Unveiling the Mysteries: Inside the Professional Investigators Conference 2024!

Last weekend, I found myself amidst a gathering of over a hundred private investigators at the prestigious Beaumont Chapel Estate on the outskirts of Windsor. It was a captivating experience, being part of ‘The Professional Investigators Conference’ hosted by the esteemed Association of British Investigators (ABI).

As a company deeply rooted in the realm of private investigation, Tremark Associates greatly values the opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals from diverse specialisations and locations, facilitated by the ABI’s century-old legacy. Our participation in such events not only enriches our knowledgebase but also fortifies our network, allowing us to tap into a wealth of collective expertise when needed.

For our clients, entrusting their investigations to an ABI member like Tremark means choosing professionalism backed by a robust network of global investigators. Moreover, it ensures adherence to a stringent code of conduct, full insurance coverage, and a recourse mechanism through the ABI in case of any grievances.

The conference itself was a whirlwind of illuminating talks and presentations on various investigatory issues and cutting-edge products. One topic that particularly caught my attention was the tracing of cryptocurrency—a realm where fraudsters leave no stone unturned to confound victims and their legal representatives. However, I was reassured to discover that with the right expertise, tracking such elusive funds is indeed feasible, adding yet another valuable tool to our investigative arsenal.

Mark Hodgson (Founder and Chairman) and Edith Serkovich (Chief of Staff) of Tremark attending the ABI Gala Dinner.

Another highlight was the unveiling of a new product capable of delving into individuals’ closed social media accounts—a valuable asset for pre-employment screenings and mitigating reputational risks.

Away from the conference room, I enjoyed a discussion with some of our competitors and our process servers regarding a relatively new issue we were having to deal with. There appears to be a current trend for professional debtors and vexatious litigants to proclaim themselves as a ‘Freeman of the land’ and/or removing any ‘deemed’ permission for process servers or anyone else to attend their property. This is accompanied with very vocal threats of legal action for trespass and damages for anyone ignoring the warnings and attending their property. Tremark like others in the industry are still waiting for these threats to be followed up with any legal action by the potential applicants, despite us personally serving them at their home address regardless.

Beyond the professional insights gleaned, the conference provided a platform for fostering camaraderie among industry peers—old friends and new acquaintances alike. The camaraderie, despite competitive landscapes, underscores the mutual respect and shared commitment to upholding industry standards.

The crowning moment of the event was the Association’s Gala Dinner, where my good friend Tony Imossi was honoured with the prestigious ‘Peter Heims Lifetime Achievement Award’. Tony’s four decades of unwavering dedication to the industry make such a recognition truly deserving.

Reflecting on the event, it reaffirmed the significance of our membership in both the Association of British Investigators and the World Association of Detectives—not merely as a badge of compliance but as a gateway to continuous learning and expansion of our professional horizons. I returned to Tremark energised, armed with newfound insights and innovative tools gleaned from the conference, ready to elevate our services to new heights.

I will certainly be back at the ABI conference next year and I eagerly await the announcement of next year’s venue.

Categories

  • News & Views

Popular Blogs