Production talent Benedict "Benno" Bartsch spent a day asking private detective Patrick Kurtz of Kurtz Detective Agency Dresden questions about the detective profession and accompanied him on a light-hearted surveillance operation. An extremely well-executed feature with great editing, scenic footage from Dresden, and a touch of humour – produced for Sachsen Fernsehen and Dresden Fernsehen, among others, and even shown on the Dresden tram.

 

Kurtz Detective Agency thanks the young but highly talented filming team around Benno, Benny and Keno! Below is the video and, underneath, a transcript for the hearing-impaired.

"A Day as a Private Detective"

Benedict Bartsch: "Today I am a Trovato for a day, as I am going to see how a detective actually works. For that, I meet Patrick Kurtz. He runs his own detective agency and has been a private detective for years. But I am curious: How does a surveillance operation actually work? What does a detective do all day? And, above all: Does he really sit all day on the sofa in a brown coat watching 'Die Trovatos' and some Sherlock Holmes films? Let's find out, let’s go: A Day as a Detective!"

Detective – Quick Overview of the Profession

Benedict Bartsch: "Of course, my outfit for a day as a detective has to be right: leather jacket, fishing hat and a magnifying glass – that is how I meet my boss today: Patrick Kurtz, detective for years. I have to quickly take off my jacket though; it gets really warm in summer. Patrick, since when have you been a detective?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "I have been in the industry since 2013."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "How did it all start? How does one actually become a detective?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Most colleagues, almost all of them, previously worked in investigative authorities – that means police, intelligence services, customs, etc., where they gained the skills needed for this profession. That was not the case for me. I previously worked in literary studies; I studied it, did something completely different, and then trained to become an IHK-certified detective."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "What kind of people come to you saying: I need a detective?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "It is very diverse. Companies, but also many private clients from all social classes: from welfare recipients to A-list celebrities. The main topic for us is fraud: private, classic, infidelity as known from clichés."

Surveillance – What Is It and How Does It Work?

Benedict Bartsch: "How does a surveillance operation work, how does it function? Do you do it in a car?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Most surveillance operations are carried out in a car, although there is usually a portion done on foot. It always depends on the target and the assignment. Sometimes we also do surveillance by motorcycle or bicycle. We adapt to how our target moves."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "But you no longer do surveillance yourself, right?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "I very rarely take part in covert surveillance now."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Why?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Because I am the face of my company; it would be irresponsible – I am not often recognised – but still irresponsible, because you never know if the target has already read a newspaper article or something about me."

The Punica Bottle – A Classic in Surveillance

Benedict Bartsch: "It was nice here [note: Elbe meadows]. But now we have another appointment, right?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Yes, we need to follow a person to see what they are up to."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "What kind of person?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "It is a teenager, whose parents are worried, and we need to see if the concerns are justified."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Although Patrick no longer does surveillance himself, he makes an exception for me today to show me the process. We head to the appointment by car. Can you tell me a bit: Have you ever had a striking case that stays with you or something that moved you?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "It is especially satisfying when you can genuinely help people, not just uncover unpleasant things like infidelity, but truly assist. For example, in family reunifications: I have witnessed a father meet his daughter after 27 years – a big family reunion followed. People are very grateful; that is a deeply satisfying feeling."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "A bit like Julia Leischik then. What skills must a detective have, are there prerequisites for the job?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "There are many prerequisites, most people do not have them. Our field is incredibly broad. We do not only conduct surveillance but also research. Intelligence helps, especially if you want to do more than simple surveillance. You need stamina and patience, because some observations are long. The longest I had was 17 hours – in a car, high summer, sun beating down all day. You need resilience. Also, you deal with practical issues, like using the bathroom: you sometimes need to relieve yourself in a Punica or milk bottle."

What a Detective May and May Not Do

Benedict Bartsch: "What are your limits as a detective, what is absolutely forbidden?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Nowadays, there is so much we may not do; it is getting stricter. Previously, until the early 2000s, detectives obtained DNA samples for paternity tests. We cannot do that anymore. Most of what 'Die Trovatos' do – photographing into private spaces – is strictly forbidden. Using directional microphones to eavesdrop is also illegal."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Sometimes from the car..."

