Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

William DeMuth
3 days ago
4 min read

Effective Date: 1/1/2026 Applicability: Board of Directors, Employees, Instructors, and Volunteers

A Message from Leadership

At the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD), we take great pride in our mission. As an organization, we strive to treat our employees, our students, and our partners with fairness and compassion. We believe that we do well by doing good.

CVPSD is committed to honest and ethical behavior in all our dealings. We have drafted this Code of Ethics and Business Conduct to clarify the fair, ethical, and honest behavior we expect from all staff and instructors.

Melissa Dill Executive Director Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose: The Board of Directors and officers of CVPSD have adopted this Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the "Code") in order to:

(a) Promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest;
(b) Promote compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
(c) Protect CVPSD's assets, including training methodologies, intellectual property, and confidential student information;
(d) Promote fair business dealings;
(e) Deter wrongdoing; and
(f) Ensure accountability for adherence to and violations of this Code.

1.2 Requirement: All employees and instructors are required to be familiar with this Code, comply with its provisions, and report any suspected violations.

2. Honest and Ethical Conduct

2.1 Policy: It is CVPSD's policy to promote high standards of integrity by conducting all our affairs honestly and ethically.

2.2 Duties: Each CVPSD employee/instructor must act with integrity in their dealings with students, suppliers, partners, competitors, and the public.

(a) Compliance: Employees should comply, both in letter and spirit, with all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate.
(b) Seeking Advice: While employees are not expected to know the details of every law, it is important to know when to seek advice. Questions about compliance should be addressed to the Executive Director or Legal Counsel.

3. SafeSport™ and Physical Safety Standards

Note: This section is specific to CVPSD’s operational environment and adheres to the "Fair Dealing" principles of the source text while addressing physical training risks.

3.1 Student Safety: As a SafeSport™ Certified organization, the physical and emotional well-being of participants is paramount.

3.2 Physical Boundaries:

Instructors shall not abuse their position of authority.
Physical contact during training must be consensual, educational, and strictly limited to the curriculum.
Any "Tap Out" or signal of distress from a student must be honored immediately.

4. Conflicts of Mission

4.1 Policy: CVPSD shall remain fair and impartial. Employees and instructors should avoid situations that might force them to choose between personal interests and the interests of CVPSD.

4.2 Disclosure: Employees must provide written disclosure to the Executive Director of any actual or potential conflict.

4.3 Examples of Conflicts:

(a) Improper Benefits: Accepting free or discounted goods from an organization seeking to do business with CVPSD (e.g., accepting free printing for personal use from a vendor bidding on a CVPSD manual contract).
(b) Conflicting Interest: Holding a financial interest in a company that conflicts with CVPSD vision.
(c) Outside Employment: Serving on the board of any organization that does business with or competes with CVPSD.
(d) Personal Profit: Profiting personally by receiving commissions or gifts from any organization seeking to do business with CVPSD.

5. Gifts and Entertainment (GSA & Federal Compliance)

Because CVPSD is a GSA Contract Holder, strict adherence to this section is required regarding government officials.

5.1 General Rule: Any gift offered by or to a CVPSD employee must comply with applicable law and should not provide a competitive advantage.

5.2 Government Officials:

Many of CVPSD's clients are government entities (schools, police departments, public hospitals).
Approval Required: Any gift, meal, or entertainment provided to a government employee must be approved by CVPSD Leadership.
Prohibitions: You may not hire a family member of a government employee or provide gifts unless they are branded products of nominal value (e.g., CVPSD pens/patches).

5.3 Gift Limits:

Prohibited: Lavish/frequent gifts, or cash/gift cards.
Permissible: Gifts of nominal value (branded materials) do not require prior approval.
Dollar Limit: Unless approved, the value of any gift or meal provided to or received by an employee may not exceed $100.00 USD per person.

6. Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption

6.1 Prohibited Payments: CVPSD employees are prohibited from directly or indirectly offering "anything of value" to any person, government official, or political party to secure a business advantage.

6.2 "Anything of Value": Includes cash, gifts, free travel, loans, charitable contributions, or employment opportunities .

Example: CVPSD will not agree to hire the family member of a prospective client to secure a training contract.

7. Protection of Assets & Financial Stewardship

7.1 Stewardship: As a non-profit, all employees have an obligation to protect CVPSD's assets. Theft, carelessness, and waste directly impact our ability to serve our mission.

7.2 Proprietary Information: Employees must protect CVPSD's intellectual property, including training manuals, curriculum design, and donor lists. The unauthorized use or distribution of this information is prohibited.

8. Reporting and Enforcement

8.1 Duty to Report: Every employee has an obligation to report suspected violations of this Code.

Reporting Channels: Reports should be submitted to the Executive Director or the Board of Directors.
Confidential Line: 732-598-7811
Email: [cvpsd@cvpsd.org

8.2 No Retaliation: CVPSD does not tolerate acts of retaliation against any employee who makes a good faith report of a known or suspected violation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT

To be signed and returned to CVPSD Administration

I, ____________________, acknowledge that I have received and read a copy of the CVPSD Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. I understand the contents of the Code and agree to comply with the policies set out herein.

I understand that I must report any actual or potential conflict of interest I may have to CVPSD leadership.

Signature: _______________________ Date: _______________

Name: William DeMuth

Role: Director Date: 1/4/2026