Private police legitimacy: the case of internal investigations by fraud examiners

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the legitimacy of private policing of financial crime by fraud examiners. Design/methodology/approach The literature on fraud examiners is interpreted in the legitimacy context. Findings A number of critical issues based on the institutional theory and social psychology issues are discussed that question the legitimacy of private policing of financial crime. Research limitations/implications There is a need for regulation of the private fraud examination industry. Practical implications A number of legitimacy issues should be addressed by financial crime specialists. Social implications Victims of private investigations require regulation of the investigation industry. Originality/value Criteria for police legitimacy are applied to the private sector.