Code of Ethics for Forensic Artists
Forensic Art Certification Scope
and Role
Requirements for Forensic Artist Certification
Forensic Artist Certification Application (Acrobat
PDF)
Forensic Artist Recertification
Application (Acrobat PDF)
Certification Reading List
Educational Program Guidelines and Approval Procedure
Certified Forensic Artist roster
Forensic Art Certification Board
Forensic Art Sub-committee
Certification Ethics
This code was presented to the membership at Orlando, Florida, and was adopted. This code is intended as a guide to ethical conduct of Certified Forensic Artists. It is not to be construed that these principles are immutable laws nor that they are all-inclusive. Instead, they represent general standards, which each artist should strive to meet. It is to be realized that each individual case may vary, just as does the information with which the artist is concerned, and no set of guides or rules will precisely fit every occasion. At the same time the fundamentals set forth in this Code are to be regarded as indicating, to a considerable extent, the conduct requirements expected of members of the profession and this Association. A failure to meet or maintain certain of these standards will justifiably cast doubt upon an individual's fitness for this type of work. Infractions of these principles may be regarded as inconsistent with certification as a Forensic Artist.
It is the duty of practicing Forensic Artists to serve the interests of justice to the best of their ability at all times. In fulfilling this duty, they will use all of the scientific, interviewing and investigative techniques at their command to ascertain all of the significant facts relative to the matters under investigation. Having made factual determinations, the artist must then interpret and evaluate the findings. In this they will be guided by experience and knowledge which, coupled with a serious consideration of their analytical findings and application of sound judgment, may enable them to arrive at opinions and conclusions pertaining to the matters under study. These findings of fact and their conclusions and opinions should then be reported with all the accuracy and skill of which the artist is capable, to the end that all persons fully understand and be able to place the findings in their proper relationship to the problem at issue.
A forensic artist, whose professional or personal conduct becomes adverse to the best interests and purposes of the profession of Forensic Artists, shall be liable to censure, suspension or withdrawal of certification as a Forensic Artist. A Forensic Artist who is under investigation may be subject to temporary suspension not to exceed 90 days (certification).
A Forensic Artist who makes other than factual statements (false or misleading statements) is subject to suspension and revocation of his/her certification. It should be noted that our membership should possess an artistic skill and that not just anyone is qualified to become a Forensic Artist. In carrying out these functions, the artist will be guided by those practices and procedures, which are generally recognized within the profession to be consistent with a high level of professional ethics. The motives, methods and actions of the artist shall at all times be above reproach, in good taste, and consistent with proper moral conduct.
For further information, contact:
Larry Boody
Forensic Art Certification Secretary
19 Standish Road
Little Silver, NJ 07739