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Yes, highly illegal."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Technically possible?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Yes, technically, but illegal."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Have you ever been caught?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Once. But I still solved the case. The issue was not even the target, but a farmer passing by on his tractor. Gossip in the village revealed we were there. Eventually, the target knocked on my window."

Simulated Surveillance Operation

Benedict Bartsch: "Oh God, hope that does not happen to us now. We are in central Dresden observing a teenager for potential illegal activity. Patrick spots him at 'Maces'. What now?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Keep distance, maintain visual contact."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Take a photo?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Yes, I pretend to show you something on my phone, but in truth, I take a photo. He is currently facing away, but targets can turn spontaneously."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Would it be risky to sit nearby? Where?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "I would not sit here, but find a shaded spot with partial cover and monitor the target from there."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "He is getting up now."

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Very close. Hope he does not head our way; then we would take cover. Luckily, he goes the other way. We keep some distance and follow shortly."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "The target enters a toy shop. Patrick checks the exits, but does not follow."

 

Patrick Kurtz: "There is no other exit downstairs. We would wait for him in his path."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "We sit down briefly, then he leaves the shop."

 

Patrick Kurtz: "High recognisability if eye contact is made. Avoid at all costs."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "We look around a bit here."

 

Patrick Kurtz: "And now he turns the corner."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "He walks down the street."

 

Patrick Kurtz: "We should move and follow."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "If he boards tram line 7, we abort. He goes home then."

 

Patrick Kurtz: "He boards line 7. Task complete."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Okay, the case was fictional. The teen was actually my cameraman Benny. Real surveillance would be too dangerous."

Detective Gadgets Briefly Introduced

Benedict Bartsch: "Before the video ends, Patrick wants to show me his detective devices. Can you show me what is in your case?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Yes, gladly. Most of the items are not used in everyday work. Primarily, it is a forensic kit; you need this if you really want to secure forensic traces, such as fingerprints. What is more relevant for surveillance operations are hidden camera solutions."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Wow, okay. That is just a regular wristwatch, like the one I have?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "A conventional wristwatch, indistinguishable from a normal watch, with a small lens inside. It can be used for many everyday surveillance situations. Especially in enclosed spaces, when people sit close together – for example, in a restaurant – you can simply sit behind the target person and record very discreetly by positioning your arm accordingly. If audio recording is needed, which is rarer, it can also be used for that. I also have another small item: sunglasses with a similar function. There is also a lens in the middle. They are not super stylish, though some might find them stylish. Perfect for bicycle surveillance. If you are following someone by bike, it is a bit tricky to hold the camera separately."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Can I try them on?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Of course!"

 

Benedict Bartsch: "And now I am filming you here. This is really cool."

 

Patrick Kurtz: "They even suit you. Surprisingly well."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Well, as I always say: a matter of taste!"

May Private Detectives Carry Weapons?

Benedict Bartsch: "Patrick and I are back in the car. I have a few more questions about his job: As a detective, you are not armed, right? Or sometimes for certain surveillance operations?"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "Some colleagues carry blank-firing pistols. Generally, detectives cannot obtain a firearms licence. Usually, one does not get into dangerous situations. We once had some trouble with a biker gang. We observed a member of the gang, who were quite good at counter-surveillance. They all protect each other. At that time, we only had budget for one operative – I would not do that nowadays; I would always send at least a two-person team for such surveillance. One operative was noticed and even received threats from the target. He temporarily moved away with his family and had the observation carried out by others. In the end, it all dissolved; they were empty threats. Still, the situation can feel a bit tense for an investigator."

 

Benedict Bartsch: "Thank you very much again!"

 

Patrick Kurtz: "My pleasure!"

 

Benedict Bartsch: "That is it for this video; until next time: Ciao, Kakao!"

Kurtz Detective Agency Dresden

Enderstraße 94

D-01277 Dresden

Tel.: +49 351 41 88 44 70 

Fax: +49 351 41 88 44 79   

E-Mail: kontakt@kurtz-detektei-dresden.de 

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