CPI Professional Standards & Ethics 3

Question 1

What is the primary ethical concern when an investigator uses pretextual interviews to gather information?

Accepted Answer

Deception may violate legal statutes and professional ethical codes depending on jurisdiction and context

Answer

While pretexts may sometimes be legally permissible, they raise ethical concerns about deception and may be prohibited under certain state laws or ASIS ethics guidelines.

Question 2

A CPI subcontracts part of an investigation to another firm. Who bears primary ethical and professional responsibility for the quality and legality of all work product?

Accepted Answer

The CPI retains primary professional responsibility for all work performed on the assignment

Answer

The contracting CPI remains professionally responsible for the conduct and quality of subcontractors engaged on their behalf.

Question 3

Which behavior violates the duty of loyalty an investigator owes to a client?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneously working for a competitor of the client without disclosure

Answer

Working simultaneously for a client's competitor creates a conflict of interest that violates the duty of loyalty unless fully disclosed and consented to.

Question 4

According to professional standards, how should a CPI handle a situation where a client instructs them to use clearly illegal surveillance methods?

Accepted Answer

Refuse the instruction and, if necessary, withdraw from the engagement

Answer

Investigators must refuse to engage in illegal conduct regardless of client instruction, and may need to terminate the engagement if the client insists.

Question 5

An investigator discovers that a prior investigation by another firm produced a report with fabricated evidence. The ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the finding and report it to the appropriate professional or legal authority

Answer

Investigators have an ethical duty to report known misconduct by other professionals to relevant authorities rather than remaining silent.

(CPI) Certified Principal Investigator Practice Test

(CPI) Certified Principal Investigator Practice Test

CPI Professional Standards & Ethics 3