Professional Ethics & Standards Flashcards

An investigator realizes mid-examination that the search warrant does not authorize access to encrypted cloud storage found on the device. The correct action is to:

Answer: Stop and seek additional legal authorization before proceeding

Investigators must obtain proper authorization before expanding the scope of examination, even if additional evidence may exist.

Which ethical obligation requires a forensic investigator to disclose prior professional relationships with parties in a case?

Answer: Conflict of interest disclosure

Conflict of interest disclosure ensures all parties can assess whether the investigator's impartiality may be compromised.

A corporate investigator discovers that company executives are directing them to exclude exculpatory evidence from the report. What should the investigator do?

Answer: Refuse, include all material evidence, and consider withdrawing from the engagement

Investigators must report all material evidence including exculpatory findings; complying with suppression requests constitutes obstruction.

Under the ACFE Code of Professional Ethics, what does 'due professional care' require of a digital investigator?

Answer: Applying competent skill, knowledge, and diligence consistent with professional standards

Due professional care requires investigators to apply appropriate knowledge, skill, and diligence that a competent professional would apply under similar circumstances.

An expert witness discovers after submitting their report that they made a factual error. The ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Issue a corrected report promptly and notify all relevant parties

Professional integrity requires promptly correcting errors and notifying all parties; concealing known errors is dishonest.

Which practice violates professional ethics when an investigator is hired as a neutral third party in a civil dispute?

Answer: Sharing preliminary findings with only one party before the report is final

A neutral investigator must treat all parties equally and not share privileged information with only one side.

Peer review of a forensic examiner's methodology is considered an ethical best practice because it:

Answer: Validates findings and reduces the risk of methodological errors reaching court

Independent peer review validates the examiner's methods and conclusions, strengthening the reliability and admissibility of evidence.