CPI Investigative Techniques & Methodology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a covert surveillance operation, the investigator loses sight of the subject. What is the BEST immediate action?
- Abort the surveillance and report failure
- Attempt to relocate the subject using predictive positioning based on known patterns (Correct answer)
- Immediately contact law enforcement
- Switch to overt surveillance methods
Correct answer: Attempt to relocate the subject using predictive positioning based on known patterns
Predictive positioning uses knowledge of the subject's habits and likely destinations to reacquire them without compromising the operation.
Question 2: Which type of interview technique involves the investigator deliberately presenting false evidence to elicit a confession or admission?
- Reid Technique
- Cognitive interview
- Deceptive ploy (Correct answer)
- Motivational interview
Correct answer: Deceptive ploy
A deceptive ploy involves misrepresenting evidence or facts to provoke a response, though its legal permissibility varies by jurisdiction.
Question 3: An investigator is reviewing financial records and notices a pattern of transactions just below the currency reporting threshold. This is MOST indicative of:
- Money laundering
- Structuring (smurfing) (Correct answer)
- Embezzlement
- Tax evasion
Correct answer: Structuring (smurfing)
Structuring, or smurfing, involves breaking up large transactions to avoid mandatory currency transaction reporting requirements.
Question 4: When conducting a background investigation, which source would provide the MOST reliable employment verification?
- LinkedIn profile
- Direct contact with the HR department of previous employers (Correct answer)
- Reference letters provided by the subject
- Social media posts
Correct answer: Direct contact with the HR department of previous employers
Direct HR contact provides authoritative, first-party verification of employment dates, titles, and eligibility for rehire.
Question 5: The 'bait question' technique in interviewing is PRIMARILY used to:
- Establish rapport with the subject
- Test the subject's knowledge of facts only the perpetrator would know (Correct answer)
- Calm an agitated interviewee
- Confirm witness credibility
Correct answer: Test the subject's knowledge of facts only the perpetrator would know
Bait questions contain facts only the guilty party would recognize or react to, helping identify deception or insider knowledge.
Question 6: In skip tracing, which database resource is considered MOST valuable for locating a missing subject?
- Social media accounts
- DMV records and credit header information (Correct answer)
- Public court records only
- Newspaper archives
Correct answer: DMV records and credit header information
DMV records and credit header data (name, address, SSN from credit applications) provide current address information essential to skip tracing.
Question 7: An investigator discovers that a key witness is also a suspect in a related case. The BEST course of action is to:
- Immediately disclose this to the opposing party
- Ignore the conflict and continue interviewing
- Consult with the client and legal counsel before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Refuse to interview the witness entirely
Correct answer: Consult with the client and legal counsel before proceeding
Consulting with the client and legal counsel ensures proper handling of conflicts of interest and protects the integrity of both investigations.
CPI Investigative Techniques & Methodology 2
During a covert surveillance operation, the investigator loses sight of the subject.
What is the BEST immediate action?