About the ABI

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 ABI 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.

Members are admitted only after stringent vetting. Members must conduct their business in a professional manner and by complying with a strict code of ethics with disciplinary procedures in place to monitor any transgressors.

The administration of the association is conducted by a Governing Council normally consisting of up to 10 members including the President who also acts as Chairman. The Governing Council officers are democratically elected by the membership each year at an annual conference.

As well as holding an Annual General Conference in the spring time the association also hosts a Mid-term Meeting usually in the autumn, which often incorporates educational and training seminars. Members can benefit from learning new techniques and skills as well as being kept informed on law and practice changes, which may affect their business activities.

As long ago as 1952 the ABI sent a delegation to the Houses of Parliament to lobby the then British Government for recognition and regulation of the Private Investigation Industry. However successive Governments have refused to deal with this issue and that has remained the case until recent years.

In the mid 1990’s the debate on the regulation of the Private Security and Investigation profession was at last seen to be taken seriously. In May 2001 the Private Security Industry Act was passed and became law. Under the Act investigators are due to be licensed. The latest information suggests this will be in 2009.

The ABI is proud of the part it has played over many years in encouraging the regulation of our industry and today the association has played an even greater role in working with the SIA to achieve a fair and workable licensing procedure. Before this can be completed the Home Office must issue a Regulatory Impact Assessment. They have failed to do this so licensing in our sector has stalled.

There are many advantages in holding membership of ABI not least the facility to network with experienced and professional investigators both in the UK and in other parts of the World, as the ABI has a category for Overseas membership with 28 countries currently represented.

Tony Imossi
President