SAFETY POSITION STATEMENT
Neither NAPO nor NAPO Chapters may implement a policy or program involving the issuance of “safety alerts” regarding unsafe or potentially unsafe client situations.
- A “safety policy” pursuant to which a perceived unsafe situation is made public could place NAPO, the NAPO Chapter, and the reporting individual(s) at risk of a claim of defamation of character or invasion of privacy.
- A “safety policy” pursuant to which a client is or could be identified could result in a breach of NAPO’s Code of Ethics. Under the Code, client information may only be shared with the client’s express permission.
If a NAPO member encounters a situation deemed to involve unlawful conduct, an appropriate course of action would be to contact the authorities.
If a NAPO member encounters a situation deemed to be unsafe but not unlawful and desires to share certain information one-on-one with another organizer, the following should be considered:
- Information shared should be objective (not subjective).
- Information shared should be factual (true and complete).
- Sharing untruthful information puts the reporting individual at risk of a claim of defamation.
- Sharing even truthful information could put the reporting individual at risk of a claim of invasion of privacy.
NAPO members are encouraged to consider their own safety as they carry out the duties of their profession. NAPO offers a course on this subject: PO-402, Safety in the Organizing Environment
Chapters are required to take the following actions:
If chapters currently have anything resembling a “safety alert policy,” please:
- Repeal it immediately.
- Note the change in chapter minutes.
- Update policies and procedures and notify NAPO of revisions.
Approved by NAPO Board of Directors on April 15, 2013