Can Private Investigators Check Criminal Records in the UK?
May 26, 2023 - Reading time: 10 minutes
Updated on: September 4, 2025
As one of the UK’s leading detective agencies, we’re often asked whether private investigators can check criminal records during a background investigation. Many clients want to know if it’s possible to confirm whether someone has a conviction, court appearances, or a history of fraud. The answer is not straightforward: some records are off-limits, but others can be located through lawful methods such as court searches, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and reputation screening.
Can Private Investigators Access Police Records?
No. Private investigators in the UK cannot access police-held criminal records or run DBS checks without consent. These databases are restricted and only available to the police, courts, and authorised organisations. Attempting to gain access would breach the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t uncover valuable background information. Investigators use a wide range of lawful sources that can still paint a detailed picture of a person’s history.
OSINT and Court Record Searches
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) is the backbone of modern investigations. For criminal history and behaviour, this can include:
- Court listings - Magistrates’ and Crown Court appearances are often reported in public listings or local press
- County Court Judgments (CCJs) - evidence of unpaid debts or fraud-related claims
- Bankruptcy & insolvency registers - for financial background checks
- Press archives - reports on charges, sentencing, or ongoing cases
- Online databases - certain court databases allow case searches in England & Wales
- Social media - subjects may post or be tagged in content relating to arrests or legal disputes
Unlike a DBS check, OSINT can reveal pending court appearances or ongoing cases, not just historical convictions. That can be crucial when making decisions about trust and safety.
DBS Checks vs Private Investigator Checks
A criminal record check - now the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) - requires the individual’s explicit consent. Employers use DBS when hiring for sensitive jobs such as teaching, childcare, healthcare, or financial positions. DBS only shows certain past convictions and cautions.
Private investigators cannot apply for a DBS check on your behalf. Instead, we focus on what’s lawfully available in the public domain. This often gives a broader view - for example, if someone has recently been charged or is currently in court, that may not appear on a DBS certificate but can show up in OSINT checks.
Reputation and Character Checks
Beyond criminal records, reputation matters. We regularly carry out reputation checks for clients which can include:
- Media searches for fraud allegations, scams, or misconduct
- Review of civil court claims (employment tribunals, landlord disputes)
- Social media behaviour and online reviews
- Professional history - Companies House directorships, dissolved businesses, disqualifications
These checks can highlight patterns of behaviour that might not appear in a DBS certificate but are highly relevant to personal safety, due diligence, or corporate vetting.
When Background Checks Are Useful
Typical reasons to instruct a PI for criminal and reputation background checks include:
- Pre-relationship checks - ensuring a partner has no hidden court cases
- Employment vetting - high-trust roles such as finance, security, or childcare
- Tenant checks - avoiding unreliable or high-risk renters
- Nanny or babysitter screening - child protection due diligence
- Business due diligence - confirming a prospective partner or investor is reputable
- Fraud prevention - protecting against scams or misleading claims
Our work is fast, discreet, and always within the law - giving clients peace of mind without breaching privacy regulations.
Legal Limits and Important Notes
We cannot and do not access the Police National Computer or any restricted government system. Instead, we build intelligence using OSINT and lawful registers. Key points to remember:
- Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 - certain spent convictions must not be disclosed
- GDPR and DPA compliance - all research is proportionate and lawful
- No DBS without consent - only the subject or authorised employers can request it
- Pending cases - these may show up in court records and press, even if not yet convicted
To learn more about our criminal background checks, court record searches, or reputation screening services, please get in touch in confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can private investigators do DBS checks?
No. DBS checks require consent and can only be requested by authorised employers or the individual.
Can a PI see if someone has been in court?
Yes, if the appearance is recorded in public listings, news articles, or court databases. Pending cases may appear here before conviction.
Is it legal for a PI to check someone’s background?
Yes, provided it is done using lawful OSINT methods and compliant with GDPR. Investigators cannot hack, trespass, or access restricted databases.
What kind of information can be found?
Press reports, court listings, CCJs, bankruptcy records, Companies House filings, online behaviour, and general reputation indicators.
Why use a PI instead of doing it myself?
Professionals know where to look, how to cross-check data, and how to ensure information is admissible and compliant.
Contact Us
If you’d like a confidential quote for a background check or reputation screening, contact our experienced team. We operate nationwide and internationally where required.
You are reading the PrivateInvestigators-UK blog — home to the UK's leading detective agency. Learn more about us by visiting our homepage PrivateInvestigators-UK.com.