must do so within the boundaries of the law. The assignments range from investigating insurance fraud and tracing debtors, to finding missing relatives and helping people with family disputes. Very often these investigations will require the client to obtain information such as records of conversations, addresses, and other personal details but there are strict guidelines on how a private detective can go about doing this.

General Information Protection

Australia has strict laws to protect personal information. The Privacy Act controls the revelation of personal information, unless specific exclusions apply. An organisation or a company cannot release personal information to a private investigator without a valid reason. The Act does specify a number of occasions when these exemptions apply, but even then the organisation can make a judgement on whether it feels the release of the information is appropriate for the situation. The end result is that an investigator has no right to demand information without a court order – it is up to the provider pf the information to make the assessment at that time.

There are times, however, when it is considered appropriate to release information. These would be occasions when disclosure falls within what are known as good information handling ideologies. The ideologies allow for the information to be given out if it is lawful and far, and not incompatible with the reasons that the information was collected for originally. e.g. if someone had been left money in a will, but their last known address was in Sydney and they had relocated, it would be considered reasonable for an employer to pass on their new address details as it is undoubtedly in the interests of that person for them to do so.

The directorial principle is that the individuals should be informed if it is being considered to release their information. The only time this principle could be ignored is if to do so might prejudice an investigation into something like insurance fraud. In these cases it is likely that legal endorsement has already been given due to the criminal nature of the investigation.

So the disclosure of information to private investigators without the knowledge of the person concerned is unlikely to occur unless there are very specific reasons that the law allows for. This does not stop certain private detectives from trying their luck and asking for the information when they are well aware that it should not be forthcoming in an attempt to make their own jobs easier, but the people providing the information should be aware that both they and the investigator may be breaking the privacy laws. The basic consideration is that in the absence of a court order, it is wise to seek advice before releasing any personal information. Lipstick Investigations will always work within the law, and make sure any information we gather is from legal sources – it is no good to a client if it has been obtained illegally.

If you have any questions about information access, email us at any time at enquiries@lipstickinvestigations.com.au and we can discuss your requirements free of charge.

Investigator Rates

Investigator rates vary as much as the assignments we take on. Most are charged by the hour, with the hourly rate changing by the expertise required.  Some assignments though are charged for the actual search, or inquiry …… in the paragraphs below we attempt to give you an idea of how charges can work.

Australian privacy laws are quite strict, and much of the information we collect nowadays is by using surveillance. This means we have an agent (or more) in the field gathering information by observation. It might involve following a business associate, partner, or employee to see what they may be getting up to. This is charged in a very straightforward manner – by the hour.  Most PI firms will charge an hourly rate PLUS gst PLUS mileage PLUS travel time to and from the job PLUS video PLUS pictures PLUS report. This is where Lipstick Investigations is different – our hourly rate might be slightly higher than some other companies but we are ALL INCLUSIVE on the above costs. We just charge you a flat rate per hour with everything else included (some exceptions apply from site to site). There are no nasty surprises at the end of the job.

A ‘person location’ job is charged differently. This is very difficult to charge by the hour unless we are out of the office carrying out field inquiries, so we tend to just charge you a flat fee of $400 to commence a location job, and an additional $400 becomes payable when we get the result. If we don’t get the result then you have only spent the minimum. We have heard of some companies that charge $250 to find someone….. and we find this amazing! How hard can they be working for just $250??? We know that at that price they can’t afford to check a number of databases that we belong to, it just isn’t possible. So whilst you haven’t spent much, you are also a lot less likely to get the result you need.  Please also be aware that these rates are a guideline and we really do need to hear your individual circumstances before being able to commit to this, but 80% of our ‘locates’ are done in this fashion.

Background and asset checks can be difficult to quote. Typically though a background check rate starts at around $1000, and an asset check rate at around $500 depending on the levels required, but once again we really do need to assess your needs and expectations before proceeding.

And then there is a big area of investigation that we like to label ‘Everything Else’. Private investigation in Australia is such a small industry, but encompasses so many different things. Some people come to us for one small piece of information, and others need everything. Send us an inquiry if you have any queries.

What you have to remember is that investigations aren’t always straightforward, and we don’t always know where we will be able to pick up the evidence from, or how long it will take to get it. This is by nature the definition of INVESTIGATION - we don’t have the answers in front of us waiting for a client to call, we have to go and INVESTIGATE once we have a brief of the requirements.

Give us a call on 1300LIPSTICK or email us at enquiries@lipstickinvestigations.com.au for a free discussion of your circumstances, and then we can confirm the investigator rates. 

