of Ethics Online Collection:None
Code of Ethics
The primary duty of an investigator engaged in either civil or criminal cases is to determine the true facts and to render honest, unbiased reports in reference thereto.
Duty to Client
The best interests of a client may be served by maintaining a high standard of work and reporting to a client the full facts ascertained as a result of the work effort expended whether they be advantageous or detrimental to the interest of the client, and that nothing be witheld from said client save by the dictates of the law. It should be borne in mind at all times that the duties of the investigator should be within the bounds of the law, and do not permit, much less demand of him or her, any violation of the law or any manner of fraud.
Duty to the Public and to the Profession
An investigator or security professional should at all times maintain a high standard of conduct, personally and professionally, that may serve as a good example to others.
Confidence of Client
The duty to preserve the client's confidence outlasts the employment of an investigator, and extends as well to his or her employees; and neither of them should accept employment which involves the disclosure or use of confidence for the private advantage of the client without his or her knowledge and consent, even though there are other available sources of information. An investigator should not continue employment when he or she discovers that this obligation prevents the performance of his or her full duty to his or her former or new client.
Advertising
The most worthy and effective advertising possible is the establishment of a well-merited reputation for professional capacity and fidelity to trust. This can only be built by charachter and conduct. The solicitation of business by misleading advertising is unprofessional and is prohibited.
Retainers and Fees
Controversies with clients concerning compensation can best be avoided by the protection of some form of written agreement or letter. It should never be forgotten that the investigation business is a profession and all financial dealings with clients should be handled on that basis.
