The life of the Private Eye

I became a Private Investigator in 1953, and am probably the oldest Private Investigator in the whole wide world. So that makes me very experienced!

Changing times

In 1953 probably 85% of the cases that I received were of a matrimonial nature, generally trying to provide the evidence to support a petition for a divorce.

Then suddenly, without any warning, approximately 30 years ago the laws were changed and it became no longer necessary to have the evidence of a private investigator to obtain a divorce on the grounds of adultery. In fact, I cannot remember the last time I was involved in a divorce enquiry.

It is now probably too easy to get a divorce - I recently served a divorce petition on a man in an undefended divorce suit on the grounds that the husband snored. And the wife was granted her petition on those grounds!

Private investigators are still engaged in matrimonial matters in the following situations:

• There are times when a person needs to know the address of his or her ex-spouse and the PI will receive instructions to trace them. This may go to the extreme of waiting until, say, the ex-husband returns a child to his or her mother after a day's outing, and then following him.
• The ex-wife needs to know more about her former partner's employment in a situation where she believes he could, and should, be paying her more maintenance. On the other hand, the ex-husband may believe that his ex-partner has a larger income than she has declared to the Court.

Finding a PI

Should you ever be in the unfortunate position of needing a private investigator, how would you set about finding one?

It has been estimated that there are 10,000 PIs operating in this country. At this moment anybody can be a private investigator. He or she could come out of prison today and set up in business tomorrow.

In May 2001 the Private Security Act was passed which, among other things, was to licence the private investigator. To date, the Act has not been fully implemented. PIs are expected to be licenced in 2005/2006.

My advice to people who want private investigators to act for them is not to let their fingers wander down Yellow Pages because they may jolly well get burnt. Try to get a PI who has acted for someone you know, i.e. by recommendation.

A solicitor is always a good source because every solicitor at some time during his business career will instruct a private investigator.

You could also, of course, go to the Citizens Advice Bureau where you can be sure to be told of a reputable Private Eye.

Alternatively, make enquiries for the nearest member of the Association of British Investigators. Visit their web site at www.theabi.org.uk.

The ABI, which has roots going back to 1913, has over 400 members located in most parts of the UK and in many overseas countries as well. It has a strict code of ethics is available on its website. All applications for membership are stringently examined and scrutinised as to their knowledge, competence and ethics.

Members can attend seminars throughout the year organised by the ABI to bring them up to date with the law and methods of investigation.

Having given you this information may I finish by saying that I sincerely hope the need for you to use such a service never arises.

Regards

Peter Heims
Member of the Association of British Investigators.

Original article published in Elmbridge's Local Magazine, Autumn 2003. Updated spring 2004.

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