The Association of British Investigators (ABI) is the longest established organisation representing professional Private Investigators in the UK with its foundations laid way back in 1913.

With the absence of any statutory control of the investigation industry in the UK the Association recognised the need for self-regulation many years ago and set very high standards to meet the criteria for membership opting for quality rather than quantity.

The association is proud of the part it has played over many years in encouraging the regulation of our industry and today the association is playing an even greater role in working with the SIA to achieve a fair and workable licensing procedure.

Interesting interview with Mr Keith Vaz MP

Mr Vaz, Chair of the Parliamentary Home Affairs Select Committee, heads an enquiry into the activities of 'private investigators'. The inspiration for the enquiry comes from the recent phone hacking scandal in which 'private investigators' were implicated as accessories to unethical tabloid journalists carrying out questionable and, most probably, unlawful acts in their quest for 'news'.

Mr Vaz sets out his objective to look at the wider area of 'private investigation;' the whole picture as he puts it. Mr Vaz acknowledges that there is a legitimate side to the profession and The Association of British Investigators welcomes this recognition.

The interview touches on the fact that the Private Security Industry Act, 2001 has not been implemented with regard to licensing/regulation of investigators and that this needs to be addressed. Mr Vaz remarks that 'nobody is clear' on this issue. Again, The Association is pleased that this problem is recognised and is hopeful that its proposal for statutory self regulation is embraced by Mr Vaz and his team.at we are often burdened by.

Find an Investigator...

Do you require an experienced professional private investigator ? Our members are able to provide :

Surveillance, Fraud Investigations, Process Serving, Tracing, Road Traffic Accidents, Undercover, Due Diligence, Status Reports and many other services.

Choose your investigator in the knowledge that they hold membership with the Association of British Investigators which is endorsed by the Law Society of England & Wales and the service provider scheme for the Law Society of Scotland.

- Click here for the benefits or Instructing an ABI member.

Become a member...

Whether you are a private detective or a private investigator, running your own detective agency, or one of a team of in-house detectives or investigators, the ABI is the place to be. If you’re not a member and would like to join a professional organisation, sign up with the professionals - the Association of British Investigators. No other industry body offers the package of benefits to becoming a member – Click here to see what membership can offer you.

Read the Latest Edition here

Click here to read the latest edition of the ABI Journal online.