The ABI has launched a members' private prosecution scheme designed to empower members to pursue criminal charges in cases where public prosecutions are delayed, constrained, or unavailable.
Launched by the Association of British Investigators at the Professional Investigators’ Conference in Newmarket on 18 April 2026, the ABI Private Prosecution Scheme provides a structured route for members to pursue private prosecution in appropriate cases where criminal conduct has occurred in the course of their professional duties.
The Scheme has been introduced to support ABI members working in process serving and ancillary field investigations who may face assault, threats, hate-related abuse or criminal damage while carrying out their work. In circumstances where public prosecution is delayed, unavailable or otherwise insufficient, the Scheme offers a formal pathway to help ensure accountability and reinforce the safety of those working in the field.
The Scheme exists to help ABI members respond to serious criminal conduct connected to their professional duties where police action is not taken forward or no further action is confirmed. It is intended to deter offending, support affected members, and ensure that suitable cases can be considered for private prosecution within a clear governance framework.
What the Scheme Covers
The Scheme may be used to consider cases involving offences such as:
- assault
- threats
- harassment
- hate-related abuse
- criminal damage
To be eligible, the conduct must have a direct connection to the member’s professional activity and fall within the scope of the Scheme.
Governance and Oversight
The Scheme operates under the authority of the ABI Governing Council.
- The Secretariat is responsible for day-to-day administration
- A Panel of three Full Members conducts initial case reviews
- A dedicated Fund may be used to support eligible matters, subject to governance and financial controls
This structure ensures that each case is assessed consistently, transparently, and in line with ABI policy.
How the Process Works
Before a matter can proceed under the Scheme, complainant members must:
- collect and preserve verifiable evidence
- comply with ABI policy, including requirements relating to video footage
- report the matter to the police
The Scheme can only advance where the police have confirmed no action or no further action.
Once submitted to the Secretariat, each complaint is assigned a case reference and reviewed by the Panel to determine whether it meets the prima facie threshold.
Appeals
If a prima facie case is not established, the complainant may appeal within 14 days. Appeals are considered by an Appeals Panel made up of Governing Council members who were not involved in the original decision.
The Appeals Panel may:
- uphold the original decision
- overturn the decision
- remit the matter for reconsideration
- take other appropriate remedial action
Compliance and Data Protection
The Scheme is operated in accordance with all relevant legal requirements, including data protection legislation and confidentiality obligations.
Supporting governance documents include:
- Fund Governance Policy
- Appeals Policy
- Data Protection Annex
These are complemented by operational templates, appendices and process documents to support a fair and compliant application of the Scheme.
The ABI Private Prosecution Scheme reflects the Association’s commitment to protecting members, promoting accountability and ensuring that serious criminal conduct does not go unanswered where a lawful and proportionate private prosecution is appropriate.
The Scheme Flow Chart
