About Us

Priority Investigations started in Dublin in 1987, based on an amalgam of various PI Agencies owned and managed since 1960 by Ian D. Withers called Intercity Investigations, from offices in London, Brighton, Ireland, New York and Maryland in the USA

IAN D. WITHERS first became involved in the PI Industry way back in 1960, as a Trainee with the South London based Quartermaine Group. Then a Police Officer for a period until the lure of a “Broader Beat” took him back as General Operations Manager of Barrie Quartermaine’s new acquisition, Southern Provincial Investigations, the largest commercial Detective Agency in Britain at the time!

HIGH PROFILE politically sensitive cases generated extensive publicity during the 1950’s and 70’s with high profile cases being successfully concluded for major Corporate Clients and various Foreign Governments, both in the UK and around the World. In 1979 the Agency was engaged by the Government of the Republic of Seychelles to advise and to set-up a commercially based Intelligence Service. Ian was appointed as National Security Advisor to the Government and this Contract went on into 1986. During this period, the Agency repeatedly succeeded in providing high value intelligence to the Authorities, actively preventing a number of planned mercenary incursions to overthrow the Seychelles Government. “60 Minutes” the well known US Documentary TV Program featured Ian as a spokesman for the Seychelles Government on a one hour special called “Spies Islands”.

Leading Private Investigators UK and Ireland

PRIORITY began expanding again in 1994 with a network of Franchised Offices in Ireland. Which provide a 24 hour confidential and comprehensive investigation service throughout Ireland, from offices in Belfast, Cork, Donegal, Dublin and Waterford. PRIORITY also operates throughout Britain, with offices in London. Further franchised Offices are planned in the near future.

IAN WITHERS has featured on numerous TV and Radio Programs, both in the USA, Canada and Europe, including three guest appearances on Good Morning America Programs following the successful locating and recovery of “Tug of Love” children from all over the world, plus British and Irish Programs over past years.

Ian was a Licensed PI in Maryland, with Handgun Permit for over 10 years, of operating an active PI Agency, successfully completing assignments in the USA and throughout Central and South America. This experience PLUS years of operating in Africa, Seychelles. India and the Far East, as well as all over Europe and Scandinavia has enabled excellent contacts to be generated. All this expertise is available through our “European Gateway” to US based clients.

Qualifications

Experienced Private Investigators Ireland and UK

Finally, Priority fully supports professional qualification programs. Priority Staff Agents are required to undertake ongoing workplace based training and regular “Assessments” towards the UK Government sponsored Qualifications for Priority – and all Staff Agents & Sub Contractors will be licensed PI’s if and when regulation is finally introduced under the Private Security Industry Act.

PRIORITY are one of the few Agencies operating a “ Transparent Fees” system of charges, providing a published Schedule of Fees and conditions clearly set out for the benefit and protection of Clients. A Company “Ethical Code” is in force, and widely distributed by Priority from its associated Offices, Staff and Agents.

PRIORITY maintains professional indemnity insurance (Indemnity Bond) and an in-house complaints procedure, which has been readily accepted by the very few Clients who felt a need to complain.

CONTINGENCY FEE based assignments are most welcome, in suitable cases, and of course we are pleased to work to predetermined Fee Limitations.

MAJOR CREDIT CARDS are always welcome, and enable instant services to be provided on phone, fax or E-mail request. For UK based Business Clients an immediate 30 day Credit facility is available. Pay Pal email payments are accepted.

LICENCING of PI’s is currently on hold in both the UK and Ireland. However, we are registered (notified) with the Information Commissioner’s Office under the DPA in the UK and Data registered in Ireland. Ian Withers has also been a licensed PI in Maryland, operating throughout the US for many years.

INTER AGENCY: Priority are always pleased to represent Overseas Associates in Britain and Ireland, and will facilitate visiting Agents with office services, assistance, and local knowledge “back-up”. We can also act as your Agency’s local branch when required.

When you have “A NEED” to know?
Locally, nationally, or internationally –call Priority. Discreet, confidential professional and economic!
A Number of Priority Staff Agents are University Qualified with Degrees in Criminology and related Subjects

Members: NCISS, NALI, LPIA, PIAM (USA) WAPI, UKPIN (UK)