I. Interpretation and Definition
A.
No part of this document shall supersede the
Private Investigators and Security Guards Act,
R.S.O. 1990 c.P.25, as amended, or its
regulations.
B.
For the purposes of this document, a Member is:
1.
A licensed private investigator
2.
An organization licensed to engage in the business of
providing private investigators
C.
The Council is the Council of Private Investigators - Ontario
("CPIO") is the recognized industry association of private
investigators and private investigation companies in Ontario.
II. Objectives of the Code of Ethics
A.
The objectives of the Code of Ethics are:
1.
To ensure a high standard of investigative
services is provided to the public by the
Members of the CPIO;
2.
To maintain courteous and professional conduct
among members of the CPIO
3.
To enhance the relationship of CPIO Members with:
a. regulatory bodies
b. law enforcement
c. clients
d. the general public
e. non-members
III. General Standards of Conduct
A.
Reputation of the Profession
1.
Members will regard themselves as a member of an
important and respectable profession
2.
Members will ensure that their reputation, that
of fellow members, the CPIO, and the
investigative profession as a while is
maintained at all times
3.
Members shall not engage in any investigative
activity for which they are not competent and
qualified
4.
Members shall adhere at all times to the Privacy Code,
which is attached to and is part of this code of ethics.
IV. Compliance with the Code of Ethics
A. Members shall at all times adhere to this Code of Ethics and
the Privacy Code.
B. Integrity and Due Care
1.
Members will conduct due diligence to ensure that
the identity of a client is verified and that the
client has a lawful purpose to retain and instruct
the investigator.
2.
Members will ensure that all employees, subcontactors,
and other persons paid to assist in an investigation
adhere to this Code of Ethic and Privacy Code.
C.
Confidentiality of Information
1. Each Member will respect the privacy of clients and
their right to confidentiality
2. Each Member will conduct investigation in a manner
consistent with the Privacy Code.
3. Each Member will ensure adequate security for personal
information collected in the course of an investigation
and will take all reasonable steps to protect against
inadvertent or negligent disclosure.
4. No Member shall use information obtained in an
investigation for personal gain.
D.
Fees or Remuneration
1. Membership Fees will be paid in full when due. Failure
to renew membership may result in the removal of the
member from the Association.
E.
Advertising
No Member will at any time make false or misleading claims to
academic or professional qualifications.
V. Relations with Fellow Members
A.Courtesy and Consideration
1.
Members will work together towards the
achievement of the objectives of the CPIO
2.
Members are encouraged to employ the services of
fellow Members as warranted
3.
Members will respect business relationships and
otherwise not take advantage of referrals by
fellow Members
4.
Members will not make false or misleading statements
about a fellow Member
VI. Conduct of a Professional Practice
A.Disclosure of Conflicts
1. Members shall at the first opportunity disclose to a client
any influence, interest, or relationships pertaining to an
investigation, which, in the judgement of a reasonable person
may impair the Member's professional judgement or objectivity.
B. Terms of Engagement
1. Members shall ensure that, prior to accepting an
engagement, the objectives of the client are fully
understood and that the client has been informed of
anticipated costs and the time required to complete an
assignment.
C.
Unqualified Opinions
1. Members shall not provide opinions for which they
are not professionally qualified.
D.
Reports
1.
Reports to clients shall be complete, objective,
and unbiased. Report should not provide opinions
without a factual foundation.
2. Members shall be forthcoming, truthful, and professional
in disclosing investigative findings.
VII. The Ethics Committee
A.
Jurisdiction - The Ethics Committee may:
1.
Serve as a mediator in minor disputes between
Members.
2.
Investigate ethical violations and accusations.
3.
Resolve matters or recommend action to the Disciplinary
Committee.
B.
Composition of the Ethics Committee
1. Membership on the Ethics Committee will be rotated annually.
The Committee shall be selected at the Annual General Meeting
of the Council. Every Member shall be elegible to serve,
except that no Member shall serve for more than two
consecutive years.
VIII. Disciplinary Procedures
A.
Violation of By-laws, Code of Ethics, Privacy code, or
Practice Standards
1. Sanctions - A matter reviewed by the Ethics Committee may
result in:
a. a written warning
b. probation of membership in the CPIO
c. suspension of membership in the CPIO
d. expulsion from the CPIO
2.
The Ethics Committee may, at its sole discretion, notify civil
authorities and Provincial and/or Federal regulators.
