Code of Ethics

Code of Professional Ethics

All Professionals of Certified Forensic Practitioners Institute must meet the rigorous criteria for admission. Thereafter, they must exemplify the highest professional, moral and ethical standards and must agree to abide by the Code of Professional Ethics and the Code of Professional Standards. Specifically each member of shall:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and due diligence in the performance of his/her duties.

2. Not engage in any illegal or unethical conduct, or any activity, which would constitute a conflict of interest.

3. Exhibit the highest level of integrity in the performance of all professional assignments and will accept only assignments for which there is reasonable expectation that the assignment will be completed with professional competence.

4. In conducting audits, reviews, examinations, etc., will obtain evidence or other documentation to establish a reasonable basis for any opinion rendered.

5. Not reveal any confidential information obtained during a professional engagement without proper authorization.

6. Will reveal all material matters discovered during the course of an audit, review, examination, etc., which, if omitted, could cause a distortion of the facts.

7. Strive to increase the competence and effectiveness of the professional services performed under his/her direction.

8. follow the rules of law and general practice in the jurisdiction of the inquiry

9. Will comply with all lawful orders of courts and administrative bodies

10. Shall not engage in unethical, physically abusive or coercive activities during an interview

11. Will respect the dignity of all people being fair and just in dealing with an individual.

12. Will conduct him/ herself in a manner that serves the cause of truth and justice

13. Will separate him/ herself from influences which might bias their judgments while conducting the inquiry

Standards of Professional Conduct

A.  Integrity and Objectivity

1. Members shall conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity. Members shall not sacrifice integrity for any reason.

2. Prior to entering into any engagement, members shall investigate for potential conflicts of interest. Members shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest to all parties involved in the engagement.

3. Members shall maintain objectivity in discharging their professional responsibilities within the scope of the engagement.

4. Members shall not commit any discreditable acts, and shall always conduct themselves in the best interests of the reputation of the profession.

5. Members shall not knowingly make any false statements or withhold any information that is vital to the engagement.

6. Members shall not commit criminal acts or knowingly induce others to do so.

B.  Professional Competence

1. Members shall be competent and shall not accept assignments where this competence is lacking.

2. Members shall maintain the minimum program of continuing professional education required by ICFP. All members holding the professional certification designation of Institute must agree to embrace a commitment to professionalism combining education and experience. Members shall continually strive to increase the competence and effectiveness of their professional services.

C.  Due Professional Care

1. Members shall exercise due professional care in the performance of their services. Due professional care requires diligence, critical analysis and professional skepticism in discharging professional responsibilities.

2. Conclusions shall be supported with evidence that is relevant, competent and sufficient.

3. Members' professional services shall be adequately planned. Planning controls the performance of any engagement from inception through completion and involves developing strategies and objectives for performing the services.

D.  Understanding with Employers, Clients, & Examinees

1. At the beginning of an engagement, members shall reach an understanding with those involved in the engagement about the scope and limitations of the engagement and the responsibilities of all parties involved.

2. Whenever the scope or limitations of the engagement change significantly, a new understanding shall be reached with the parties involved in the engagement.

E.  Communication with Parties Involved

1. Members shall communicate to all parties involved in the engagement all significant findings made during the normal course of the engagement.

F.  Confidentiality

1. Shall not disclose confidential or privileged information obtained during the course of the engagement without the express permission of proper authority or order of a court. This requirement does not preclude professional practice or investigative body reviews as long as the reviewing organization agrees to abide by the confidentiality restrictions.

2. Keep private any confidential information gained in her/his professional work, (in particular as it pertains to client lists and client personal information). Not collect, give, sell, or transfer any personal information (such as name, e-mail address, Social Security number, or other unique identifier) to a third party without client prior consent

G.  Engagements

1. All engagements shall be conducted in a professional, legal and thorough manner. The expert's or specialist's objective shall be to obtain information and all supporting documentation that is complete, reliable and relevant.

2. Members shall endeavor to establish effective control and management procedures for work papers and supporting documents. This is extended to all audit programs and work plans.

H.  Reporting

1. Members' reports may be written or oral, as agreed in the engagement letter or similar document. There is no single structure or format that is prescribed for a member's report; however, the report should not be misleading.

2. Members' reports shall contain only information based on data that are sufficient and relevant to support the facts, conclusions, opinions and/or recommendations related to the engagement. The report shall be confined to subject matter, principles and methodologies within the member's area of knowledge, skill, experience, training or education.

3. All opinions, findings and recommendations must be supported in the workpapers for Forensic type engagements, or documentation in design or implementation projects.

4. Member should not express opinion about innocence or guilt of any person