Code of Conduct

OSAC Code of Conduct

Introduction and Purpose

OSAC is a free public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and security professionals from U.S. organizations operating abroad.   

The OSAC Program Office has established this Code of Conduct (hereafter called the “Code”) to serve as a guideline for the professional conduct of anyone participating in OSAC activities and accessing OSAC products, as well as to inform of the consequences of unacceptable behavior.  

It is the expectation of the Department of State and the OSAC Executive Director that every participant in OSAC activities and products will respect and abide by this Code. Failure to do so will result in corrective action, as set forth below. 

Scope & Applicability 

For the purposes of this Code of Conduct, "OSAC content” refers to any communications, products, or activities coordinated and approved by the OSAC Executive Director, the OSAC Program Office, or Regional Security Officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

"OSAC communications” includes messages originating on OSAC-managed digital platforms, to include emails, Google Groups, messaging apps, and social media. “OSAC products” include OSAC reports, benchmarking, situation reports and other materials. 

"OSAC activities” includes OSAC programs, conferences, consultations, webinars, snap calls, networking events, or other activities held, sponsored, or affiliated with OSAC, including those hosted by other organizations in partnership with the OSAC Program Office or Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassies or Consulates. 

All organizations, media representatives, speakers, attendees, volunteers, staff, contractors, exhibitors, and others interacting with OSAC content are collectively referred to as “participants.” Participants must fully comply with the Code and submit to its standards, cooperate with its complaint evaluation processes, and respect outcomes as a condition of their participation in OSAC content.

This Code is subject to change and will be reviewed as needed by the OSAC Program Office to ensure its continued relevance and scope. If you have questions about the Code, contact  OSAConduct@state.gov. 

Expected Behavior 

The OSAC Executive Director expects that participants will: 

• •     Adhere to the Chatham House Rule at all OSAC events and in all OSAC communications. The Chatham House Rule states, “When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.” The Chatham House Rule applies to the extent permitted under applicable law. 
• •     Recognize that all OSAC events and communications platforms are forums where differing views may be expressed. These views must be discussed constructively and respectfully with due regard for the viewpoints of others.
• •     Respect and obey any additional rules or policies of the venue or communications platform where OSAC activities are taking place.
  
  

Unacceptable Behavior includes:

• •     Unauthorized recording, photography, screenshotting or any other capture of OSAC content such as reports, events, or communications on OSAC Google Groups, WhatsApp, email, and other channels
• •     Sharing of above unauthorized content capture constitutes a further violation of the Code
• •     Sharing sensitive Information such as specific details about security personnel, assets, or operations, or other information that could compromise security or safety of OSAC members
• •     Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that constitutes any form of harassment, discrimination, or disrespectful behavior, including inappropriate language, unwelcome physical contact or advances, in person or virtual
• •     Display of nudity and/or sexual images or content of an inappropriate sexual nature at events, including presentations, or on personal devices, that could be seen by others
• •     Intimidating, threatening, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning conduct or commentary 
• •     Physical stalking or written, verbal, or other abuse, including bullying of any type occurring in person or via any other form of communications
• •     Failing to respect and adhere to the rules or policies of the venue, event, or communications platform
• •     Knowingly filing a false complaint
• •     Conducting sales, marketing, or business development activity at any OSAC or OSAC- affiliated activity, or accessing OSAC user information gleaned from OSAC electronic platforms for anything other than OSAC-sanctioned purposes 
• •     Incorporating, repurposing, selling, or utilizing any OSAC-developed or provided information, data, or communications for other than OSAC-sanctioned purposes
• •     Utilizing their relationships with or participation in OSAC in any sales, marketing, or business development activity, to include unauthorized co-branding with OSAC’s identity
• •     Charging dues or fees for any OSAC communication, activity, or product
  
  

Reporting Concerns 

Any participant who has experienced unacceptable behavior as defined above, or has witnessed unacceptable behavior, or has additional concerns about conduct or activities associated with OSAC, should immediately report concerns to OSACconduct@state.gov. This address is monitored exclusively by OSAC’s Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Programs Team Lead It is helpful to provide as much information as possible to ensure a thorough evaluation of any incident. The following information should be included in the report: 

• •     Name, organization, and contact information of the reporter
• •     Name and organization (if known) of the person exhibiting the unacceptable behavior
• •     Date of incident and frequency of behavior
• •     Location of incident (online platform; venue/city; name of event or activity, if applicable)
• •     A brief description of the incident; please indicate if it was targeted at a specific individual/individuals
• •     Names of witnesses or other individuals involved, if any
• •     Anything that illustrates the behavior such as an email or image if applicable 
  
  

All reports will be handled expediently and confidentially, to the extent permitted by law and U.S. Department of State policy. The Privacy Act of 1974 applies to the Department of State and the information it may receive from individuals, as does the Freedom of Information Act.   

Submissions will be monitored during normal business hours (8:30 am - 5:00 pm ET, Monday - Friday). Participants should contact 911 immediately if they have experienced or witnessed behavior or suspicious activity during an OSAC event in the United States that may constitute a crime or serious threat to the public.  

If outside the United States, participants should report immediate concerns to law enforcement or to the senior OSAC representative present at the event or activity, who will coordinate any follow-up action with the Regional Security Officer. 

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior 

The OSAC Executive Director will not tolerate unacceptable behavior. Any participant asked to stop behaving in an unacceptable manner, as outlined by this Code of Conduct, is expected to comply immediately when requested by another participant or Department official, or if applicable, a law enforcement officer.  The OSAC Executive Director must report any criminal acts to the appropriate authorities for investigation by the entity with jurisdiction. 

The OSAC Executive Director will review and evaluate all complaints internally and any USG employee designates, as circumstance dictates. The OSAC Executive Director will ensure due diligence is followed in all reported cases, according to the guidance of the U.S. Department of State and the Diplomatic Security Service. 

If the evaluation of the circumstances results in a substantiated finding, the offender may be subject to corrective actions including but not limited to expulsion from events and/or communications platforms. Depending on the severity of the unacceptable behavior, further consequences may include a temporary or permanent termination of access to OSAC membership groups and/or denial to participate in future OSAC events or programs. OSAC Executive Director decisions are considered final. The OSAC Executive Director also reserves the right to request that an OSAC organization rescind approval to any individual representative from their organization who has been found to violate the OSAC Code of Conduct.  

For privacy reasons, The OSAC Executive Director will not make any statements about Code of Conduct violations, except where required by law. OSAC also will not share details of reported violations, evaluations, findings, or deliberative processes, nor will it share with the reporting party the resulting corrective actions with respect to any individuals involved.  

Posted February 4, 2025