Investigative Techniques & Methodology Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Investigative Techniques & Methodology flashcards as text
An investigator suspects a subject is conducting counter-surveillance. Which behavioral indicator is MOST telling?
Answer: The subject repeatedly doubles back or makes unnecessary turns
Deliberate route changes, U-turns, and unnecessary detours are classic indicators that a subject is attempting to identify or lose surveillance.
Which investigative method involves systematically examining all records associated with a specific time period to identify anomalies?
Answer: Timeline analysis
Timeline analysis organizes events chronologically to identify inconsistencies, gaps, or patterns that reveal fraudulent or criminal activity.
When an investigative interview subject provides a statement that is inconsistent with physical evidence, the investigator should FIRST:
Answer: Note the inconsistency and probe with non-confrontational follow-up questions
Non-confrontational probing allows the subject to explain or expand on the inconsistency, which may yield additional evidence or admissions.
In an insurance fraud investigation, 'index bureau checks' are used to:
Answer: Identify prior claims filed by the subject across multiple carriers
Index bureaus (such as ISO ClaimSearch) aggregate claims data across insurers to detect patterns of serial or staged claim fraud.
The OSINT technique of 'passive reconnaissance' differs from active reconnaissance in that it:
Answer: Gathers information without directly interacting with or alerting the target
Passive OSINT uses publicly available data without touching target systems or alerting the subject, whereas active reconnaissance involves direct interaction.
A statement given by a witness immediately after an event is generally considered MORE reliable than one given days later because of:
Answer: The freshness of memory and absence of post-event contamination
Memory degrades over time and can be influenced by subsequent discussions or media exposure, making immediate statements more accurate reflections of the event.
When documenting a crime scene through photography, the CORRECT sequence is:
Answer: Overall scene, then mid-range, then close-up detail shots
Beginning with overall scene photos establishes context, followed by mid-range orientation shots, and finally close-ups of specific evidence items.