Updated November 2010
PREAMBLE
NCMS was founded and built on the highest standards of professional excellence and ethical business conduct. The success of the Society is a reflection of these standards.
The Society depends upon the professional judgment and high personal standards of each of its members to conduct Society business with integrity and in compliance with the law.
REQUIREMENTS
Members of NCMS must always demonstrate the highest levels of professional behavior and integrity, which includes, but is not limited to, the characteristics listed below:
- Act in an honest, forthright and dependable manner.
- Assist fellow security professionals who are in need.
- Follow and enforce all applicable security laws, regulations, orders, rules, policies, and procedures.
- Follow the policies and procedures of NCMS as stated in the NCMS Bylaws and Policy and Procedures Manual.
- Safeguard and secure classified, sensitive and proprietary information at all times.
- Maintain the confidentiality of work-related personal information and private data.
- Place national security above all other work priorities.
- Maintain proficiency in the appropriate security fields.
- Balance security needs with operational and research requirements.
- Refrain from negative actions such as starting rumors, making slanderous statements and embarking on character assassination.
- Refrain from activities that discredit the Society.
REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP
If an NCMS member notices unprofessional or unethical behavior in any NCMS member, they should submit in writing their observations to the NCMS Executive Director.
If an NCMS member fails to act in an honest, forthright and dependable manner or conducts activity that brings discredit to the Society, the following actions may be taken:
- NCMS Vice President will address the incident with the NCMS member to provide an opportunity to understand what promoted the unacceptable behavior. If the member acknowledges the incident, accepts responsibility and demonstrates remorse, an incident form will be completed and maintained on file. Notification will be made to the Chapter Chair and to the NCMS Board to ensure the member understands the importance of the NCMS Code of Ethics.
- If a second incident occurs or if similar behavior is repeated, the member will be suspended from NCMS pending a formal review of the incident by the VP and the Chapter Chair. The VP will brief the NCMS Board, who may recommend revocation of membership, which will take an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the NCMS Board. The member and Chapter Chair will be notified by the VP. If membership is revoked, the member will forfeit all dues already paid.
All ethical issues will be reviewed by the NCMS Board of Directors, which will determine what, if any, actions are appropriate, including revocation of membership.
