Why i need approval to do AVO investigations.

[nissan]

Hi everyone,

Ive been out of the PI industry for a while, and have been working in the industry last few weeks, so my skills and knowledge has not been up to scratch.

Basically i have a client who has a AVO against him and he wants me to do some detective work, example witness statements, door knocking, checking camera footage etc.

But ive been informed that i cant help my client because i need consent and approval from my clients solicitor in order for me to do any PI work for the client.

Is this true?

Whats the consequences if i dont get approval?

I dont want to leave it to long because the potential witnesses are fresh and video footage is still pretty current.

[Catzeyes]

Hello.

I don't know if it's a necessity or not, but on Friday evening 26 August I received a similar enquiry.  The fellow sounded genuine and said he did not have an AVO against him; even so, I requested he get a solicitor's letter to me outlinging his request.  He declined, so I refused to do the job.  Needless to say he will find someone in Brisbane who will do it, but I always err on the side of caution.

I hope someone else answers your question with a more confirmed answer.

[BigGeorge]

Hi Nissan,

The jobs rings alarm bells. I'd practice maximum caution. Strictly legally, you can investigate criminal matters, but some extra caution should be exercised especially with AVOs.

The issue is that if there's an AVO against the man, you can be pretty sure it's not a miscarriage of justice, but that the man did some things that warranted the AVO. He beats women or threatens to harm them.

I always recommend maximum caution when it comes to men involved in domestic situations. I wouldn't trust anything the client says and although I don't believe it's a matter of having a legal obligation to obtain instructions from a solicitor, I think it's very wise. If, and it's a big if, I were to consider taking the job, I'd want instructions from his solicitor, clearly spelling out what's to be done and what the objectives are. But even as I write this, I am thinking no, no, this job is bad news.

You see the problem is that your actions, say speaking with witnesses that are known to both parties of the AVO, might in itself be deemed a breach of the AVO (i.e. intimidation, coercion, harassment, etc).

That's my view of it, anyway.
 

BG

[nissan]

Ive been thinking about it, and i guess im not going to take the job after what it may entail.

Just some of the laws sound silly when i may have important info that may help my potential client, but i guess life goes on.