Founded in 1999, the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths (IAIL) was established to bring together and provide a voice to security professionals with an interest in forensic science in locksmith and fire door inspection investigations.
Forensic locksmithing is one of the most lucrative disciplines in the industry — and it should be. To be considered an authoritative investigator and expert witness, the forensic locksmith needs to be proficient in multiple disciplines, many of which are completely unrelated to each other: report writing; business and legal matters; chain-of-custody procedures; photography; and deposition and courtroom practices, to name a few.
Additionally, forensic locksmiths need profound expertise in their chosen discipline. Whether their main area of interest is vehicle theft, master key systems, life safety codes or toolmark examination, investigators must be “the best of the best” to be considered experts by peers and the legal community.
Much has changed in forensic locksmithing just since the year 2000. An example is the astonishing transition at the societal level from analog/film to digital photography. While some elements of analog photography — mostly terminology — are still relevant, this element of the investigative process illustrates how forensic locksmithing is one of the most fluid specialties in the industry. This means you need continuing education to stay current on emerging technology — and you need to show your clients you’re up to date. That’s where the IAIL comes in.
Being a member of IAIL — and participating in the Certified Forensic Locksmith certification program — gives members credibility recognized by the security, law enforcement and legal communities as professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their area of expertise. Being an IAIL member also provides members with access to a network of like-minded experts ready to share their knowledge with other members.
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Each member of the IAIL recognizes and willingly accepts the responsibility that goes with membership in our profession. We recognize that the decisions made by the courts have an impact for good, or ill, on our fellow citizens. We further recognize that those decisions can depend upon the information we derived from our examinations of the precious physical evidence entrusted to our care. With our reports and sworn testimony, we give voice to the mute evidence.
We vow to conduct our examinations with the greatest care, to listen carefully to what the evidence is telling us, and to faithfully and impartially report that information, so that justice can be done. We are cognizant that our success in this endeavor depends upon our maintaining high personal and professional standards, and treating those with whom, and for whom, we work, with honesty, courtesy, and fairness.
Each member, by their acceptance of membership in the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths, Inc., shall subscribe to the following Code of Ethics:
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