WAPI News

2003 Investigators Conference

The weekend 11th and 12th October 2003 saw almost 200 practising professional investigators gather at the Marriott Hotel in Sheffield for the 2003 Open Conference organised by the Association of British Investigators. Members from WAPI, the ABI and other associations attended, together with a number of investigators who are not association members.

The highlight was the presentation by Molly Meacher of the SIA - Security Industry Authority - the Government body created to implement and administer licensing of the security industry.

It was apparent that there were few changes to the message from Molly's last presentation a year ago at Sheffield. Although many of those present were disappointed at the lack of progress in answering the many issues of concern, she did however indicate that the Competence Criteria may involve an assessment process dealt with at outside centres. Asked by Ian Withers, WAPI Chairman, if this was in fact the NVQ, Molly responded that whilst this was not yet decided, she did expect some form of NVQ style of competence assessment.

The criminality criteria now appears to be less of a concern for the SIA than last year. In 2002 Molly stated that the SIA would be insistent upon the most stringent background checks. Now, it would appear that this has been relaxed considerably, due to issues with EU Legislation limiting a too stringent approach.

The other ‘hot-potato’ was the Approved Contractor Scheme, and the very disappointing decision by the SIA to invite two PLC Security Companies to sit on the Consultative Panel - a totally unacceptable position from the point of view of the vast majority of private investigators in the UK.

On behalf of WAPI Members, I will be making strong representations at the next ISG (Investigator Sector Group) meeting in December on the Consultation Panel membership.

Whilst we appreciate that it is very early days in the implementation of the licensing regime, with private investigators scheduled to be regulated (licensed) in 2005, we do need to ensure that the Authority which will to an extent control our future is made fully aware of the necessity to include representation from the smaller operators.

The Corporate representatives do not have the practical knowledge or experience of the wide work load and make-up of the average British PI. The SIA should include an Investigators Sector representative to assist them in their understanding, and to ensure the voice of the majority in the Sector is heard. This would help them in their difficult task of implementing licensing. Such a representative will be an asset to the Consultation Panel.

Saturday there were top-flight speakers presenting a variety of topics related to our profession.

Tony Brightwell, Managing Director of conference Gold Sponsors ISC Global, welcomed delegates to the conference.

Mark Radford, Detective Sergeant at the Metropolitan Police, gave a fascinating talk on the work of the Money Laundering Investigation Team.

Neil Munroe, Director of Equifax, examined the difficult subject of how legislation affects access to information.

Stephen Philippsohn, partner at solicitors Philippsohn Crawfords Berwald, give us an insight into fraud investigations from the solicitors viewpoint.

Dave Bowra, from Internet consultancy Results Count, identified some of the ways to make better use of IT, highlighting how for very little expense you can promote the professionalism of your agency.

Vic Cheema, Chief Executive Officer at Vytec, explained Public Key Encryption strengths and challenges.

Rick Chandler, EEMA Board Member, reviewed new developments in covert operations using wireless technology.

Sunday, an Open Forum gave all attendees an opportunity to discuss and debate with their peers.

On behalf of the WAPI Governing Council, I extend our thanks to the ABI President and Governing Council for organising this open event for investigators. The close relationship between the Associations on the Investigators Sector, benefits all investigators through promoting a united and strong voice to the SIA and government.

The WAPI Stand at the conference collected 15 new applications for membership. We are well on the way to 250 members.

I look forward to meeting you all at the next open conference next year.

Ian D. Withers
Chairman
World Association of Professional Investigators.

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