Ethical fingerprint examination is essential to successful identifications.
The International Association for Identification (IAI), the world's largest and oldest forensic and identification association, governs fingerprint examiners. Although membership is voluntary, the applicants must meet a strict set of requirements. Membership provides a valuable credential for the fingerprint examiner. Because of its high standards of membership, the IAI has adopted an ethical code, located in Section IV of the IAI's Certification Program Operations Manual.
Dedication
The first paragraph calls for dedication to the efficient and scientific administration, or employment, of investigative and identification methods. This administration is in the interest of justice and the betterment of the profession.
Effective Analysis
The second and third paragraphs instruct the examiner to promote effective analysis by cooperation with other professionals and shared research. The code calls for the examiner to employ knowledge factually, with zeal and determination. Also, members of the IAI must protect the ethical standards of the association.
Professional Responsibility
The fourth, and last, paragraph of the code accepts the responsibility of public trust. The IAI administers three forms of discipline if the ethical code is violated: censure, suspension and revocation. The type of discipline administered depends on the nature of the violation.
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