This is one of the areas of the game that we don't have much information on. Once we know exactly how much illegal activity affects the org's standing we'll be able to have guidelines that are a little more rigid in place.
The current thinking is to create a sister org for the pirates so they can do as much crime as they want, but won't be an influence on TEST's standing. We don't know how being allied or affiliated with an org that has a criminal standing will affect our standing so it might even be an "honor system" of TEST pirates don't screw with TEST proper.
As far as protecting them goes, if you want to tank your standing with the UEE by engaging them in order to protect a pirate then that's your choice, but it makes you a pirate too so keep that in mind. Also, no one is under any obligation to protect a pirate simply because they're also in TEST.
Let's get real for a moment here. We've got over 3,000 main members and even more than that in affiliate members. There will be dozens, if not hundreds of people in the org that you won't like or will partake in activities that you aren't interested in. You will be expected to assist those members in certain circumstances. Situations like org driven activities, protecting solo miners from random NPC pirate spawns, etc. You will not be expected to jeopardize your ranking or standing with any group/organization (NPC or player) just because one guy does want to do that.
TEST is about having fun and playing the game how you want to play it. If doing something isn't going to be fun for you, then you don't have to do it. I mean, it's not like we can reach through your monitor and pilot your ship for you.
TL;DR: Do it if you find it fun. Don't hurt TEST or its members.