Our members devote a substantial majority of their working time to the public practice of security consulting and have been found to meet Association standards of character and competence. Associate Members are qualified professional security consultants who earn less than a majority of their earned income from public practice in security consulting. Members and Associate Members pledge in writing to follow this Code.

This Code of Conduct and Ethics signifies a voluntary assumption by members of the obligation of self-discipline above and beyond the requirements of the law. Thus, it notifies the public that members intend to maintain a high level of ethics and professional service, and proclaims that, in return for the faith that the public places in them, the members accept the obligation to conduct their practices in a way that will be beneficial to society.

A. GENERAL

1. Members will view and handle as confidential all information concerning the affairs of the client.
2. Members will not take personal, financial, or any other advantage of inside information gained by virtue of the consulting relationship.
3. Members will inform clients and prospective clients of any special relationship or circumstances that could be considered a conflict of interest.
4. Members 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.
5. Members will neither accept nor pay fees or commissions, for client referrals.
6. Members 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 providing professional consulting services.
7. Members will only accept assignments for and render expert opinions on matters they are eminently qualified in and for.

B. PROFESSIONAL

1. Members will strive to advance and protect the standards of the security consulting profession as represented in this code of ethics.
2. Members recognize their responsibility to our profession to share with their colleagues the knowledge, methods, and strategies they find effective in serving their clients.
3. Members 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.
4. Members 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.
5. Members will not review the work of another consultant who is still engaged with the client, without such consultant's knowledge.
6. Members will strive to avoid any improprieties or the appearance of improprieties.
7. Membership in the IAPSC is forfeited upon conviction of any felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
8. Members will never misrepresent their qualifications, experience, or professional standing to clients or prospective clients.

C. FORENSIC

1. Member's fees will never be contingent upon the outcome of a case.
2. Members, 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.
3. If, after reviewing a case, it is apparent that the expert witness 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.
4. The 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.

D. ENFORCEMENT

1. Upon a formal complaint issued against any member of this Association or other person indicating a violation of any section of this Code of Conduct and Ethics, the Ethics Committee will investigate the allegations and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors regarding any disciplinary action to be taken against the accused member. Discipline may range from a formal reprimand and warning to a temporary or permanent suspension from the Association upon the discretion of the Board of Directors