Code of Ethics:

Forensic engineering sciences involve both professional engineers and scientists who work in engineering related disciplines on forensic matters. Professional engineers (P.E.'s) are already bound by the codes of ethics of the jurisdiction in which they practice. These codes are generally very similar to the code of ethics of the National Society of Professional Engineers, which shall be the reference document of record unless in a specific instance a comparable document governing the ethics of licensed engineers in a particular person’s operating region is tabled for that case. Persons certified by the IBFES who are not P.E.’s, or equivalent, are required to abide by the same code of ethics as those who are designated P.E., P.Eng., or equivalent.

Accordingly, persons certified by the IBFES shall be governed by these fundamental canons:

1.   Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties.

2.   Perform services only in areas of their competence.

3.   Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

4.   Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

5.   Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional employment.

 

Rules of Professional Conduct:

With regard to the forensic nature of the activities of persons certified by the IBFES, all applicants must accept and agree to abide by these Rules of Professional Conduct:

1.   Be aware of ones own professional and technical qualifications in dealing with each case, and address only those factors that are within ones own expertise and competence. Seek the assistance of other qualified experts whenever necessary.

2.   Treat ones own personal integrity with great respect, and never do or say anything that might compromise that personal integrity. This entails not only saying the truth at all times, but also giving due weight to all pertinent observations and facts.

3.   Treat all information from a client, agency, or any other exclusive source with the confidentiality required.

4.   Treat every object or specimen of potential evidential value with the care and control necessary to preserve its integrity.

5.   Utilize the appropriate standards and controls in conducting examinations and analysis.

6.   Render opinions and conclusions strictly in accordance with the evidence in the case and only to the extent justified by that evidence.

7.   Maintain an attitude of independence and impartiality in order to ensure an unbiased analysis and presentation of the evidence.

8.   Carry out the duties of this profession in such a manner as to inspire the confidence of the public.

9.   Respect ones peers in this profession and regard them with the same standards that one holds for oneself.

10. Report to the IBFES any violation of these rules by any other person who is accredited by the board.

11. Refuse to accept, on a contingency fee basis, any assignment involving opinions, conclusions, or expert testimony intended for use in arbitration and/or litigation.