Code of Ethics
ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED FORENSIC PRACTITIONERS (ACFP) CODE OF ETHICS
CODE OF ETHICS
When applying these fundamental principles, members must conduct their activities to demonstrate compliance and retain public confidence.
A.1 INTEGRITY
A.1.1: Members must maintain a reputation for integrity, encompassing honesty, trustworthiness, fair dealing, and truthfulness in all professional matters.
A.1.2: Integrity requires resisting pressure to misrepresent facts or evidence. Professional judgments made in contentious circumstances must be thoroughly documented, including supporting reasoning.
A.1.3: Members shall proactively provide advice or comment on investigative matters within their expertise, even when unsolicited, if warranted by the circumstances.
A.2 OBJECTIVITY
A.2.1: Members must base judgments solely on available evidence, free from personal bias, prejudice, or undue influence.
A.2.2: Members shall identify and avoid circumstances or relationships that could reasonably impair, or appear to impair, objectivity. Inability to uphold other principles due to such conflicts indicates compromised objectivity.
A.2.3: Members shall not engage in external activities that impair, or could be perceived to impair, their integrity or objectivity. All relevant pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests must be disclosed to employers. A declaration may not always eliminate the perception of compromised objectivity.
A.3 COMPETENCE AND DUE CARE
A.3.1: Members shall only undertake professional services for which they possess adequate competence and resources, or obtain necessary expert support.
A.3.2: Professional Competence requires:
(a) Attainment: A high standard of education, specialized training, examination in relevant investigative disciplines, and supervised experience.
(b) Maintenance: Continuous awareness of developments in forensic investigation, including relevant laws, standards, and methodologies. Participation in the ACFI’s CPD program is encouraged.
A.3.3: Members must adhere to statutory requirements, investigative standards, and ACFP guidance to mitigate risks of incompetent work to themselves and the Association.
A.4 CONFIDENTIALITY
A.4.1: Members shall maintain the confidentiality of employer, client, or case information acquired during professional engagements, even after the relationship ends.
A.4.2: Confidential information shall not be disclosed without specific authorization or a legal/professional duty to disclose. Members must ensure staff and advisors also uphold confidentiality. Confidential information shall not be used, or appear to be used, for personal gain or the advantage of third parties.
A.4.3: Unauthorized disclosure or misuse of confidential information may constitute misconduct or illegal acts (e.g., insider trading).
A.4.4: Permissible disclosure includes: authorized disclosure (considering all affected parties), or disclosure required by law (e.g., money laundering, imminent harm).
A.4.5: When disclosure is necessary, members must: verify facts; use professional judgment for unsubstantiated information; ensure recipients are appropriate and authorized; and consider seeking legal/professional advice beforehand.
A.4.6: Confidentiality shall not be invoked unnecessarily to obscure potential ethical breaches.
A.5 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
A.5.1: Members shall avoid any conduct (professional or personal) that could discredit them, the Association, or the forensic investigation profession, or diminish public confidence. They shall promote ethical principles through leadership and example.
A.5.2: Members with evidence of another member’s professional misconduct must take necessary steps to protect the public, profession, Association, employers, and the involved member. Actions must be based on established facts; reports must be honest and sustainable.
A.5.3: Illegal conduct by members diminishes public confidence; the severity and nature of the offense will be considered by the Association regarding its impact.
A.5.4: Members shall conduct themselves with courtesy and consideration. All professional work shall comply with relevant technical and professional investigative standards.
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