How To Verify A Private Investigator’s Credentials Before You Hire Them
In the UK, private investigators are not currently licensed, despite successive governments considering regulation. Unfortunately, this means there are unqualified individuals offering investigative services, making it important to verify a private investigator's credentials before hiring them. Taking the time to check their qualifications, professional memberships and experience can help you avoid poor service and ensure your investigation is carried out professionally.
Are Private Investigators Licensed?
The simple answer is no. There is currently no legal requirement for private investigators to be licensed in the UK, unlike in many European countries.
Most reputable private investigators and security consultants have backgrounds in the police, military or other investigative professions. Many also hold recognised qualifications, such as the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (QCF), originally developed to meet the Security Industry Authority (SIA) specification for core competency training in anticipation of mandatory licensing. Although the SIA does not currently regulate the industry in England and Wales, this qualification is widely recognised as a benchmark of professionalism and competence.
Successive governments have considered introducing licensing, but no legislation has been passed. Surelock even gave evidence to a Home Affairs Select Committee when licensing proposals were being discussed, although they were never enacted.
Belonging to a Professional Association
One of the best ways to verify a private investigator's credentials is by checking whether they belong to recognised professional associations.
At Surelock, we have spent many years building a team of experienced investigators and security consultants. We are members of several respected organisations, including:
- The Association of British Investigators (ABI)
- The World Association of Detectives (WAD)
- Ex Police in Industry and Commerce (EPIC)
- The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG)
- The Association of Security Consultants (ASC)
These memberships demonstrate our commitment to professionalism, integrity and maintaining high standards across all our investigative and security consultancy services.
The Association of British Investigators (ABI), established in 1913, is the UK's leading professional body for investigators. It maintains one of the largest directories of accredited investigators and works closely with organisations including The Law Society of England and Wales.
ABI members:
- Follow a strict code of ethics and professional standards
- Are free from relevant criminal convictions
- Have no County Court Judgments or insolvency issues
- Hold professional indemnity insurance
- Are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Why Choose Surelock?
Surelock Investigators and Security Consultants have been providing professional investigation and security consultancy services since the 1990s.
We offer a wide range of services, including crime and fraud investigations, surveillance, brand protection, security surveys and bug sweeps throughout London, across the UK and internationally where required.
With decades of experience, we pride ourselves on delivering professional investigations while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.
Learn more about our services.
Read our client testimonials.
Why Would You Need a Private Investigator or Security Consultant?
There are many reasons why businesses and private individuals choose to hire a private investigator or security consultant. You may need help if:
- You suspect a partner is being unfaithful.
- You believe fraud is taking place within your business.
- A loved one has gone missing.
- You are a law firm requiring investigative support.
- You are an insurance company or litigator in need of professional surveillance services.
Private investigators work independently from the police and have the skills, equipment and experience to investigate both personal and commercial matters.
Hiring a private investigator is both legal and ethical, provided they operate within the law. Any information gathered during an investigation is treated with strict confidentiality between the investigator and their client.
What Can a Private Investigator Do?
Professional private investigators provide a wide range of services for both individuals and businesses. At Surelock, our experienced team supports clients with investigations, intelligence gathering and evidence collection across a variety of sectors.
Crime / Fraud Investigations
Private investigators can help uncover fraud affecting both businesses and individuals. This includes insurance fraud, credit card fraud, romance fraud and employee theft.
For businesses, investigators can also carry out background checks on potential employees, investigate suspected embezzlement and gather evidence where fraud is suspected. Several members of the Surelock team previously served on the Fraud Squad at Scotland Yard, bringing decades of investigative experience to every case.
People Tracing
People tracing services can help locate missing relatives, runaway children or individuals who have lost contact with family members.
Private investigators have access to specialist tools and resources that go beyond standard internet and social media searches, allowing them to carry out thorough tracing enquiries while complying with GDPR requirements.
Where appropriate, investigators can also make contact on your behalf to provide reassurance that the individual is safe.
Bug Sweeps
If you are concerned about hidden listening devices in your home, office or meeting rooms, a professional bug sweep can provide peace of mind.
Our investigators use specialist equipment to detect covert recording devices that could compromise your privacy or expose confidential business information. While many people associate bug sweeps with films, we have successfully located listening devices in homes, hotels and commercial premises across the UK.
Surveillance
Surveillance is a key part of many investigations, helping to gather evidence, confirm suspicions or identify criminal activity.
Whether you require corporate surveillance, insurance investigations or domestic surveillance, our experienced operatives work discreetly and professionally. Although private investigators are not governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), we follow its principles as best practice.
Brand Protection
Our specialist brand protection team works proactively to combat counterfeiting and intellectual property infringement.
Working alongside the police and Trading Standards, we have been involved in some of the UK's largest counterfeit goods seizures. Protecting your brand helps safeguard your reputation, revenue and customers while preventing criminals from profiting from your intellectual property.
Background Checks
Background checks help businesses and individuals verify information before making important decisions.
Whether you are recruiting a new employee or carrying out due diligence on an individual, professional background checks can uncover information that may not be available through standard online searches.
Our experienced investigators use specialist resources to verify identities, investigate allegations and identify inconsistencies where required.
Security Consultancy.
An independent security survey provides a fresh assessment of your home or business, helping identify weaknesses that could leave your property vulnerable.
Our experienced security consultants carry out comprehensive security surveys and assessments, often identifying practical improvements that can be made at minimal cost while providing valuable peace of mind.
Martyn's Law
Surelock is experienced in advising businesses on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn's Law. Whether you require consultancy or staff training, our team can help you understand your responsibilities and prepare your business for compliance.
Our Costs
Unlike some investigation companies, we do not quote a fixed fee simply to spend the allocated budget. Instead, we work on a transparent hourly rate, ensuring you only pay for the time required to achieve the best possible outcome.
Our current rates are:
- Investigations: £80 per hour
- Surveillance: £60 per hour per operative
Travel expenses apply. Please contact us for full pricing details.
Looking for More Information? Contact Surelock Today
If you would like to learn more about hiring a private investigator or security consultant, or need advice on your particular situation, our experienced team is here to help.
Whether you require surveillance, fraud investigations, people tracing, brand protection or security consultancy, we will discuss your requirements in confidence and recommend the most appropriate solution.
Website: www.surelock.org
Email: info@surelock.org
Telephone: 0333 6000 300