Organising Your Surveillance Investigation

Selecting a private investigator for video surveillance purposes is no easy task. Regardless of where you are, the investigator you hire can have lasting effects on your particular case. Choosing the wrong private investigator for video surveillance based on the price alone may expose you to scrutiny by your partner, your business associate or legal representative, targeting the competence of the hired investigators.

To avoid these pitfalls and more we have put together 4 questions we recommend asking any investigator that you are considering hiring for video surveillance.

1. Ask For A Copy of Their State Issued Private Investigators License

Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Ensure that they are licensed in the State in which you intend to hire them. Don't be afraid to confirm with the State that the investigation firm you are looking to hire is in good standing and have the correct licensing. Most states have the ability to check the registration of the business online, as long as you have the licence number. It is a legal requirement for any investigation firm or sole operator to list their licence number on their website. Before contacting them check the validity of the licence with the relevant authorities.

2. Ask If the Private Investigators Surveillance Videos Have a Date & Time Stamp

Make sure that your investigator's videos are authenticated with a date and time stamp on every scene. If there is no date and time stamp the video is less likely to be admitted as evidence into court, and will be of no value to you. It amazes me how often I still see videos with no date or time stamp on them. Current digital technology with time and date stamps can be tricky so make sure you get what you are paying for.

3. Ask The Private Investigator You Are Hiring What Type Of Plan They Would Implement For Your Specific Surveillance Scenario.

Present the facts of your case to the private investigator and ask for a surveillance strategy. Every surveillance job is different, and your potential video surveillance expert should have no problem sharing their ideas with you about they plan to achieve surveillance success on your behalf. An investigator specializing in video surveillance should have good rationale in their approach to your case. The strategy should be logical and based on the facts of the case resulting in an efficient and effective plan to achieve the desired objectives. For an experienced investigator this should be quite straightforward.

4. Ask How Much Your Private Investigator Charges - Be Wary Of the Cheapest Price

You know the old adage - you get what you pay for.

The two investigator formula is a formula for success. After obtaining video the next most important thing is avoiding being caught out by the subject. Years of experience in the field often correlate to an increase in the price of surveillance. It is worth the extra money to assure that you are hiring a veteran investigator(s) that knows how to avoid being detected. A private detective is not invisible and relies on experience and common sense to blend in with his surroundings, and not take chances that would risk blowing open a discreet investigation.

Once the surveillance is comprised and a subject is aware they have been followed by an investigator you can never follow that person again without them looking over their shoulder limiting all future success. Two private investigators covering every possible exit, mode of transportation and the ability to follow long, short or quick and frequent stops is the best strategy for conducting video surveillance undetected, allowing for multiple attempts and increasing your chance for success.

Going with the cheapest price in the beginning may end up costing you twice as much in the end.

Please feel free to call us at anytime on 1300LIPSTICK for a confidential chat about your precise requirements. Or you can send us an email at enquiries@lipstickinvestigations.com.au - we assure you this will be answered within hours

What is the cost of a private investigator?

How much does a private investigator cost? Well, that is an excellent question. Private investigation in Australia is a fairly small industry sector, although it is still a competitive one. There are a number of small operators giving the impression that they are larger than they actually are, and a few unscrupulous operators as well. All private detectives are required to be licensed in their states of operation and this can confirmed with a simple check of the licensing authority in the state of operation.

So what is the cost ??…….. There are a variety of diverse services we offer and each product can vary in cost depending on the amount of hours, and expertise required. And to make things more unknown, most investigations don’t come with a fixed charge because we don’t know how long it will take to get the answers required……. think about it logically – it makes total sense. This is especially true for relationship investigations.

For example, nearly all spousal and relationship investigations today are solved by carrying out visual surveillance (following the subject) because this is one of the few legal directions we now have. Surveillance is charged at an hourly rate – not ‘per investigation’. It is a time based exercise until the results come your way, although some customers do have a precise timeframe that they need a private detective so they can work out what it will cost. For example at this time of year we are often called to investigate work Christmas parties because the client was not invited. So the client will often know the exact venue and times they want the partner watched – they can pretty much lock in the cost because it is a one-off event and they will know the hours required.

Surveillance is charged at an hourly rate of $95 per operative used on the job. Some investigations need two and even more operatives and the costs rise consequently. It can be difficult to calculate the typical outlay for a surveillance assignment but we would advise that somewhere in the vicinity of $1500 and $3000 would be quite standard. Many assignments come in at a lesser charge, and some can go way over this average as well. We have solved problems for as little as $380, and some customers have spent well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Occasionally there may be another way to solve a relationship problem including background checks, general database inquiries, computer and mobile phone forensics. In these situations we really have to discuss circumstances of the issue and then we can work out how much it may cost to investigate these alternate directions. You may be pleasantly surprised that many matters may be cheaper than you would have imagined. Call us at any time and we are only too happy to advise further. That’s what we are here for.

