FREE PILB Information and Licensing Questions and Answers

Question 1

Robert is a retail sales clerk.
One day, he sees an old detective show on T.V. and decides he’d like to be a “Private Investigator” despite having no experience in the P.I. business.
Though he never actually claims to be licensed, he buys some camera gear, puts on an old trench coat, and starts soliciting clients who pay him for his investigative services.
Due to his lack of experience, of course, Robert makes some serious mistakes, and his angry clients report him to BSIS.
What action may be taken against Robert?

Accepted Answer

BSIS may issue Robert a citation with an administrative fine of up to $5,000 and, where appropriate, an order of abatement.

Answer

BSIS may immediately have Robert arrested for misdemeanor fraud per Civ. Code §1572 and have him imprisoned in the county jail for up to 1 year.

Answer

Robert may be fined $2,500 and charged with an infraction per B&P Code 7520.1(c), and at arraignment, Robert will have the option to elect to have his case proceed as a misdemeanor instead.

Answer

Authorities may ignore Robert because he has not actually broken any laws.

Question 2

Sam is not a licensed private investigator; however, advertises private investigation services in an online phone directory. What type of action can BSIS undertake?

Accepted Answer

Issue a citation with an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 and an order to cease and desist.

Answer

BSIS does not have authority over internet advertising; therefore, BSIS can do nothing but ask Sam to remove his listing.

Answer

Notify the local District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Answer

Issue a citation with an administrative penalty of up to $7,500.

Question 3

Which of the following types of records are NOT made available to the public by the Freedom of Information Act?

Accepted Answer

Records held by the United States Congress

Answer

FBI Records

Answer

Social Security Administration records

Answer

Military Records

Question 4

For which assignment would a Ghillie suit be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor surveillance

Answer

Indoor surveillance

Answer

Surveillance on foot

Answer

Moving surveillance

Question 5

Which of the following would be the best question during an interrogation?

Accepted Answer

"Why were you at the bowling alley last night?"

Answer

"You were at the bowling alley last night, weren't you?”

Answer

"Were you at the bowling alley last light?"

Answer

"You weren't at the bowling alley last night, were you?"

Question 6

Which of the following statements about circumstantial evidence is true?

Accepted Answer

If there is enough of it, it can be sufficient to build a case.

Answer

It directly proves the existence of a fact.

Answer

It does not point towards a specific conclusion.

Answer

It is considered stronger than direct evidence.

Question 7

Which tool of crime scene documentation is used to describe the collection of evidence?

Accepted Answer

General worksheet

Answer

Latent print lift log

Answer

Scene description worksheet

Answer

Photographic log

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of circumstantial evidence?

Accepted Answer

The defendant owned the same type of weapon that was used to injure the victim of an assault.

Answer

The defendant's fingerprints were found on the murder weapon.

Answer

A witness claims to have heard the victim shout the defendant's name during the attack.

Answer

The government produces official records indicating that the defendant committed tax fraud.

Question 9

Which party bears the burden of proof in a criminal trial?

Accepted Answer

Prosecution

Answer

Government

Answer

Private investigator

Answer

Defense

Question 10

Which of the following is a focus of criminalistics?

Accepted Answer

Voice spectroscopy

Answer

Toxicology

Answer

Odontology

Answer

Pathology