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 transgressions.

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 the 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 being taken seriously and finally in May 2001 the Private Security Industry Act was passed and became law. This now means that to operate in the field of Private Security or Investigation a license will have to be obtained. The licensing authority, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), is still in its infancy and the exact criteria for licensing has not yet been decided. However, it is anticipated that Private Investigators will be licensed in or around the end of 2005.

The ABI 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.

Entrust your investigation to an ABI Member. It’s YOUR guarantee of a thorough, competent and totally discreet investigation. Above all, it’s your guarantee of peace of mind. There is a modern and professional investigator in just about any part of the world you care to imagine. Take a look at the Member Directory if you require an investigator.

Tony Imossi
President