Should you wish to contact us here at LipstickInvestigations in Sydney or Brisbane, Gold Coast or Tweed, please feel free to call us on 1300LIPSTICK, mobile on 0411 853 111 or email us directly at enquiries@lipstickinvestigations.com.au

Private Investigators and Relationships

Employing the services of a Sydney private investigator isn’t an easy decision; it is often a last resort. Whether trying to catch an unfaithful partner or look into the history of a potential business associate, it takes a great deal of thoughtfulness and professionalism to deal with such cases and the client places an enormous amount of trust in the private investigator. These frequently asked questions should offer readers with a comprehension of some of the issues that have to be considered very carefully before trying to catch a cheating spouse.

Is it ethical?

This is one of the most common anxieties when thinking about hiring a private investigator, especially when attempting to catch a cheater. If a secret affair could be described as two-faced and deceiving, then how would we describe the act of secretly employing an investigator to watch their every move?

Unfortunately, cases in which initial suspicions prove true account for the majority of matrimonial investigations, well over 80%  In these cases, there is hardly a moral case to argue as the suspicions of the client were proven true. Often, the suspecting spouse has given the cheating partner every chance to admit their affair, choosing only to turn to the help of a private investigator when the sequence of suspicion and lies continues again and again. But that doesn’t make the decision to hire a private investigator any easier – it is one of the hardest things you will ever do.

In cases when activities can be explained innocently, the moral and ethical case can seem less clear. But finding out that initial suspicions are incorrect can also bring long lasting peace of mind. In these cases the questioning party may choose to tell their partner which aspects of behaviour caused the suspicion in the first place, prompting them to change their ways and help re-establish trust within the relationship.

What steps can I take before hiring a licensed private detective?

If you are reading this article, it would seem that you already have strong suspicions that your partner is having an affair and feel that hiring a private investigator might offer a solution. But how can you be sure that you've taken every step to offer your cheating partner to admit infidelity? Confronting your partner may be enough to either confirm or allay your concerns. However, if you still have doubts, it’s time to call in the experts. The  other side of this point is that if you confront your partner before investigating the issue, then they have just be made aware that you are suspicious in the first place and this may encumber a surveillance investigation further down the track.

What if my spouse finds out I had them observed?

When attempting to catch a cheating partner it is most important to select the best private investigator for the job. An experienced private investigator will have all the necessary skill and know-how to carry out surveillance efficiently and discretely without compromising the client. Choosing the right private investigator is one of the most important factors that will determine the results achieved.

Do I really want to know the truth?

You already know the answer to that question. Finding out the truth can be one of the most overwhelming and painful moments that life can throw at you. For some relationships the damage is irreversible but others learn to work through their issues, emerging from the ordeal stronger and with a renewed sense of promise.

Should you wish to contact us here at Lipstick Investigations in Sydney or in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, please call us on 1300LIPSTICK or email us directly at enquiries@lipstickinvestigations.com.au

Hiring a private investigator in Sydney or the Gold Coast

Hiring a private investigator in Sydney or the Gold Coast? Private investigators sometimes get a bad rap in the movies but in real life, they can help you with a number of investigative issues from locating missing persons to making discreet inquiries about potential significant others. In Australia many investigations are solved by using surveillance techniques. As licensed professionals we often investigate a number of issues that the police normally do not undertake. There are several reasons why you should not carry out private detective matters on your own.

Do You Know the Law?

Do you know what you can and cannot do legally when it comes to do an investigation by yourself? Unless you know your Australian law (and even that varies from state to state), a trained expert should be employed to conduct the investigation for you. Licensed private investigators will know and understand the law as well as the best legal way to collect evidence that will assist in a court of law should the circumstances call for it. Because you will not know or understand the many points of the law, you could potentially gather information or evidence illegally or unintentionally contaminate it – negating it’s use, and landing yourself in legal distress.

Training and Experience

The average person will not have the experience necessary to carry out an investigation. Hiring a professional makes sense because private detectives are more likely to identify reality when questioning people, as well as know when they are following false leads. They can handle themselves in a variety of situations and have the general experience to take an investigation from beginning to end. Investigators in Australia need to be licensed in their respective states and all those holding a licence will have training qualifications under the national training framework guidelines

Skills and Technology

Investigative work is a special ability that takes a lot of study, training and perseverance. They understand the legalities of tracking and listening devices, how to conduct surveillance properly whether it is following a vehicle or positioning themselves at a certain location without being observed.

Technology is a large part of investigations these days so an investigator will know which internet resources to look at, what databases to search through and even trace emails. Private investigators have access and know how to use a variety of surveillance equipment that can help their cases as well. Remember that Australian privacy laws are very strict and surveillance is one of the few avenues we have of gaining results.

