5 Things A Licensed Private Investigator Cannot Do In Singapore

Understand the Legal Boundaries of a Singapore Private Investigator

Hiring a licensed Private Investigator in Singapore can be incredibly beneficial when you're seeking the truth in personal, legal, or corporate matters. These professionals are trained to uncover facts, conduct surveillance, and gather evidence—all while adhering strictly to Singapore’s legal framework.

However, it's just as important to understand what a Private Investigator cannot legally do in Singapore. Knowing these limitations helps manage your expectations and ensures that your investigation is conducted lawfully and ethically.

In this article, we explore five important restrictions that all Singapore Private Investigators must follow.

1. ❌ No Invasion of Privacy

A Private Investigator in Singapore is strictly prohibited from violating an individual's right to privacy. This includes:

Illegally entering someone's home or private space
Installing hidden cameras or listening devices without consent
Using GPS trackers on vehicles without authorization

Even if you suspect your partner or employee of wrongdoing, a licensed Singapore Private Investigator cannot break the law to gather evidence. All surveillance must be conducted from public spaces or areas where there is no expectation of privacy.

2. 🚷 No Trespassing on Private Property

Another clear boundary is trespassing. Private Investigators in Singapore are not allowed to:

Enter homes, offices, or private land without permission
Climb fences, unlock doors, or force entry
Bypass security systems or restricted areas

Licensed investigators must rely on legal methods such as surveillance from public areas or obtaining access with proper authorization. Trespassing is a criminal offense and can jeopardize both the case and the investigator’s license.

3. 💻 No Hacking or Unauthorized Digital Access

A Singapore Private Investigator must never engage in illegal cyber activities, such as:

Hacking into personal email accounts, phones, or computers
Accessing social media profiles or private messages without consent
Bypassing passwords or digital security systems

All digital investigations must comply with the Computer Misuse Act and Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in Singapore. Ethical investigators use digital forensics tools within legal limits to uncover publicly available or consent-based data only.

4. 👮 No Impersonation or Deception

Licensed Private Investigators cannot impersonate:

Police officers or government officials
Lawyers, journalists, or corporate employees
Friends or family members of the subject under investigation

Pretending to be someone else to gain access to sensitive information is strictly illegal. A professional Private Investigator in Singapore must identify themselves truthfully and cannot use deception that crosses legal boundaries.

5. 📝 No Evidence Tampering

All evidence collected during an investigation must remain authentic and untampered. A Singapore Private Investigator is legally prohibited from:

Altering digital files, documents, or timestamps
Destroying or hiding relevant information
Coaching witnesses or fabricating reports

Evidence integrity is crucial, especially when used in court proceedings. Tampered evidence can not only invalidate your case but also lead to legal consequences for both the investigator and the client.

✅ Why Hire a Licensed Private Investigator in Singapore?

While these limitations may seem restrictive, they actually serve to protect you. Hiring a licensed and ethical Private Investigator in Singapore ensures your investigation:

🛡️ Stays Within the Law

Licensed investigators understand the legal landscape and operate within strict regulatory guidelines, ensuring that any evidence collected is admissible in legal proceedings.

🎓 Is Conducted by Professionals

Experienced Singapore Private Investigators have extensive training, field knowledge, and access to legitimate tools and databases that are not available to the general public.

🤝 Is Handled with Integrity and Discretion

Reputable investigators maintain complete confidentiality and conduct themselves professionally, particularly in sensitive cases such as matrimonial investigations, corporate espionage, or fraud detection.

❓ Is It Legal to Hire a Private Investigator in Singapore?

Yes, it is completely legal to hire a Private Investigator in Singapore, as long as they are licensed by the Singapore Police Force's PLRD (Police Licensing & Regulatory Department). Engaging a licensed investigator ensures that your case is handled legally, ethically, and professionally.

👨‍💼 Work With a Trusted Private Investigator in Singapore

Understanding the limitations of a Singapore Private Investigator helps you stay compliant with local laws while achieving your goals effectively. Whether you're dealing with infidelity, corporate investigations, or asset tracing, working with a licensed and experienced Private Investigator Singapore ensures that your case is handled with integrity and professionalism.