Aware that the public depends upon security professionals to maintain a high level of ethics and integrity and to act in a way that is beneficial to society, ASIS International (hereafter: “ASIS”) adopts the following aspirational Code of Ethics, which its members should strive to observe:
ARTICLE I:
A member shall perform professional duties in accordance with the law and the highest moral principles.
- A member shall abide by the law of the land in which the services are rendered and perform all duties in an honorable manner, respecting local rules and cultural practices, being mindful that some professional behavior acceptable in one culture may be seen differently in other cultures.
- A member shall not knowingly become associated with colleagues who do not conform to the law and these ethical standards.
- A member shall be just and respect the rights of others in performing professional responsibilities.
- Members will conduct themselves with respect and dignity for others regardless of race, color, culture, national origin, language, immigration status, or ethnicity; age; mental or physical disability; religion or political affiliation; gender, gender identity or expression; sexual orientation; socioeconomic status; domestic violence victim status; genetic information; familial/marital status; military status, or any another distinguishing characteristic.
- Members will not tolerate harassment and/or bullying in any form.
ARTICLE II:
A member shall observe the precepts of truthfulness, honesty, and integrity.
- A member shall disclose all relevant information to those having a right to know.
- A member shall not knowingly release misleading information, nor encourage or otherwise participate in the release of such information.
- A member will remain positive and welcoming to other members.
- A member will recognize that the ASIS community is a place for diversity of thought, organization, and individuals.
ARTICLE III:
A member shall be faithful and diligent in discharging professional responsibilities.
- A member is faithful when fair and steadfast in adherence to promises and commitments.
- A member is diligent when employing best efforts in an assignment.
- A member shall not act in matters involving conflicts of interest without appropriate disclosure and approval.
- A member shall represent services or products fairly and truthfully.
ARTICLE IV:
A member shall be competent in discharging professional responsibilities.
- A member is competent who possesses and applies the skills and knowledge required for the task.
- A member shall not accept a task beyond the member's competence, nor shall competence be claimed when not possessed.
ARTICLE V:
A member shall safeguard confidential information and exercise due care to prevent improper disclosure.
- Confidential information is nonpublic information, the disclosure of which is restricted.
- Due care requires that the professional must not knowingly reveal confidential information or use a confidence to the disadvantage of the principal. This confidentiality continues after the business relationship between the member and his principal has terminated.
- A member who receives information and has not agreed to be bound by confidentiality is not bound from disclosing it. A member is not bound by confidential disclosures of acts or omissions that constitute a violation of the law.
- A member shall not disclose confidential information for personal gain without appropriate authorization.
ARTICLE VI:
A member shall not maliciously injure the professional reputation or practice of colleagues, clients, or employers.
- A member shall not comment falsely and with malice concerning a colleague's competence, performance, or professional capabilities.
Revised March 2023
This document replaces:
- ASIS Code of Ethics
- ASIS International Code of Conduct
- Policy 2010: Censure, Suspension, Revocation of Certification and Expulsion
- Procedure 2010: Censure, Suspension, and Expulsion
- Policy 1080