Other reasons why you should not conduct an investigation on your own include the possible danger. You do not have the experience to stay safe or identify hazardous situations. Plus, investigations can take time and sometimes it is tedious work. Can you take the time out and devote yourself to your case? Chances are you have to work, go to school or raise a family, leaving very little time for the investigation. Take the safe and smartest route and look to professional private investigators to get the results for you.

Lipstick Investigations have been in business for 15 years and have offices in Sydney and on the Gold Coast, also covering Brisbane. We also have trusted agencies right around the Australia. Phone us on 1300LIPSTICK or 0411 853 111,  or email your inquiry to enquiries@lipstickinvestigations.com.au

Infidelity and the Sydney Investigator

Relationships are getting increasingly complicated and involved. The number of infidelity and adultery cases is increasing and using a private investigator in Sydney is the safest way to gather evidence. We tend to suspect our spouses even with small changes in behaviour such as extra care with their appearance or when they start coming home late – or the big one nowadays – being protective of their mobile phone. This is a delicate issue, yet serious complications are involved here. There may or may not be an affair. Regardless of your suspicion being true or false, clashes are bound to exist if you do not confront your spouse with proper evidence. Again and again we know clients who have accused their partner of infidelity, only to be told they are crazy. If they had the proof first, then they would have the upper hand in settlement negotiations.

However confused and troubled you are by your spouse's suspected affair, it is important that you have patience and handle the problem in a proper way. First, you need to be sure that your suspicion is true. Although there are many "Catch a cheater" and "surveillance technology" devices available online, they can be illegal and you don't want to land into trouble by using them. Australian privacy laws are among the strictest in the world. There are chances that the device gives you wrong results which can cause serious trouble in your relationship. Instead, you can hire a licensed Sydney private investigator who will understand the specific details of your case and plan an investigation accordingly. When emotions and lives of two people are involved, its best to use a human to investigate the affair instead of using machines.

Our private investigators are experienced in handling many cases like yours and can professionally guide you in finding out whether your spouse is cheating on you or not. Once this is done, you also get the required evidence you need to confront your spouse about the adultery. The private detective may also advise you in confronting your spouse and on possible actions you could take in order to move ahead in your life.

In an emotionally draining phase such as having a cheating spouse, the investigator can be a pillar of support guiding you in taking the right steps in dealing with the matter.

LipstickInvestigations is Australia’s foremost agency in relationship and family law matters. If you have any questions, just call us on 1300 LIPSTICK or email us at enquiries@lipstickinvestigations.com.au

Australian Private Investigators - Using Surveillance to Catch your Partner

Undetected surveillance is an art professed by privateinvestigators and law enforcement groups throughout Australia. Surveillance is a commonly used tool by Private Investigators across Sydney, NSW, Brisbane,Gold Coast and QLD which has many forms to facilitate an ongoing investigation. It can be a very effective tool for a private investigator and their clients if done after proper training and hands-on experience in the field. All of Lipstick Investigations staff are fully licensed after completing government nominated training standards equal to or greater than Certificate III in Investigative Services under the Australian National Training Authority framework.

First of all, the meaning of surveillance should be understood. It can be defined as close observation of a person or group, especially one under suspicion. There are numerous reasons why private investigators do surveillance in an investigation, but the most important reason is to learn how, who, where and when a subject will act – and to catch them during that act for evidentiary purposes. This is especially important when trying to gain proof of affairs or infidelity within relationships.

The investigator needs to plan on the way surveillance will be conducted. Whether it would be conducted on foot, by car, using static surveillance cameras or by just following the suspect using a combination of methods. Also the feasibility of surveillance in traffic, at home, at the office or even out in the Australian countryside should be considered. All these and many more factors must be determined before surveillance can even be initiated. The private investigators would normally already have the target identified with information supplied by their client. They only need to decide on the starting location of the target, and where he or she needs to be observed. Another very important factor when it comes to surveillance is the timing of the surveillance. Mostly the private investigators are left with no option about the timing as they have to act as per the routine of the suspect.

There are many private investigators providing excellent surveillance services, but of course some are better than others. Lipstick Investigations with offices in Sydney and on the Gold Coast in south-eastern Queensland is one of the most reputed private detective firms in Australia. Licensed since 1998, Lipstick Investigations performs surveillance using the most advanced and sophisticated equipment, such as surveillance vehicles, digital / video cameras, and sophisticated communications equipment. The surveillance operatives have an assortment of vehicles fit for every situation. Lipstick Investigations has a very high public profile including regular appearances on television, radio and print media. For more information visit us at www.lipstickinvestigations.com.au