New regulations for private detectives

PARLIAMENT is next week expected to pass a law setting the legal framework for private detectives.

The detectives’ law will be part of the bill that determines the legal framework for private security firms.

The House Legal Affairs Committee last week decided that detectives will require special licensing from the state and the government will also have the power to check their finances.

Private detectives, in return, will have the ability to investigate criminal offences, including corruption in the police force.

Committee Chairman Ionas Nicolaou of DISY explained, “If a woman is receiving threatening phone calls or text messages, she can ask for the assistance of a detective, who will have the right to investigate the matter.”

But, he added, once the police become involved in the case, the detective’s work ends.

These authorised detectives can also be used, for example, if a company falls victim to industrial espionage.

The specific provisions, as well as the bill for private security firms, are expected to be passed by the Plenum on Thursday.

The Committee decided on the procedures for licensing the firms, conditions under which a firm can lose its license and the equipment they will be entitled to have. Security guards will also have to wear special uniforms and drive specific cars.

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