CODE OF RESPONSIBILITY

To ensure the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for

Forensic Science accomplishes its Mission, Aims, and Organizational Priorities, all applicants

shall agree to adhere to this Code of Responsibility, which applies to all members and affiliates

of the Forensic Science Standards Board, Interdisciplinary Committees, Scientific Area

Committees, Subcommittees, Scientific & Technical Review Panels, and Task Groups.

In accepting any position in the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science,

I am making the following commitments:

1. I will treat fellow OSAC participants with integrity, dignity, honesty, respect, and fairness,

recognizing and giving ample and appropriate time to dissenting opinions.

2. I will read and comply with the Charter & Bylaws, Terms of Reference, Anti-Harassment

Policy, and Organizational Priorities.

3. I agree to actively serve in my appointed position and will devote the time necessary to

fulfill my responsibilities. I will do my best to attend and be prepared for all OSAC events and

assignments in my area of responsibility. I will be knowledgeable of the issues before me and

engage in clear and accurate communication and exchange of ideas with fellow OSAC

participants. I will notify my Chair if I am unable to fulfill my duties for more than 45

consecutive days and will step aside from my responsibility if I cannot fulfill my duties for a

period of greater than 60 consecutive days.

4. I will promote a free exchange of information about OSAC through regularly distributed

communications media (e.g., In-Brief, OSAC Newsletter, OSAC Standards Bulletin, OSAC

Annual Report or requesting updates to the content on the OSAC website). I will promote

mentoring and the recruitment of new OSAC participants.

5. I will not pursue private interests at the expense of OSAC. I will recuse myself from any

discussion and votes where I have, or can reasonably be perceived to have, a conflict of

interest.

6. I will avoid any personal and professional conduct that places or could be construed to

place the OSAC in the position of endorsing products or services for my financial gain or the

financial gain of my employer.

7. I will provide a complete and accurate representation of my education, training,

experience, and expertise and qualifications.

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8. I will conduct myself in a professional manner at OSAC meetings and other events at

which I am representing OSAC.

9. I will respect the confidentiality of all documents developed within the OSAC that the FSSB

or the SAC Chair has not authorized for release to the public by not sharing those documents

or their contents with individuals outside of OSAC unless I have received written approval

from the FSSB or the SAC Chair.

I have read this document, have received and read the documents referred to within the Code

of Responsibility, understand the commitments required of me, and will adhere to this Code. I

understand that failure to meet any of these commitments may bring into question my

willingness and ability to serve in this position and I may be required to relinquish my OSAC

position.

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