The Security Industry Authority in the UK is better known as the: "SIA". Their badge is displayed throughout the Private Security Industry.

The need for regulation and professionalization of the UK's private detectives and investigators has been a, "Ball that has been kicked around many times". Private Detective throughout the UK have for decades been envious of fellow professionals in Europe and throughout the world who have the benefit of a licenced and regulated profession. Whilst there is admittedly a reluctance to cooperate with the current "Evolution" of the license from some quarters...the majority of Detective Agencies, Bureau's and sole traders welcome licencing and the opportunities that it will bring.

In simplistic terms the SIA license or badge is of benefit to both the service receivers and the service provider. The public and commercial sector will be reassured that their chosen investigator is regulated in terms of standards and probity. Whilst the investigators themselves have a defined set of criteria, career path and demarcations in which to operate.

Following almost a decade of consultation with stakeholders, training organisations and trade associations, the SIA announced in 2009 that it was minded to introduce a licence for private investigators sometime after 2012. The SIA favouring the option that they considered to be in the best interests of the public, industry and commerce, that of: "Licensing with a Competency Criteria". The need to protect the public from "Rogue" individuals, dishonest operators and rip off merchants is an obvious aspiration of the government and its regulatory apparatus.

The PI industry is regulated and policed to a certain extent already. Some self policing exists whilst the trade bodies have codes of ethics and a basic set of standards to which members aspire. The SIA PI Licence will not cover tracing debtors or process serving. The debtor tracing sector in the UK is already covered by Consumer Credit Licensing and is policed by the Information Commissioner's Office.

The EDI Professional Investigator Award

The Security Industry Authorities competency criteria for licensing includes 60 guided learning hours. The learning will not be, "Face to face". The student will interact online with their assessor using an "E-portfolio". EDI (Education Development International / EDI Plc) have been appointed as the awarding body. Accredited approved trainers will deliver the Professional Investigator Award. As sector competent trainers we will be available to deliver your training when it is available - please watch this space for an imminent announcement

The EDI Professional Investigator Award breaks down into 3 units:

• Unit 1 / Preparing to carry out an investigation (Pre planning, feasibility, objectives, consequences, laws, regulation and best practice)
• Unit 2 / Gather information in support of an investigation (Information sources, interviewing, surveillance, collaborations, security and confidentiality, laws, regulation and codes of practice)
• Unit 3 / Report the findings of an investigation (Analysing and grading evidence, reporting to client, regulations and laws pertaining to information and evidence)

The SIA Licensed Private Investigator who completes the EDI Professional Investigator Award will not be a 100% "Job ready" investigator. The EDI/SIA licence training will have increased importance and significance as we reach 2011/12. We suggest that you consider our "In house" training course which is complimentary to the EDI award. Both are recommended. Hopefully, you consider us for all your current and future training opportunities.

You can begin your journey as an investigator with or without a licence, but, only experience, continual training and a good deal of luck will ensure you can make a successful profitable, career as a Private Eye.