FREE Private Investigator Questions and Answers
Dan, an attorney, hires private investigator Celine to help establish his client's innocence concerning a crime for which he is accused. When Celine goes outside to talk to some residents near the crime scene, she encounters a sex offender who assaults her in his garage. Celine disarms him with a tear gas canister she always has visible on her belt, allowing her to leave safely. Given how simple it operates, Celine hasn't taken any training for the weapon. What is the best response among the following?
Wilson works in retail sales. He happens to catch an old detective program one day. Despite having no expertise in the field, he decides to work as a "private investigator." He buys some camera equipment, dons an old trench coat, and starts pursuing clients who pay him for his investigation services—despite never claiming to be licensed. Naturally, Wilson's inexperience causes him to make several severe errors, which causes his irate customers to report him to BSIS. What could Robert be subjected to?
In many states, including California, acting as a private investigator without a valid license is illegal. Wilson, in this case, is not licensed and is therefore breaking the law by conducting private investigations for pay. Suppose he is reported to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). In that case, they may investigate and issue him a citation with an administrative fine of up to $5,000 and an order of abatement, which requires him to stop conducting private investigations immediately. Additionally, if Wilson's conduct is found to have caused harm or damage to his clients, he could be subject to civil liability or even criminal charges.
Which is not a general rule for doing a live lineup?
The witness may be prejudiced, and the procedure rendered useless.
_____________ is the secret, ongoing observation of people, places, and things to learn about people's activities and identities.
The term "visual" refers to the fact that the investigator can see the suspect.
Which of the following statements about private investigators is true?
Private investigators are typically licensed professionals regulated by state or provincial laws and must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. This includes federal, local, and municipal laws and standards set by professional organizations. Failure to follow the law or moral standards can result in disciplinary action or loss of licensure.
How should an investigator handle the lineup identification process?
This may lead to trial suppression.
Chris promotes private investigation services in an internet phone book even though he is not qualified. What type of action can BSIS undertake?
In many states, including California, it is illegal to advertise or offer private investigation services without a valid license. If Chris promotes personal investigation services without permission, he is breaking the law. Suppose he is reported to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). In that case, they may investigate and issue him a citation with an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 and an order to cease offering or advertising private investigation services. Additionally, if Chris's conduct is found to have caused harm or damages to his clients, he could be subject to civil liability or even criminal charges.
To prevent misidentification, __________ are used in an identification procedure.
To ensure objectivity, lineups using real people or real images need precautions like fillers.
What is the first step in identifying a photo lineup?
This is necessary at every step of the process.
If the investigator is not attentive during mobile surveillance, they can do something that makes their "target" suspicious.
Erratic driving can definitely draw suspicion from the target during mobile surveillance. If the investigator is driving recklessly or making sudden lane changes, the target may notice and become suspicious. This can potentially cause the target to take evasive action, such as driving erratically themselves, which can make it more difficult for the investigator to maintain surveillance without being detected. It's important for the investigator to drive safely and adhere to all traffic laws while conducting mobile surveillance.
Surveillance is utilized except for ________.
This is the main use.
__________ can be used to find and catch people who are wanted.
This can scan a person's face, measure the distance between their nose and 80 different points on their face, and come up with an ID.
Which of the following terms best defines discreet surveillance?
A close surveillance operation maintains a minimum distance between subject and surveillant.
Polygraph tests are used for all of the following except ______.
These tests might help.
A well-known private investigator named "Clinton" is hired by a prominent tabloid called "Extreme Geeks" to find a renowned vocalist named Lisa Star. Additionally, Clinton is asked by Extreme Geeks to capture up-close pictures of Lisa's face. According to sources, a former lover recently beat Lisa. Clinton finds Lisa as she is browsing in a clothing store. Lisa was approached by Clinton, who requested an interview. Clinton uses his body to block Lisa's escape as she leaves the store after declining and saying, "Not now." "Hold on," Clinton commands before taking several pictures of Lisa.
Which statement is accurate?
Private investigators must act within the law and uphold ethical standards. In this scenario, Clinton approached Lisa without her consent and took close-up photographs of her face without permission, violating her privacy rights. If Lisa takes legal action against Clinton, he could be liable for general and special damages, disgorgement, and potentially even punitive damages. In California, for example, the law allows for up to three times the amount of damages incurred to be awarded in the invasion of privacy cases. Additionally, Clinton could be subject to fines of between $5,000 and $50,000 for violating Lisa's privacy rights.
Corporation Geeks engages private investigator Mark to do pre-employment background checks on potential hires. Which of the following is true before seeking a consumer credit report for employment?
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and many state laws, including California, employers must follow specific procedures when obtaining consumer credit reports and other background information for employment purposes. Before requesting a consumer credit report, the user (in this case, Corporation Geeks) must inform the applicant or employee in writing that a message may be used, provide identification of the specific basis for the use of the information, identify the source of information, and provide a check box for the applicant or employee to indicate if they desire a copy of the data. This process is known as the "pre-adverse action" notice. It is intended to allow the applicant or employee to review and correct any inaccuracies in their credit report before the employer takes adverse action based on the information.
