Code of Ethics
As a Pretrial Services Professional, I will:
- Conduct myself as a professional at all times;
- Treat all individuals, be they defendants, victims, or fellow criminal justice professionals, with respect, dignity and professionalism;
- Respect the dignity and integrity of the court;
- Respect and uphold the presumption of innocence and the fundamental rights of all persons accused of a crime.;
- Ensure the information I provide, and the recommendations and decisions I make, are accurate, objective and free from personal bias or undue influence.
- Treat all individuals equally regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected status;
- Protect the confidentiality of information obtained through my professional duties, except as required by law, court order, agency policy, or when necessary to prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm;
- Avoid impropriety or the appearance of impropriety;
- Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose any relationship or circumstance that could compromise, or appear to compromise, professional objectivity, nor enter into a personal or business relationship with anyone I evaluate, supervise or provide services to;
- Base my recommendations, decisions, and professional actions on verified information, sound professional judgement, and legal and evidence-based practices.
- Commit to ongoing professional development, education, and self-improvement to maintain and enhance my knowledge, skills, and effectiveness as a pretrial services professional;
- Promote the advancement of pretrial services through collaboration, innovation, research, and the responsible implementation and use of legal and evidence-based practices;
- Refrain from providing legal advice to any pretrial defendants; and lastly,
- Conduct myself with integrity, professionalism, honesty, and accountability, exercising sound ethical judgment in all aspects of my work.