26A C.J.S. Detectives

1. Definition and Status

A ‘detective’? Is defined as one whose business It Is_to detect criminals or discover matters of secrecy and pernicious Import for the protection of the public. Detectives may be either private or public.

A detectives one whose business it is to detect criminals or discover matters of secrecy and pernicious import for the protection of the public.

A private detective is one engaged by individuals for private protection; a person unofficially engaged in obtaining secret information for the use and benefit of those who choose to employ him and pay his compensation.The rendition of services without compensation does not constitute a person private detective, as a matter of law. A private detective, although licensed, is not generally regarded as a public officer, unless made such by appointment from lawful authority,® but it has been stated that a Private Detective is in essence a...