SAPAVSA is a registered NPO. Registration Number: 271-925 NPO
Our Mission
Our Mission at SAPAVSA is to promote and uphold professional and ethical behaviour in the Detection of Deception industry in SA and worldwide. To ensure the use of validated and reliable methodologies and technologies. Promote thorough training instruction and to generally regulate our members.
Code of Professional Ethics
A. Professional Conduct
(i) A SAPAVSA member shall not engage in any illegal or unethical conduct, or any conduct that would constitute a conflict of interest, or place SAPAVSA in disrepute during the performance of professional duties.
(ii) Conflict of interest occurs amongst others when a member conducts a polygraph examination in collusion with others and in contravention to the prescripts of the profession and thus circumventing or defying the law.
(iii) It is incumbent upon members to continually denote a highest level of integrity, diligence, objectivity and competence on all assignments undertaken.
B. Compliance
(i) A SAPAVSA member shall not solicit or accept fees, gratuities, or gifts in whatever form, that are intended to influence his or her opinion, decision, or the report findings.
(ii) A member shall not knowingly submit or cause to be submitted a falsified or fictitious polygraph report. Reports should be timely and factually substantiated. Members actions and investigative methods should always be beyond reproach.
(iii) A member shall make available all working papers including (technical report, polygraph data) when called upon by the relevant juristic or authorized person.
(iv) A member shall testify truthfully and without bias or prejudice during legal proceedings.
(v) A member should always conform to the prescripts of the Constitution, common law and all relevant South African legislative requirements. This include but not limited to SAPAVSA’s Polygraphist Professional Operating Standards.
C. Records Management
A SAPAVSA member shall ensure that all personal information is legally secured during an assignment and is protected from physical damage, theft and from any external data breach. Records should be kept in file in accordance to the stipulations of POPI Act 4 of 2013.
D. Confidentiality
A SAPAVSA member shall not disclose any confidential information obtained during an engagement, without prior and proper authorization. Members shall where necessary and appropriate; disclose such information as required and in compliance with the law.
Subjects right to privacy should be upheld at all times. Irrelevant and sensitive questions like political affiliation, religion, gender and sexuality should be avoided.
E. SAPAVSA Oversight Authority
Any member who administers or attempts to administer any polygraph examination in violation of SAPAVSA Code of Ethics may be subjected to an inquiry or a full and formal investigation. Upon conclusion of such inquiry or investigation, if evidence secured suggest that the member acted in disregard to the Code of ethical conduct, such member may be disciplined as deemed appropriate. Discipline will include suspension or expulsion from SAPAVSA.