NDIT Public Records and Open-Source Intelligence Research 2

Question 1

An investigator needs docket sheets and filings from a federal civil lawsuit. Which system is the primary source?

Accepted Answer

PACER

Answer

PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) provides online access to federal district, appellate, and bankruptcy court records.

Question 2

Where would an investigator typically search UCC financing statements to find liens on a subject's business equipment?

Accepted Answer

Secretary of State's office

Answer

UCC-1 financing statements are generally filed with the Secretary of State and reveal secured interests in personal property.

Question 3

The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies to records held by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Federal executive branch agencies

Answer

FOIA covers federal executive branch agencies; Congress, federal courts, and state agencies are not subject to it.

Question 4

To confirm who holds title to a parcel of real estate and review its mortgage history, an investigator should check records at the:

Accepted Answer

County recorder or register of deeds

Answer

Deeds, mortgages, and releases are recorded at the county recorder or register of deeds where the property is located.

Question 5

Which office would provide the assessed value of a property and the owner of record for tax purposes?

Accepted Answer

County tax assessor

Answer

The tax assessor maintains assessed values and owner-of-record information used for property taxation.

NDIT - National Detective/Investigator Test Practice Test