What is a licensed investigation agency?
A licensed investigation agency is a private investigation firm that holds a licence under the Private Security Organisations and Investigation Agencies Act (WPBR). That licence, identified by a POB number, is issued by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security. This page explains what the licence means, why it determines whether your evidence holds up, and how to check an agency.
SAJ Recherche
SAJ Recherche is a licensed investigation agency in Amsterdam holding POB licence 8779, issued by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security.
What must a licensed investigation agency meet?
The WPBR sets strict requirements for private investigation agencies. Four conditions together determine whether an agency is licensed and operates reliably.
A licence from the Ministry of Justice
In the Netherlands an investigation agency may only operate with a licence under the Private Security Organisations and Investigation Agencies Act (WPBR). Each licence carries a unique POB number.
Screened, vetted investigators
Every staff member must be approved in advance by the police chief and holds a Certificate of Conduct (VOG). Without that approval, no one is allowed to carry out investigative work.
Working under the privacy code
A licensed agency complies with the privacy code of conduct for private investigation agencies and with the GDPR. This governs what investigators may and may not do, and how data is recorded and stored.
Legally admissible reporting
Findings are documented in a report that makes the origin of each piece of evidence verifiable, so the material can hold up before a court, an employer or an insurer.
Recognition determines whether your evidence holds up
The key difference between a licensed and an unlicensed agency lies in the usability of the evidence. An unlicensed detective or freelancer cannot guarantee that an investigation was conducted in line with the WPBR and the GDPR. In civil proceedings, employment cases and divorce matters, a court may disregard unlawfully obtained evidence.
A licensed agency works within the legal framework and documents the origin of every piece of evidence. As a result, the material, whether a surveillance report, digital evidence or a background check, can hold up before a court, an employer or an insurer. The POB licence is therefore not a formality, but the foundation underpinning the value of the investigation.
How to check whether an investigation agency is licensed
You do not have to take recognition at face value. Three steps give certainty:
- 1 Ask for the POB number. A licensed agency states it without hesitation and will show the licence on request.
- 2 Verify recognition through Justis, the screening authority of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security.
- 3 Ask whether the investigators hold a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and whether the agency works under the privacy code of conduct.
The licence held by SAJ Recherche (POB 8779) is issued by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security and can be verified via Justis.nl.
Legal recognition and licences
Frequently asked questions about licensed investigation agencies
What is a licensed investigation agency?
What does a POB licence mean?
How do I check whether an investigation agency is licensed?
What is the difference between a licensed agency and an unlicensed detective?
Is a private investigator's evidence legally valid?
What makes an investigation agency trustworthy?
Investigation by a licensed agency
See what you can engage SAJ Recherche for: