Surveillance and observation: what the law actually says

Following someone is probably the activity most associated, in the popular imagination, with investigative work. It's also one of the most misunderstood: what's lawful to observe, and where does observation end and privacy violation begin?

Public space and private space

The general rule is simple to state and complex to apply: what happens in a public place, visible to anyone, can be observed and documented. As soon as observation requires access to private spaces, other people's devices, or confidential communications, you enter territory that requires specific legal grounds.

Why documentation matters more than technique

A well-conducted observation produces orderly documentation: date, time, place, duration, context. It doesn't produce premature interpretations. The value of a case file lies not in the amount of material gathered, but in its traceability and consistency.

A common mistake

Many people, before contacting a professional, try to gather evidence on their own: screenshots, messages, photos taken secretly. The risk is twofold — on one hand, material collected in a disorganised way loses value, and on the other, some collection methods can themselves constitute an offence. Before acting, it's always worth consulting someone who knows the limits that apply to your specific case.