Message from Tony Smith – Chairman

I am honoured to again have the WAPI Chair for the forthcoming year and thank my Governing Council for their efforts throughout this past year. All have worked tirelessly, and without financial gain, for the Association and for this I am grateful.

I would also like to welcome Dave Edwards to the GC and have no doubt that his input will be valuable and I’m glad to have him on board.

The World Association of Professional Investigators, now approaching its 23rd year, remains a creditable alternative Association for those who wish to ‘belong’. We are still a relatively ‘young’ association when matched with our peer Associations, but I suppose we are doing something right to attain that degree of longevity.

Throughout my time in this industry I’ve seen many changes but what has remained throughout is the degree of decency and honesty permeating in those that have chosen this profession as a way to make a living. A lack of legislation means that there will always remain an element of untrustworthy participants but they are getting weeded out, mainly due to the diligent work of the Associations as a whole, and until such legislation is introduced we will continue to be vigilant for the sake of prospective clients the general public and the industry as a whole.

Being a WAPI member requires adherence to a Code of Conduct which is strictly enforced. Its not dictatorial, it’s common sense and goes a long way to ensure that our Members are decent legal honest and truthful in their conduct. Why not apply for Membership ?., we are open to those who can follow such guidelines and enhance their business, the Association, and the profession as a whole. If however you can’t follow an ethical approach to Private Investigation and are just looking for a logo for your letterheads and a plaque for your office wall then, quite frankly, we don’t want you.

WAPI is forward-thinking and takes on board suggestions from its members that may improve its standing and benefit its members. We have a Governing Council that is open for any member in good standing to make an application to join and we have no ‘cliquish’ attitudes whatsoever.

If you are an Investigator who in the past has not shown an interest in joining Associations for this industry, I would urge that you look again at WAPI as a creditable alternative it might surprise you. I would also add that our membership fees are extremely competitive.

Tony Smith
WAPI Chairman 2023