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

Explanation:
Robert may face the action of BSIS issuing him a citation with an administrative fine of up to $5,000 and, if deemed necessary, an order of abatement. This is because Robert, despite lacking experience and not claiming to be licensed, still engaged in soliciting clients and accepting payment for investigative services. His lack of experience led to serious mistakes, which resulted in angry clients reporting him to BSIS. As a regulatory agency, BSIS has the authority to take action against individuals who engage in fraudulent or unlicensed activities in the private investigator business, hence the citation and potential fine.

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

Explanation:
BSIS can issue a citation with an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 and an order to cease and desist because Sam is not a licensed private investigator but is advertising private investigation services. This action is within BSIS's authority to regulate and enforce licensing requirements for private investigators.

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

Explanation:
Records held by the United States Congress are not made available to the public by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). However, FBI records, military and defense records, Social Security Administration records, and Veteran's Administration records are all available to the public through FOIA requests. The Freedom of Information Act was passed in 1966 so that public records could be accessible. The act declares that citizens have a right to this information, whereas in the past the public's access was limited to those documents containing information which a citizen might "need to know."

Question 4

For which assignment would a Ghillie suit be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor surveillance

Answer

Explanation:
A Ghillie suit would be most appropriate for outdoor surveillance. Ghillie suits are special costumes that appear to be made of sticks and leaves. They are designed to provide camouflage in a forest setting. Of course, it is necessary for such a suit to match the color and type of foliage that is prevalent at the time. It should be noted that a Ghillie suit is best for situations in which the investigator will not have to move for a long time. In other words, a Ghillie suit is a good option for long stake-outs, but not for tailing a suspect.

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

Explanation:
Of the given questions, the best for an interrogation would be "Why were you at the bowling alley last night?" The interrogator should avoid asking leading questions: that is, questions that suggest an answer.
Answer choice A encourages the interviewee to answer "Yes," and answer choice D encourages the interviewee to answer "No." An interrogator should also avoid asking questions that elicit only a one-word answer. It is better to ask an open-ended question so that the interviewee will feel compelled to add some detail. The best interrogation questions are those that lead to more lines of inquiry.

PILB - Private Investigators Licensing Board Practice Test

PILB - Private Investigators Licensing Board Practice Test

FREE PILB Information and Licensing Questions and Answers