Ethical Dilemma: Unlicensed Practice
You are a licensed locksmith and a member of ALOA. A local property management company asks you to install a master key system in a 50-unit apartment complex. During the site survey, you discover that the property manager has already purchased a master key system online and has had a maintenance worker (who is not a licensed locksmith) install the cylinders and cut the keys using a key duplicator. The maintenance worker has no formal training in master keying. The property manager asks you to simply "check the work" and sign off on it, saying they need a licensed professional's approval to satisfy an insurance requirement. You notice that the keys work, but the master keying appears to be done without a proper keying chart, and some keys are sticking. You suspect the system may have security vulnerabilities, such as inadvertent master keying (one tenant key opening another unit).
1. What are the ethical and professional issues in this situation, and what should you do?
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Ethical issues: Signing off on work you did not perform or supervise could be misrepresentation and could endanger residents if the system is flawed. The unlicensed worker may have violated local licensing laws. As a licensed professional, you have a duty to ensure public safety and adhere to codes and standards. You should not certify work that you cannot verify as compliant. You should explain to the property manager that you cannot sign off on work you did not perform, but you can offer to inspect and test the system thoroughly. If you find deficiencies, you should document them and recommend corrections. You should also inform the property manager about the licensing requirements and the risks of improper master keying. If the system is unsafe, you may need to report it to the authority having jurisdiction. Your professional obligation is to protect the public, not to rubber-stamp.
2. How would you handle the request to 'check the work' while maintaining professional integrity and potentially helping the client?
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Offer to perform a comprehensive inspection and testing of the system for a fee, which includes verifying the master keying, checking for inadvertent master keying, testing key operation, and reviewing the keying chart (or creating one if missing). Provide a written report of findings. If the system is functional but lacks documentation, you can create a keying chart and rekey as needed. If you find security flaws, recommend remedial work. Clearly state that your inspection does not constitute an endorsement of the original installation, and that you are not signing off on the unlicensed worker's work. You can also educate the property manager on the importance of using licensed professionals and the potential liability. This approach maintains integrity while offering a path to compliance.