PCI Ethical & Professional Standards 3

Question 1

An investigator receives a gift valued at $500 from a vendor seeking to secure a contract referral. According to ethical standards, the investigator should:

Accepted Answer

Disclose the gift to their employer and decline or return it

Answer

Accepting gifts from vendors seeking business creates a conflict of interest; professional standards require disclosure and typically refusal.

Question 2

Which action would constitute a breach of confidentiality by a professional investigator?

Accepted Answer

Discussing case specifics with uninvolved colleagues at a social gathering

Answer

Disclosing case details to uninvolved parties without authorization breaches the investigator's duty of confidentiality.

Question 3

A PCI is hired by Company A to investigate an employee. The investigator later learns they previously worked on a case for that same employee's attorney. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the prior relationship to Company A and allow them to decide how to proceed

Answer

Prior relationships that could create bias must be disclosed to the client, who can then make an informed decision about continuing the engagement.

Question 4

The concept of 'due diligence' in professional investigations most closely refers to:

Accepted Answer

Applying the care, thoroughness, and skill expected of a competent professional

Answer

Due diligence requires investigators to exercise the level of care, thoroughness, and professional judgment that a competent investigator would apply.

Question 5

An investigator is pressured by a supervisor to include in a report information that was obtained through an illegal search. The investigator should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse and document the refusal, escalating to appropriate oversight

Answer

Including illegally obtained evidence exposes the investigator to legal and ethical liability; refusal and documentation protects professional integrity.

(PCI) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Test

(PCI) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Test

PCI Ethical & Professional Standards 3