South
Carolina Association of Legal Investigators
CODE
OF ETHICS
A
Private and Legal Investigator is dedicated to search for truth and
the furtherance of his client's interest consistent therewith. The search
for truth allows for the establishment of the American ideals of fairness
and justice for the benefit of the client. it should be the intention
of every investigator to deal honestly, justly and courteously with
all that he contacts and to practice his profession according to the
Code of Ethics.
PROFESSIONAL
RELATIONS
| Section
1 |
The
Private Investigator will extend the effectiveness of his profession
by cooperating with other investigators and related professionals
and by the exchange of information and experience so long as the
interest of his client are not compromised. |
| Section
2 |
The
Private Investigator will not advertise his work, skill or merit
in an unprofessional manner or in a dramatic misleading or exaggerated
fashion and he will avoid conduct or practice likely to discredit
or to do injury to the dignity and honor of his profession. |
RELATIONS
WITH THE PUBLIC
| Section
1 |
The
Private Investigator will, when the appropriate opportunity presents
itself, explain to the public the role of his profession in the
furtherance of the administration of justice. |
| Section
2 |
The
Private Investigator will not knowingly violate any right or privilege
of any individual citizen which may be guaranteed or provided by
the United States Constitution, and State Constitution or the laws
of the State and Federal Governments or any subdivision thereof.
|
| Section
3 |
The
Private Investigator will make reportings based upon truth and fact
and will express honest opinions based thereon. |
| Section
4 |
The
Private Investigator will not disclose, relate or betray, in any
fashion, the trust or confidence placed in him by client, employer,
or associate without his consent. |
| Section
5 |
The
private Investigator will not suggest, condone or participate, in
any fashion or degree, for any purpose whatsoever, in entrapment. |
| Section
6 |
The
Private Investigator shall refrain from accepting an assignment
or employment if a personal conflict of interest lies therein. |
| Section
7 |
The
Private Investigator will deal fairly and equitably with his clients
or employer and will clearly explain his duties and the basis for
his charges in each undertaking. |
| Section
8 |
The
Private Investigator will guard against employing those techniques
or utilizing such equipment or devices that threaten life, limb
or the safety of others. |
| Section
9 |
The
Private Investigator will not allow personal feelings or prejudices
to interfere with factual and truthful disclosures on the assignments
for which he has been employed or consulted. |
RELATIONS
WITH INVESTIGATORS
| Section
1 |
The
Private Investigator will endeavor to provide the opportunity, education
and skill for the professional development and advancement of investigators
in the profession. |
| Section
2 |
The
Private Investigator will not directly or indirectly injure the
professional reputation, prospects or practice of another investigator.
However, if he considers that an investigator is guilty of unethical,
illegal or unfair practices or designs, he will present the information
to the proper authority for action. |
| Section
3 |
The
Private Investigator will uphold, and never abuse, the principal
of appropriate and adequate compensation for those engaged in investigative
work. |
| Section
4 |
The
Private Investigator will not criticize another investigators work
except in the proper forum for technical discussion and critique. |
| Section
5 |
The Private Investigator will not compete illegally / un-ethically with other investigators in the solicitation of business. |
| Section
6 |
The
Private Investigator shall not engage in the unauthorized practice
of law. |
|