Detective or Close Protection? What You Need and When

If you feel threatened, have been deceived or need to clear up a suspicion, you might first search for a "private detective" – or for "close protection". The two are often confused, but they do different jobs: a detective gathers information, close protection keeps people safe. This guide explains the difference, when you need which, and why in some situations – stalking in particular – the two work best together.

The core difference

• Detective agency (Detektei): establishes facts, documents observations and gives you a reliable basis – for example for a conversation with your lawyer.
• Close protection: makes sure nothing happens to you or your family, through planning, escort and preventive security measures.

In short: the detective asks "What happened, and who is behind it?". The protection officer asks "How does this person stay safe?".

When a detective is the right choice

You hire a detective agency when you need certainty or usable information. Typical reasons:

• Surveillance: discreet observation to confirm or rule out a suspicion.
• Private investigations: for instance suspected infidelity, or maintenance (Unterhalt) disputes where statements about income or living situation seem doubtful.
• Corporate investigations: suspected working-time fraud, faked sick leave or theft.
• Tracing debtors or people you have lost contact with.

Reputable detectives work within the law. They may not enter homes, secretly record conversations or access other people's accounts or devices. A result is only worth something if it was obtained lawfully.

When you need close protection

Close protection is appropriate when there is a concrete or realistically assessed risk to your safety, or when a threat significantly restricts your daily life. Examples:

• threats after a separation, a legal dispute or a business conflict
• public appearances, travel or meetings where you are exposed
• business owners, executives or well-known people with a higher risk profile
• protection of family members, for example on the way to school

Close protection does not start with a bodyguard at your side but with a threat assessment: who could pose a danger, where are you vulnerable, which measures are proportionate? From this comes a plan – from individual escorted appointments to ongoing protection. Read more on our close protection page.

Our founder Vadim Dischewski has worked in close protection since 2008. That experience goes into every assessment – including the honest answer when protection is not needed in your case.

Stalking: why you often need both

Stalking (a criminal offence in Germany, § 238 StGB, "Nachstellung") is the classic case where both services complement each other:

1. Safety first. If you are being followed, threatened or harassed, your safety comes first. Close protection can secure routes, appointments and your home environment and reduce the risk of escalation.
2. Evidence for police and court. For the police, the prosecutor or a family court (for example under the Protection Against Violence Act, Gewaltschutzgesetz) to act, they need traceable evidence. A detective agency can help document incidents lawfully and identify the person responsible.
3. Checking for technical traces. Some stalkers use GPS trackers on cars or hidden devices. Professional bug sweeping checks vehicles, homes or offices. Devices found should not be destroyed but documented – they can be important evidence.

A practical tip: keep a log with date, time and type of each incident, save messages and report to the police. A detective or security company never replaces the police; it complements them.

Who does what: our division of work in Hamburg

DV Company specialises in close protection and bug sweeping (TSCM). We do not offer detective work ourselves. When your situation requires an investigation, we work with our partner AC Detective, a detective agency in Hamburg.

The benefit for you: in cases like stalking, protection and investigation can be coordinated without you having to mediate between two providers – while each stays in its own field.

Hiring a detective agency: what to check

• Trade registration: detective agencies in Germany need a trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung). The security licence under § 34a GewO applies to security services – it is not required for pure detective work.
• Clear brief: goal, scope and form of the report should be put in writing.
• Transparent billing: ask in advance how you will be charged.
• Lawfulness: anyone offering illegal methods puts your case at risk.

What does a detective cost – and what does protection cost?

Detective costs depend on the effort: length of surveillance, number of people deployed, travel, equipment and reporting. Close protection is similar – the threat level, duration and scope matter. Flat prices without knowing the case are therefore of little use.

Good to know: in some cases detective costs may be recoverable from the other party, for example in employment or civil law, if the investigation was necessary. Whether this applies to you is a question for a lawyer – this guide is not legal advice.

For guidance on protection, see our page on bodyguard cost.

Find out what you need – without obligation

Not sure whether your case needs protection, an investigation or both? Book a free, confidential initial consultation. We listen, assess the situation and tell you honestly which route makes sense. If you suspect surveillance, please do not contact us from the affected room or phone. Send an enquiry