Code of Ethics for
Latent Print Examiners


This code was presented to the membership at the 63rd Annual IAI Conference, held in Austin, Texas, and was unanimously adopted. This code is intended as a guide to ethical conduct of Certified Latent Print Examiners. It is not to be construed that these principles are immutable laws nor that they are all-inclusive. Instead, they represent general standards that each examiner should strive to meet. It is to be realized that each individual case may vary, just as does the evidence with which the examiner is concerned, and no set guides or rules will precisely fit every occasion. At the same time the fundamentals set forth in this Code are to be regarded as indicating, to a considerable extent, the conduct requirements expected of members of the profession and this Association. A failure to meet or maintain certain of these standards will justifiably cast doubt upon an individual's fitness for this type of work. Infractions of these principles may be regarded as inconsistent with certification as a Latent Print Examiner.

It is the duty of practicing Latent Print Examiners to serve the interests of justice to the best of their ability at all times. In fulfilling this duty, they will use all of the scientific means at their command to ascertain all of the significant physical facts relative to the matters under investigation. Having made factual determinations, the examiner must then interpret and evaluate the findings. In this they will be guided by experience and knowledge which, coupled with a serious consideration of their analytical findings and application of sound judgment, may enable them to arrive at opinions and conclusions pertaining to the matters under study. These findings of fact and their conclusions and opinions should be reported with all the accuracy and skill of which the examiner is capable, to the end that all persons fully understand and be able to place the findings in their proper relationship to the problem at issue.

Latent Print Examiners are responsible for maintaining an awareness of, and an adherence to, existing professional safety standards, in order to ensure a safe environment while working in a laboratory or in the field.

In carrying out these functions, the examiner will be guided by those practices and procedures that are generally recognized within the profession to be consistent with a high level of professional ethics. The motives, methods and actions of the examiner shall at all times be above reproach, in good taste, and consistent with proper moral conduct.

A Latent Print Examiner, whose professional or personal conduct becomes adverse to the best interests and purposes of the profession of Latent Print Identification, shall be liable to censure, suspension or withdrawal of Certification.