Associates in Forensic Investigations
Code of Ethics
(posted at http://www.deathcasereview.com/ethics.html)
Preamble
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we are dedicated to search for factual information through acceptable investigative procedures. It is our purpose to deal honestly, justly and courteously with all whom they come in contact and to practice their profession according to this Code of Ethics.
We share a responsibility for maintaining inviolate the integrity and trust of our profession. In discharging this responsibility, therefore, we pledge that:
I. Professional Relations
Paragraph 1.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall never undertake an assignment that is contrary to the Constitution of the United States of America or the security interests of this country.
Paragraph 2.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall strive to strengthen our profession through relationships with only those individuals qualified personally and professionally and whose business operations are conducted in an honest and legitimate manner.
Paragraph 3.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall never knowingly cause harm or defame the professional reputation or practice of colleagues, clients, employers, or any fellow association members.
Paragraph 4.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall extend the effectiveness of our profession by cooperating with other investigators and related professions, and by the exchange of information and experience so long as the interests of the clients or employers are not violated.
Paragraph 6.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not advertise our work, skill or merit in an unprofessional manner or in a dramatic, misleading or exaggerated fashion, and shall avoid all conduct or practice likely to discredit or do injury to dignity and honor of our profession.
II. Client and Public Relations
Paragraph 1.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall, when the appropriate opportunity presents itself, explain to the public the role of his profession in the furtherance of the administration of justice.
Paragraph 2.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall refrain from improper and unethical solicitation of business; including false or misleading claims or advertising.
Paragraph 3.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall make all reports based upon truth and fact and shall only express honest opinions based thereon.
Paragraph 4.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not disclose or relate or betray in any fashion that trust of confidence placed in them by the client, employer or associate, without their consent.
Paragraph 5.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not suggest, condone or participate in any fashion or degree, for any purpose whatsoever, in entrapment – including illicit pre-texting or violations of reasonable expectations of privacy.
Paragraph 6.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall refrain from accepting an assignment or employment if a personal conflict of interest lies therein.
Paragraph 7.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall deal fairly and equitably with their client or employer, and shall clearly explain their duties and the basis for charges in each undertaking.
Paragraph 8.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall guard against employing those techniques, or utilizing such equipment or devices, that may threaten the life, limb or safety of another.
Paragraph 9.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not accept commissions or allowance, directly or indirectly, from independent contractors or other parties dealing with their client, employer or associate in connection with work for which they are responsible.
Paragraph 10.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not allow personal feelings or prejudices to interfere with factual and truthful disclosures on the assignments in which we have been employed or consulted.
Paragraph 11.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall further an honest and legitimate manner of operation and shall preserve a client's confidence beyond the term of employment of any private detective, investigator, or other employee. We shall not accept other employment which involves the disclosure or use of such confidences whether for the private advantage of the member or their employees, or to the disadvantage of the client without their knowledge, consent, even though there may be other available sources of information.
III. Colleague Relations
Paragraph 1.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall endeavor to provide the opportunity, education, and skill for the professional development and advancement of investigators in the profession.
Paragraph 2.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not directly or indirectly injure the professional reputation, prospects, or practice of another investigator. However, if we consider that an investigator is guilty of unethical, illegal, or unfair practice or designs, we shall present the information to the proper authority for action. If a member of this network, such information shall be presented to the network administrators.
Paragraph 3.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall uphold, and never abuse, the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those engaged in investigative work.
Paragraph 4.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not criticize another investigator's work except in the proper forum for technical discussion and criticism.
Paragraph 5.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not compete illegally with other investigators in the solicitation of work.
Paragraph 6.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not solicit clientele for any attorney.
IV. Legal Performance
Paragraph 1.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
Paragraph 2.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall respect the rights of our clients and refrain from divulging information to newspapers or other publications in the protection of our clients and shall work to prevent interference in the administration of justice or a fair trial in the courts.
Paragraph 3.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall provide professional services in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, or any subdivision thereof.
Paragraph 4.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall use due diligence to insure that all employees and co-workers adhere to this same code of ethical conduct; respecting all persons, performing the job diligently and working within the limits of the law.
Paragraph 5.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall observe, and adhere to the precepts of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness.
Paragraph 6.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall honor each client contract, adhering to all responsibilities by providing ethical services within the limits of the law.
Paragraph 7.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall safeguard confidential information and exercise the utmost care to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of such information.
Paragraph 8.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall, prior to providing a client any personally identifying or location information of an individual, conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure that the person has a legitimate business or legal interest in obtaining that information. When such due diligence is not possible or appropriate, or if the person appears to not have a legal or business interest, the person shall be informed that their contact information shall be provided to the subject they are seeking and the personal identifying information of the subject they are seeking shall only be provided to the person if that party consents.)
