Communication & PRQuestion 164 of 200
A security officer is assigned to a retail client. The officer's spouse is the store manager being investigated for inventory theft. The officer should:
a.Continue the assignment and investigate the spouse personally to demonstrate objectivity
b.Disclose the relationship to the security company supervisor and request reassignment to avoid a conflict of interest
c.Quietly tip off the spouse so they can prepare a defense
d.Resign from the security company without explanation
Explanation
BSIS ethics standards require officers to avoid conflicts of interest and to disclose relationships that could compromise objectivity. Reassignment (b) protects the integrity of the investigation, the officer's career, and the security company's contract. Investigating a family member (a) creates legal and ethical exposure (witness tampering, evidence destruction). Tipping off the spouse (c) is potentially obstruction of justice (PC §136.1) and grounds for criminal charges. Unexplained resignation (d) abandons the duty to report and may itself raise suspicion.
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