CODE OF ETHICS

AS MEMBERS OF WORLD ASSOCIATION OF DETECTIVES, INC.

We share a singular responsibility for maintaining the integrity and trust of the private detective or investigative profession. In discharging this responsibility, we mutually pledge that:

I

We will endeavour to perform our professional duties in accordance with the highest moral principles.

II
We will direct our concerted efforts toward the support, advancement, elevation, and furtherance of high personal and professional conduct in the pursuance of business in our own communities, our respective countries, and with our fellow members wherever they may be.

III
We will strive to strengthen the membership by selecting and approving for membership only those individuals qualified personally and professionally and whose business operations are conducted in an honest and legitimate manner.

IV
We will be faithful and diligent in carrying out assignments entrusted to us, and to determine the true facts and render honest, unbiased reports in reference thereto.

V
We will respect the best interests of our clients by maintaining a high standard of performance and reporting to our clients the full facts ascertained as a result of the work and effort expended whether they be advantageous or detrimental to the interest of the client; and that nothing be withheld from the client save by the dictates of law.

VI
We will at all times perform our duties within the bounds of the law and will not permit nor demand of any employee nor fellow member any violation of the law or any manner of fraud.

VII
We will labour diligently and unceasingly to elevate the standard of practices of our agency members and will not tolerate unscrupulous invasion of our business contracts with clients by any member who intrudes knowingly and wilfully for his own private advantage or financial gain to the detriment and/or injury of another member.

VIII
We will promote and protect the interest of our fellow members, and all members of the profession having knowledge of any unlawful or unprofessional practices of any other member shall immediately inform the Association thereof so that disciplinary action may be taken.

IX
We will further an honest and legitimate manner of operation and will preserve a client’s confidence beyond the term of employment of any private detective, investigator, or other employee; and other employment will not be accepted which involves the disclosure or use of the confidences either for the private advantage of the member or his employees, or to the disadvantage of the client without his knowledge and consent, even though there may be other available sources of information.

X
We will respect the rights of our clients and refrain from divulging information to newspapers or other publications in the protection of our clients and to prevent interference in the administration of justice or a fair trial in the courts.

XI
We will refrain from using unprofessional media for advertising or by personal communications or interviews that fail to qualify in professional capacity and fidelity to trust.

XII
We will avoid controversies with fellow members concerning compensation by using some form of written agreement or letter which shall state terms or fees as agreed upon by both parties. At all times, we will remember that the private investigator/detective business is a profession and all financial dealings with clients should be handled on that basis; and that a private detective or investigator should accept no compensation, commission, rebate or other advantage from others without the knowledge and consent of his client. If necessary, we may resort to the courts to prevent injustice, imposition, or fraud.

XIII
We will promote programs with educational intent designed to raise standards, improve efficiency, and increase effectiveness of the private investigator/detective profession.

XIV
We will work together toward the achievement of the professional objectives of the Association.

XV
We will observe strictly the precepts of truth, accuracy and prudence.