S2W Security Training & Safe & Secure, believe that high ethical standards are the foundation of a successful business. Customer loyalty and respect from the communities in which we work stem from our reputation as a fair and honest company. We have the utmost confidence in the values and ethics of our employees and representatives of the SNS.
Having said this, the complex industry and competitive environment in which all of us work can sometimes present situations that raise uncertainty as to the appropriate actions that should be taken. We recommend that every company publish an Ethics Policy that is designed to both inform and educate employees and to prepare them with the appropriate response in challenging situations.
As individuals working within an organization, we each play a vital role in upholding our reputation for integrity and the company’s ethics policy. Although a company’s ethics and principles should remain constant, the environment and the situation in which they are applied are fluid. An Ethics Policy cannot anticipate every ethical question that may arise, and it does not substitute for sound judgment on the part of the individual. However, possessing the qualities of enduring honesty, integrity, and good faith will help safeguard the company’s reputation for ethical business practices. An Ethics Policy covers three overarching topics:
- Personal conduct and protection of Company assets
- Doing business with other people and organizations
- Conflicts of interest and other considerations that may arise outside of work
Staff is entrusted with primary responsibility for sound business conduct and compliance. Each day, every employee of the operation each make thousands of decisions and statements and take other actions that collectively create the reality and perception of the fairness and integrity of the operation. Everything employees do as individuals reflect on the company as a whole.
An Ethics Policy is not implemented to set standards for the conduct of the individual’s personal life. However, if an employee’s actions off the job affect the company’s interests, their own performance, or that of co-workers, the Ethics Policy will apply. In addition, it may also be appropriate for the company to take action to protect its interests if an individual’s personal conduct negatively impacts the company, its employees, or other aspects of the business.
Each operation has many business assets, both tangible (physical property, equipment, and inventory) and intangible (information, human resources, intellectual property, goodwill, and so on). Employees are expected to be vigilant in protecting all company assets, and of course to not steal from the company. All staff should be encouraged to report any learned theft, misuse, or other risk to company assets promptly to a manager.
Staff is expected to support the spirit and abide by the letter of the published Ethics Policy, and to solicit the guidance of senior management when any questions arise. Staff should be encouraged to support relationships of mutual respect among employees. Each individual should do their part to create a safe and productive work environment for everyone. This includes bringing issues to management’s attention when there is a belief that certain conditions are distracting from a safe and productive work environment.
S2W Security Training conduct standards dictate the general behavior for security guards and SNS students. Individuals conducting business with or for S2W Security Training are expected to show a positive attitude at all times. Professional conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Avoid mannerisms and habits that are distractive, such as:
- Slouching or not looking someone in the eye during a conversation
- Using tobacco products or chewing gum
- Tapping fingers in impatience, sighing loudly and/or any other physical expression of frustration, disinterest or contempt
- Always be neatly groomed and dressed, including a clean uniform when required.
- Tattoos should be covered during class time.
- Hair, if long, should be pulled back and neatly tied.
- No hat, cap, bandanna or other head or face covering apparel.
- Closed toe shoes (or tied if there are laces).
- Pressed pants worn at the waistline (no visible underwear).
- Pressed shirt, T-shirt or polo shirt, none of which should be apparel designed with a statement or opinion expressed.
- Pay attention to instructors / other students and show respect to both.
- Promote understanding and respect for firearm safety and refrain from substance abuse;
- Treat all equipment and property as if it were personal property;
- Extend a polite and courteous manner to everyone;
- Stay open-minded to the opinions of others; train and work with a positive attitude;
- Share knowledge with others;
- Be reliable and dependable;
- Act with honesty and integrity in interactions with all people.
All managers, supervisors, and employees otherwise in positions of authority have a special burden to maintain and support a healthy work environment. Promotion or assignment to a position of authority carries with it the duty to treat employees respectfully and fairly.
Managers or team leaders have many additional responsibilities. They must:
- Develop and support a work environment where ethical conduct is recognized, valued, and exemplified;
- Assist and support employees who raise questions or concerns in good faith about ethics and legal compliance;
- Monitor and enforce compliance with the policy standards;
- Set a good example and encourage others to do likewise;
- Exercise careful judgment and take appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom they work;
- Do not engage in discrimination on any basis prescribed by law;
- Do not engage in sexual harassment;
- Do not make false or misleading statements;
- Respect the rights of others to hold values, attitudes, and opinions that differ from their own. Demonstrate and adhere to ethical practices, with respect for all.
Managers should take all responsible measures to honor all commitments they make to others, including executives, chefs and staff.
In the security industry, there are a variety of business relationships that are developed with other companies and organizations, including suppliers and contracted personnel. It is important that when interacting with outside individuals, whether you are selling or buying, to keep lawful and ethical behavior and support the company’s reputation as a fair-dealing company.
Suppliers competing for the organization’s business must have confidence in the fairness of your selection process; it’s the only way to ensure that you’ll get honest bids from the best competitors.
If you participate in supplier selection, you must have an impartial approach and documented procedures. Keep pricing and any other information submitted by suppliers, confidential. Do not use any information about suppliers outside of your own company without written permission from management. Regardless of whether you are actually in a position to influence decisions about suppliers, you must not exert (or attempt to exert) influence to get “special treatment” for anyone. Even to appear to do so can undermine the company’s integrity.
A long and fruitful customer relationship is one of an organization’s most valued assets. In dealing with customers, you must preserve those assets by dealing in good faith at all times, by representing your products and services, making comparisons fairly and without disparagement, and promising only what you can deliver.
The ultimate aim is the satisfaction of all customers, existing and new. Never sacrifice that long-term goal for a short-term gain. A transaction that offers an immediate benefit to S2W Security and SNS at the expense of customer happiness is never worth it. Do not disparage your competition. Should you possess non-public information about a competing company, you must refrain from using it to influence a customer, even if you believe the information to be true.
Sometimes our customers or vendors may become our friends. It is normal to interact with friends in your business setting. In such cases, you must use good judgment to avoid the possibility that your friendship might be perceived as possessing an unfair advantage or creating undue influence. You must also take care that your personal activities relating to the customer or vendor excludes any exchange of obligations that could negatively affect your position.
