2007-03-06 09:28:01 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
In UK law there is no specific offence of 'impersonating a private detective'. There is, however, an offence of 'impersonating a police officer' (and various other officials - PCSOs, designated investigators working for the police etc.) So you cannot face prosecution for that alone.
However - your motive behind this impersonation could leave you open to prosecution, as I suspect you would have an unlawful intent. For example, are you trying to gain information / money (that you otherwise wouldn't be able to obtain) by deceiving someone? In that case you commit an offence under the new Fraud Act 2006 (which replaces the former deception offences). I would advise you DO NOT impersonate anybody unless it's at a fancy dress party, of course.
2007-03-06 22:08:22 · answer #1 · answered by Ben G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is not possible if you think about it.
You don't need any qualifications to be a private investigator, anyone can say "I am a private investigator", so you would not technically be impersonating one.
They are not police, it is an unregulated profession.
2007-03-06 17:32:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To impersonate a police offer, yes. To do the same as a P.I No!
2007-03-06 18:48:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the UK it is a criminal offence to impersonate a police officer.
If you were to impersonate someone else for personal gain that would also be a criminal offence, i.e. deception.
2007-03-06 17:53:45 · answer #4 · answered by squeaky guinea pig 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Use a good laser printer and include your picture too. Use an acronym like 'SFMOMO'. I.e 'Searching For Mother On My Own' . Be sure to print it on plastic and laminate it. Add a lot of fine print that tells the truth.
Is it your fault if they dont read the fine print? Is it? Is Is it?
2007-03-06 17:56:18 · answer #5 · answered by paddy f 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes serious trouble like 80 years in jail
2007-03-06 17:31:47 · answer #6 · answered by SHADY 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
was that bloke in England just jailed for this i think he got 5yrs but i bet he still comes out to all his wealth.
2007-03-07 05:52:15 · answer #7 · answered by SOJLO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's quite a serious offence.
2007-03-06 17:36:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes big time
2007-03-06 17:31:42 · answer #9 · answered by minniemix 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well mate i should think so , i would,nt want somebody spying on me pretending to be a private dective............ not that iv anything to hide .........not guilty
2007-03-06 17:45:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