The ABI draws a distinction between its regulated members, who are professional investigators operating in the private sector and those individuals given the label of ‘private investigator’, who remain unaccountable and unregulated. The individuals highlighted by the current ‘phone hacking’ scandal are opportunists masquerading as investigators, and
are prepared to operate outside the confines of the law for commercial gain.

The ABI is calling on all serious professional investigators to publically demonstrate their integrity and commitment to professional standards, via ABI membership. The ABI is the only industry body to actively self regulate members, and to a standard higher than originally envisaged by the Government driven Security Industry Authority (SIA).

The ABI has become synonymous with applying due diligence when instructing professional investigators in the private sector, due to its strict vetting of members, to include CRB checks, and their adherence to a strict Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. Members are also required to undertake a competency test, comply with a Discipline Code and Complaints Investigation Process and to hold a current policy of professional indemnity insurance.

As a result of the ABI’s stringent self regulation, The Law Society of England & Wales and The Law Society of Scotland exclusively endorse the ABI for use by their members and the DVLAexclusively awarded the ABI Accredited Trade Association status for the industry.

The ABI welcomes the calls for the private investigation industry to be more closely regulated and has approached the Government to offer its support in a consultative capacity.

The ABI has been consistently working to raise awareness of the type of criminal activity highlighted by the News of the World scandal and the associated risks of instructing
individuals who are unregulated. The current debate and media attention supports the Association’s objectives of driving up professional standards within the industry and ensuring
the protection and privacy of the public.

The Association believes the scandal will see even more members of the legal profession, the public and corporate organisations becoming more selective; preferring to instruct regulated, professional investigator members of the ABI, secure in the knowledge that due diligence has already been carried out for them via the extensive vetting procedures
undertaken by the Association.