NCJ Number
218656
Date Published
January 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This Code of Professional Practice for Drug Analysts, which was developed by the Scientific Working Group for the analysis of Seized Drugs, provides the framework of ethical values and scientific and legal obligations within which the analyst should operate.
Abstract
In referring to professional conduct, the code indicates that analysts should act with honesty, integrity, and objectivity; work only in the bounds of their professional competence; take reasonable steps to maintain their competence; and recognize that their overriding duty is to criminal justice. Further, they should declare to their employer any prior contact or person involvement that may cause a real or perceived conflict of interest. Analysts should also inform their employers or other appropriate authority of any pressure intended to influence the result of an examination. Six provisions of the code pertain to case work, and four provisions address reporting. The appendix presents examples that show the scope of the code's provisions in the areas of casework and reporting.