Code of Ethics

The Association of Certified Background Investigators is an association of professionals committed to performing at the highest level of ethical conduct. Members of the Association pledge themselves to act with integrity and to perform their work in a professional manner.

Members have a professional responsibility to the public interest, our national security, and each other. It is a responsibility that requires subordinating self-interest to the interests of those served.

This Code of Ethics expresses the basic principles of ethical behavior to guide Members in the fulfilling of their duties and obligations. By following this Code, all Members shall strive to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in service and professional conduct.

• Members shall conduct themselves with integrity, knowing that public trust is founded on integrity. Members shall not sacrifice integrity to serve themselves, their client, their employer, or the public interest.
• Prior to becoming a Member, Members shall self-investigate for actual, potential, and perceived conflicts of interest. Members shall disclose any such conflicts of interest to those potentially affected.
• Members shall maintain objectivity in discharging their professional responsibilities within the scope of investigations.
• Members shall not commit acts discreditable to the ACBI or its membership, and shall always conduct themselves in the best interests of the reputation of the profession.
• Members shall comply with lawful orders of the courts or other dispute resolution bodies.
• Members shall not make false statements or commit criminal acts or knowingly induce others to do so.
• Members shall continually strive to increase the competence and effectiveness of their professional services.
• Members shall exercise due professional care in the performance of their services. Due professional care requires diligence, critical analysis and professional skepticism in discharging professional responsibilities.