Ethics

Ethics

The ethical code of security, as defined by the Homeland Security Academy:

  1. The purpose of security is to protect citizens, residents and organizations from threats made by hostile elements to harm them and instill a sense of fear among them.
  2. Security is a service, the purpose of which is to protect from threats of terror, violence, malicious acts, loss and exposure of secrets, and to enable secured bodies to further their interests and maintain their proper business routine.
  3. Protection of human lives will be the top priority of any security plan.
  4. Security personnel will operate in adherence to the law, and will respect fundamental democratic values.
  5. Security activity will be conducted in a manner respecting and preserving human dignity, liberty and privacy.
  6. Security activity will be conducted in full cooperation with the state's official security authorities, and in full transparency toward them.
  7. The security agent will operate in accordance with the general values of dedication to his assignment, provision of quality services, devotion and responsibility. He will particularly maintain and operate in keeping with the following values:
    • Vigilance and readiness: The security agent will be prepared to deal with attempts made by hostile entities aiming to realize malicious intent, at any time and any place, in the sector he is responsible for.
    • Professionalism: The security agent will utilize all means at his disposal to the fullest in order to acquire professional knowledge and preserve his operational fitness.
    • Inquisitiveness: The security agent will exhibit professional inquisitiveness and exploit all available means in order to arrive at the information and data required to attain superiority over the adversary.
    • Willingness for self-sacrifice: The security agent will be willing to assume risks, when necessary, in order to prevent innocent people whose security he is responsible for, from being harmed.
    • Reliability: The security agent will truthfully and accurately report to his superiors, and will operate in an honest manner vis-à-vis the organization, his colleagues and others in his environment.
    • Discreetness: The security agent will safeguard the information that becomes available to him during the course of his duty, and will refrain from using it or exposing it to unauthorized persons and others who do not require it in order to fulfill their functions. In particular, the security agent will refrain from divulging and discussing personal and private information of the secured persons and of those entering the gates of the secured facility, including with his colleagues.
  8. The security agent-combatant will strive to engage attackers and take action aimed at neutralizing them, while using his discretion, showing courage, implementing an offensive approach and exhibiting determination.