CPI Fundamentals & Core Concepts 3 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of surveillance involves an investigator following a subject on foot through public areas?
- Fixed surveillance
- Mobile foot surveillance (Correct answer)
- Technical surveillance
- Aerial surveillance
Correct answer: Mobile foot surveillance
Mobile foot surveillance involves an investigator physically following a subject on foot, typically in pedestrian-heavy environments.
Question 2: During a background investigation, discovering that an applicant's resume lists a degree from an institution that cannot be verified should lead to:
- Automatic disqualification of the applicant
- Contacting the applicant for clarification and documenting the discrepancy (Correct answer)
- Assuming the information is accurate and proceeding
- Reporting the applicant to law enforcement immediately
Correct answer: Contacting the applicant for clarification and documenting the discrepancy
Proper investigative procedure requires seeking clarification from the subject and thoroughly documenting any discrepancy before drawing conclusions.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a closing conference in an investigation?
- To present all evidence to a jury
- To summarize findings with the client and determine next steps (Correct answer)
- To obtain signed confessions from suspects
- To archive all case files permanently
Correct answer: To summarize findings with the client and determine next steps
A closing conference allows the investigator to present findings to the client, answer questions, and collaboratively determine appropriate follow-up actions.
Question 4: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a consumer reporting agency must provide an adverse action notice when:
- An applicant fails a drug test
- Information from a consumer report contributes to a negative employment decision (Correct answer)
- A background check takes longer than 30 days
- An employer requests a criminal history check
Correct answer: Information from a consumer report contributes to a negative employment decision
FCRA requires employers to send an adverse action noticeâincluding a copy of the report and summary of rightsâwhen consumer report information contributes to a negative hiring decision.
Question 5: The term 'spoliation' in investigative contexts refers to:
- The natural degradation of physical evidence over time
- Intentional or negligent destruction or alteration of evidence (Correct answer)
- The process of categorizing evidence by type
- Recording evidence in a foreign language
Correct answer: Intentional or negligent destruction or alteration of evidence
Spoliation is the destruction, alteration, or failure to preserve evidence, which can result in legal sanctions and adverse inferences in litigation.
Question 6: An investigative report should be written primarily from which perspective?
- First person, reflecting personal opinions and conclusions
- Third person, objective, and based solely on verified facts (Correct answer)
- Second person to directly address the subject of the investigation
- From the client's perspective to match their expectations
Correct answer: Third person, objective, and based solely on verified facts
Professional investigative reports use third-person, objective language and restrict content to verified facts, observations, and documented evidence.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes the investigator's role when serving as an expert witness?
- Advocate for the party that retained them
- Provide unbiased expert opinion based on professional knowledge and case facts (Correct answer)
- Summarize the opposing expert's testimony
- Represent the investigative agency's official position
Correct answer: Provide unbiased expert opinion based on professional knowledge and case facts
An expert witness has a duty to the court to provide impartial opinions grounded in expertise and facts, regardless of who retained them.
CPI Fundamentals & Core Concepts 3
Which type of surveillance involves an investigator following a subject on foot through public areas?