Code of Ethics for Jail and Medical Inspectors

Florida Model Jail Standards Inspectors Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Goals
Enhance the professionalism and the effectiveness of the inspectors and the inspection process.

Objectives
Define professional conduct and ethical standards of conduct for Florida Model Jail Standards Inspectors, including identifying conduct which is unbecoming and unprofessional.

Principles:

Florida Model Jail Standards Inspectors are expected to apply and uphold the following:

1. Integrity:
FMJS Inspectors shall establish trust and maintain firm adherence to the code of conduct in an honest, fair and impartial manner.

2. Objectivity:
FMJS Inspectors shall exhibit the highest level of professional objectivity in gathering, evaluating, and communicating information about the department, agency, activity or process being inspected. FMJS Inspectors shall make a balanced assessment of all the relevant circumstances.

3. Confidentiality:
FMJS Inspectors shall respect the value and confidentiality of information they receive and will  not disclose information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so.

4. Competency:
FMJS Inspectors shall apply the knowledge and skills obtained through the FMJS inspector certification program, and shall not exceed FMJS standards.

5. Professionalism:
FMJS inspectors shall utilize their skills, good judgment and qualities that characterize   professional behavior; including  both written and verbal communication.

Rules of Conduct:

1. Integrity:

FMJS Inspectors:

1.1.   Shall perform their work honestly, diligently, and responsibly.
1.2.   Shall not knowingly be a party to any illegal activity, or engage in acts that are discreditable to their profession, the inspection process, or to the organization.
1.3.   Shall conduct themselves, whether on or off duty, in accordance with the Constitution of the United States, the Florida Constitution, and all applicable laws, ordinances and rules enacted or established pursuant to legal authority.  
1.4.   Shall clearly communicate their views, statements and positions that are consistent with the Florida Model Jail Standards.
1.5.   Shall respect and contribute to the ethical objectives of the Florida Model Jail Standards.

2. Objectivity:

FMJS Inspectors:

2.1.   Shall not participate in any activity or relationship that may impair or be presumed to impair their unbiased observation during an assessment. This participation includes those activities or relationships that may be in conflict with the interests of the Florida Model Jail Standards.
2.2.   Shall not accept anything that may influence or could be presumed to influence their professional judgment.
2.3.   Shall disclose all material facts known to them that, if not disclosed, may distort the reporting of activities under review of the Florida Model Jail Standards.

3. Confidentiality:

FMJS Inspectors:

3.1.   Shall be prudent in the use and protection of information acquired in the course of their inspection.
3.2.   Shall not use information for any personal gain or in any manner that would be contrary   to Florida Model Jail Standards.
3.3.   Shall observe the confidentiality of information available to them.

4. Competency:

FMJS Inspectors:

4.1.   Shall engage only in those inspections for which they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and training.
4.2.   Shall perform inspection services in accordance with the Florida Model Jail Standards.
4.3.   Shall be diligent in their responsibility to record and make available for review any and all inspection information which could contribute to sound decisions affecting a department, agency, activity, process, or the public safety. 
4.4.   Shall continually improve their proficiency, the effectiveness and quality of their services by utilizing online training, recertification and participating in the inspection process.

5. Professionalism:

FMJS inspectors:

5.1   Shall utilize the knowledge obtained from their training and experience  to ensure a proper and thorough inspection is conducted.
5.2   Shall submit an accurate and complete report in a timely manner in accordance with Florida Model Jail Standards.
5.3   Shall use proper decorum, deportment and demeanor when conducting the entrance and exit interviews.