We are currently developing our approach to the licensing of private investigation activities.

During 2005 and 2006 we consulted extensively with individuals and representatives working within private investigation on the possible approaches for licensing.

In 2007 the Home Office presented the options for licensing in a formal consultation lasting 12 weeks, and invited individuals and organisations with an interest in this sector to respond with their comments. The responses to the consultation (download size: 136kb) were published by the Home Office in May 2008: these supported the competency-based licensing of private investigations, which was the Home Office's preferred option.

An interim Impact Assessment (download size: 110kb) was published in September 2008 which contained further information about competency-based licensing and confirmed the intention to develop the regulation of private investigations. What is an Impact Assessment?

Precognition Agents

Precognition agents interview witnesses for the purposes of, or in anticipation of, criminal or civil proceeding in Scotland. Proposals for the licensing of precognition agents are being considered in parallel with the development of licensing of private investigation activities. This is because of a similarity in the activities undertaken by both groups.