Code of Ethics
(posted at http://www.deathcasereview.com/ethics.html)
Preamble
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we are dedicated to search for factual information through acceptable investigative procedures. It is our purpose to deal honestly, justly and courteously with all whom they come in contact and to practice their profession according to this Code of Ethics.
We share a responsibility for maintaining inviolate the integrity and trust of our profession. In discharging this responsibility, therefore, we pledge that:
I. Professional Relations
Paragraph 1.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall never undertake an assignment that is contrary to the Constitution of the United States of America or the security interests of this country.
Paragraph 2.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall strive to strengthen our profession through relationships with only those individuals qualified personally and professionally and whose business operations are conducted in an honest and legitimate manner.
Paragraph 3.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall never knowingly cause harm or defame the professional reputation or practice of colleagues, clients, employers, or any fellow association members.
Paragraph 4.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall extend the effectiveness of our profession by cooperating with other investigators and related professions, and by the exchange of information and experience so long as the interests of the clients or employers are not violated.
Paragraph 6.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not advertise our work, skill or merit in an unprofessional manner or in a dramatic, misleading or exaggerated fashion, and shall avoid all conduct or practice likely to discredit or do injury to dignity and honor of our profession.
II. Client and Public Relations
Paragraph 1.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall, when the appropriate opportunity presents itself, explain to the public the role of his profession in the furtherance of the administration of justice.
Paragraph 2.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall refrain from improper and unethical solicitation of business; including false or misleading claims or advertising.
Paragraph 3.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall make all reports based upon truth and fact and shall only express honest opinions based thereon.
Paragraph 4.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not disclose or relate or betray in any fashion that trust of confidence placed in them by the client, employer or associate, without their consent.
Paragraph 5.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not suggest, condone or participate in any fashion or degree, for any purpose whatsoever, in entrapment – including illicit pre-texting or violations of reasonable expectations of privacy.
Paragraph 6.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall refrain from accepting an assignment or employment if a personal conflict of interest lies therein.
Paragraph 7.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall deal fairly and equitably with their client or employer, and shall clearly explain their duties and the basis for charges in each undertaking.
Paragraph 8.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall guard against employing those techniques, or utilizing such equipment or devices, that may threaten the life, limb or safety of another.
Paragraph 9.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not accept commissions or allowance, directly or indirectly, from independent contractors or other parties dealing with their client, employer or associate in connection with work for which they are responsible.
Paragraph 10.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not allow personal feelings or prejudices to interfere with factual and truthful disclosures on the assignments in which we have been employed or consulted.
Paragraph 11.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall further an honest and legitimate manner of operation and shall preserve a client's confidence beyond the term of employment of any private detective, investigator, or other employee. We shall not accept other employment which involves the disclosure or use of such confidences whether for the private advantage of the member or their employees, or to the disadvantage of the client without their knowledge, consent, even though there may be other available sources of information.
III. Colleague Relations
Paragraph 1.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall endeavor to provide the opportunity, education, and skill for the professional development and advancement of investigators in the profession.
Paragraph 2.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not directly or indirectly injure the professional reputation, prospects, or practice of another investigator. However, if we consider that an investigator is guilty of unethical, illegal, or unfair practice or designs, we shall present the information to the proper authority for action. If a member of this network, such information shall be presented to the network administrators.
Paragraph 3.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall uphold, and never abuse, the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those engaged in investigative work.
Paragraph 4.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not criticize another investigator's work except in the proper forum for technical discussion and criticism.
Paragraph 5.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not compete illegally with other investigators in the solicitation of work.
Paragraph 6.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not solicit clientele for any attorney.
IV. Legal Performance
Paragraph 1.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
Paragraph 2.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall respect the rights of our clients and refrain from divulging information to newspapers or other publications in the protection of our clients and shall work to prevent interference in the administration of justice or a fair trial in the courts.
Paragraph 3.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall provide professional services in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, or any subdivision thereof.
Paragraph 4.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall use due diligence to insure that all employees and co-workers adhere to this same code of ethical conduct; respecting all persons, performing the job diligently and working within the limits of the law.
Paragraph 5.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall observe, and adhere to the precepts of honesty, integrity, and truthfulness.
Paragraph 6.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall honor each client contract, adhering to all responsibilities by providing ethical services within the limits of the law.
Paragraph 7.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall safeguard confidential information and exercise the utmost care to prevent any unauthorized disclosure of such information.
Paragraph 8.
As Professional Investigators and Expert Consultants we shall, prior to providing a client any personally identifying or location information of an individual, conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure that the person has a legitimate business or legal interest in obtaining that information. When such due diligence is not possible or appropriate, or if the person appears to not have a legal or business interest, the person shall be informed that their contact information shall be provided to the subject they are seeking and the personal identifying information of the subject they are seeking shall only be provided to the person if that party consents.)
