Dick Smith
This award is named after the inspirational Peter Heims, a past president of the association, who was noted for his straight talk and dedication to the association for well over half a century. The membership is invited to nominate suitable candidates who have maintained similar high standards within the association and the wider investigation ‘family’ over many years. This is a highly prestigious award, and it isn’t expected to be presented on a yearly basis.
Proposed by the ABI governing council, the recipient of the award is Dick Smith QPM F/1520 (Life Member) and past president.
Mr Alan Richard Smith, or, as he prefers to be known…Dick.
As a career detective, predominantly engaged in national security matters, Dick earned numerous commendations from Judges, Chief Constables, and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
In 1995, he was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for distinguished service.
Following his retirement from the police, Dick established Wessex Enquiry Bureau, later becoming IP Forensics and continued his professional journey by joining the ABI.
In 2002, he received an “Outstanding Contribution” award from Microsoft in recognition of his work with their Anti-Counterfeiting Team.
Over more than two decades, Dick has served the ABI with tireless dedication and energy.
His contributions include:
• Winning the Zena Scott-Archer Investigator of the Year Award in 2011
• Joining the Governing Council as Law Enforcement Liaison Officer in 2015
• Serving as President of the Association in 2018
• And receiving the Frank Martin Award in 2022
Even after stepping down from the Governing Council in 2022, Dick has remained a steadfast and committed supporter of the ABI.
He played a key role in the early development of the Association’s GDPR Code of Conduct, working closely with the secretariat and dedicating countless hours to its development.
He is widely respected… deeply trusted…and for many within the Association, a valued confidant and source of wise counsel.
Quite simply…he is someone the ABI can always rely upon.
This award was bequeathed to the Association by Iris Heims in 2013, during the ABI's centenary, in honour of Peter Heims, who passed away the very night before the centenary. This award is highly prestigious and extremely difficult to achieve.
Recipients:
| 2013 | 2014 | 2016 |
| George R Rivers | George Devlin | Stuart Price |
| 2019 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Richard Jacques Turner | Tony Imossi | Eric Shelmerdine |
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
| Dick Smith |
