FREE Private Investigator Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following statements about private investigators is true?

Accepted Answer

A private investigator is required to abide by all applicable federal, state, and local regulations

Answer

When investigating criminal activities, a private investigator has specific permission to break the law

Answer

None of the above

Answer

Since a private investigator is a peace officer, he can carry out all police-related duties

Question 2

If the investigator is not attentive during mobile surveillance, they can do something that makes their "target" suspicious.

Accepted Answer

Erratic driving

Answer

Driving the speed limit

Answer

Staying a safe distance behind the target vehicle

Answer

None of the above

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Wilson could receive a citation from BSIS and, if necessary, an order of abatement and an administrative fine of up to $5,000

Answer

Following Civ, BSIS may promptly order Wilson's arrest for misdemeanor fraud—code 1572—which might result in a year in the county jail

Answer

Authorities may ignore Wilson because he has not actually broken any laws

Answer

According to B&P Code 7520.1(c), Wilson may be given a $2,500 fine and charged with an infraction; however, during his arraignment, Robert could choose to have his case treated as a misdemeanor instead

Question 4

Chris promotes private investigation services in an internet phone book even though he is not qualified. What type of action can BSIS undertake?

Accepted Answer

A citation with a $5,000 administrative fine and a stop-and-desist order should be issued.

Answer

BSIS can only ask Chris to remove his listing because it has no control over online advertising.

Answer

Publish a citation with a maximum administrative fine of $7,500.

Answer

Inform the district attorney's office in your area to pursue charges.

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

The Department of Consumer Affairs/BSIS may immediately suspend Celine's PI license due to her B&P and Penal Code violations

Answer

If private investigator is working in the field, they should always have a self-defense weapon with them. Celine was wise to be organized

Answer

Because Celine did not complete the mandatory BSIS teargas course before carrying the weapon, BSIS may issue a ticket and a fine.

Answer

Celine has not broken the law because private investigators are allowed to carry tear gas (not weapons) without taking a training course as long as it is not concealed, according to California Penal Code 12403.5.

Question 6

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?

Accepted Answer

Clinton is responsible for disgorgement, punitive damages, up to three times the amount of any general and special damages, disgorgement, and a fine of not less than $5,000 but not more than $50,000

Answer

"He can shoot the pictures if Clinton stands in Lisa's way for a "reasonable" period"

Answer

Since celebrities no longer have the same "reasonable expectation of privacy" as those with stock status, there is no criminal, tort, or administrative infraction

Answer

In addition to a $3,000 punishment, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services has the authority to suspend or revoke Clinton's private investigator license.

Question 7

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?

Accepted Answer

The report's user must notify the person that a report will be used, identify the precise justification for usage, provide the report's source, and include a checkbox if the person wants a copy.

Answer

The report's user must disclose the cost, the reason the information will be used, and the fact that it will be used

Answer

The person who uses the report must notify the person that it will be utilized and include a statement indicating the person has a right to legal representation

Answer

Mark is not permitted to use a consumer credit report for employment-related objectives

Question 8

Which of the following terms best defines discreet surveillance?

Accepted Answer

Loose

Answer

Covert

Answer

Tight

Answer

Burn

Question 9

_____________ is the secret, ongoing observation of people, places, and things to learn about people's activities and identities.

Accepted Answer

Surveillance

Answer

A visual

Answer

A tail

Answer

A hare

Question 10

Surveillance is utilized except for ________.

Accepted Answer

Gathering evidence which will lead to a certain conviction

Answer

Information-gathering

Answer

Apprehending criminals

Answer

Crime prevention