This Code of Conduct and Ethics signifies a voluntary assumption by members of the obligation of professional behavior and self discipline, above and beyond the requirements of the law. Thus, it notifies the public, as well as prospective and existing clients, that CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ (CSCSM) maintains a high level of ethics and professional service, and proclaims that, in return for the faith that the public and clients place in them, the CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ accepts the obligation to conduct their practices in a way that will be beneficial to society.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will view and handle as confidential all information concerning the affairs of the client.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will not take personal, financial, or any other advantage of inside information gained by virtue of the consulting relationship.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will inform clients and prospective clients of any special relationship or circumstances that could be considered a conflict of interest.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will never charge more than a reasonable fee; and, whenever possible, the consultant will agree with the client in advance on the fee or basis for the fee.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will neither accept nor pay fees or commissions for client referrals.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will not accept fees, commissions or other valuable considerations from any individual or organization whose equipment, supplies or services they might or do recommend in the course of his or her services to a client.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will only accept assignments for and render expert opinions on matters they are eminently qualified in and for.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will strive to advance and protect the standards of the security consulting profession as represented in this code of ethics.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will recognize their responsibility to our profession to share with their colleagues general information and strategies in the form of books, articles and presentations that enhance the profession and benefit the client.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will not use or reveal other consultant’s proprietary data, procedures, or strategies without permission unless same has been released, as such, for public (or all consultants’) use.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will not accept an assignment for a client while another consultant is serving that client unless assured that any conflict is recognized by and has the consent of the client.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will not review the work of another consultant who is still engaged with the client without such consultant’s knowledge.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will strive to avoid any improprieties or the appearance of improprieties.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will never misrepresent their qualifications, experience, or professional standing to clients or prospective clients.
- The professional certification referred to in this Code of Ethics is forthwith forfeited upon conviction of any felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ fees will never be contingent upon the outcome of a case.
- CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠, when testifying, will carefully avoid taking the position of an advocate or appearing to take such a position; for justice requires the professional expert witness to be neutral with no personal interest in the outcome of the case.
- If, after reviewing a case, it is apparent that the CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ cannot provide testimony or assistance helpful to the case, the consultant will make this known to the client. If he withdraws from or his services are discontinued the case, he will not testify for the opposing side unless compelled to by subpoena.
- The CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ will not sign written opinions or affidavits prepared by clients. Testimony or report preparation, including the preparation of oral reports, will not occur until the consultant has performed a thorough evaluation of the circumstances, evidence, scene or other pertinent materials or places as he deems necessary to render a learned opinion.
- IN THAT THE CERTIFICATION IS ADMINISTERED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL SECURITY CONSULTANTS (IAPSC), ANY formal complaint issued against any CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠ or other person indicating a violation of any section of this Code of Conduct and Ethics, the Ethics Committee OF THE IAPSC will investigate the allegations and make known, with any recommendation to the Board of Directors of said association regarding any action to be taken against the accused CERTIFIED SECURITY CONSULTANT℠. AN ‘ACTION’ may range from a LETTER OF DISAPPROVAL and warning to a PUBLIC STATEMENT OF FORFEITURE OF THE CERTIFICATION.