Ethics, Professional Conduct, and Liability
What this domain tests
This domain tests integrity, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and the civil-liability consequences of misconduct. The exam expects you to recognize that private security can be sued, disciplined, or criminally charged for acts done under color of authority.
Core rules
- Act within the law and client policy. Do not use the position for personal gain, revenge, sexual favors, or access to private information.
- Keep confidential information confidential: resident identities, schedules, access codes, incident reports, and medical details. Share only on a need-to-know basis.
- Avoid conflicts: do not guard a family business, date a client, or accept gifts that could influence decisions. Report gratuities and outside employment according to policy.
- Truthful reporting is essential. False reports, altered logs, and cover-ups can destroy credibility and create criminal exposure.
- Liability theories include negligence, negligent hiring/training/supervision, false imprisonment, battery, and defamation. Louisiana tort claims generally arise under Civil Code art. 2315. Employers may be liable for acts of employees under respondeat superior when the conduct is within the scope of employment.
- Off-duty conduct and social media can affect employment and litigation. Do not post about incidents, clients, or co-workers.
Worked example
A vendor offers a guard $50 to “forget” to log a delivery after hours. The guard refuses, logs the attempt, and notifies the supervisor. Accepting the money could support termination, discipline by the LSBPSE, and civil liability for the client’s loss. Refusing and documenting protects the guard and the employer.
Traps
Accepting gifts; gossiping about residents; posting incident details; writing a report to protect a co-worker; and assuming “the client told me to” justifies an unlawful act.