Covert & Overt Investigation Methods Flashcards

Which term describes the practice of an investigator joining an organization or group under a false identity to gather evidence from within?

Answer: Undercover infiltration

Undercover infiltration involves an investigator assuming a false identity to gain membership in an organization and gather evidence covertly from the inside.

What is 'counter-surveillance' in the context of a covert investigation?

Answer: Techniques used to detect whether the investigator is being watched or followed

Counter-surveillance involves actions taken by an investigator to detect if they themselves are being monitored, followed, or compromised by the subject or their associates.

In surveillance documentation, a 'surveillance log' should include which of the following for each entry?

Answer: Date, time, location, observed activity, and weather/lighting conditions

A surveillance log must record objective, factual information including date, time, precise location, detailed description of observed activities, and environmental conditions affecting observation quality.

A CSI is hired to investigate a workers' compensation fraud claim. The claimant is observed performing strenuous yard work. Which method of documentation is MOST valuable for evidence purposes?

Answer: Video footage with date/time stamp showing the subject's activities

Timestamped video footage is the most compelling documentary evidence of physical activity because it provides continuous, real-time proof that is difficult to dispute.

When multiple surveillance vehicles are working as a team, who typically has the 'eyeball' position?

Answer: The vehicle that currently has direct visual contact with the subject

The 'eyeball' is the team member who currently has direct visual contact on the subject and is responsible for providing real-time updates to the rest of the surveillance team.

What legal doctrine must private investigators be aware of when gathering electronic evidence that could affect its admissibility?

Answer: The chain of custody doctrine

Chain of custody requires that evidence be properly collected, documented, and tracked through every transfer to ensure it has not been tampered with or altered, which is critical for admissibility.

Which investigative technique involves calling a subject under a false pretext to elicit information, and what is a key legal limitation in most U.S. states?

Answer: Pretextual telephone contact; recording without consent may violate wiretapping laws

Pretextual phone calls are a covert technique, but recording them without at least one-party consent violates federal and many state wiretapping statutes.