The private detective is governed by strict rules including notably the Law 5/2014 Private Security.
The legislation specifies that the private detective at the request of individuals or legal entities is responsible for:
- Obtaining and providing information and evidence on private acts or behaviors that affect the economic, labor, commercial and financial environment and in general to personal, family or social life, excepting for which take part in private houses or places.
- Investigating crimes which can be prosecuted on behalf of those entitled to the legal process.
- Monitoring at fairs, hotels, exhibitions and similar areas, as well as big commercial and public buildings with large audience.
In addition, the private detective is obliged to maintain secrecy about his investigation and can only provide information to the people who commissioned it, to the judicial organs and to the police authorities for the exercise of their functions.