PCI Surveillance Methods & Technology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of surveillance is MOST appropriate when the subject's schedule is unpredictable and location is unknown?
- Stationary fixed-point surveillance
- Electronic monitoring via social media and open-source intelligence (Correct answer)
- Single-investigator foot surveillance
- Aerial surveillance by drone
Correct answer: Electronic monitoring via social media and open-source intelligence
When a subject's location is unknown, open-source intelligence and social media monitoring can reveal patterns and locations without requiring physical presence.
Question 2: A PCI candidate must understand the 'ABC' method of vehicle surveillance. What does the 'A' position represent?
- The aircraft support unit providing aerial oversight
- The primary vehicle directly behind the subject (Correct answer)
- The alternate vehicle positioned ahead of the subject
- The administrative coordinator at base
Correct answer: The primary vehicle directly behind the subject
In the ABC vehicle surveillance method, 'A' is the primary follow vehicle directly behind the subject, 'B' is offset, and 'C' is ahead or in reserve.
Question 3: When photographing a subject at a public event for evidentiary purposes, which element is LEAST critical to document?
- Date and time the photos were taken
- Weather conditions at the time of photography
- The investigator's personal clothing that day (Correct answer)
- Location where photographs were captured
Correct answer: The investigator's personal clothing that day
The investigator's personal attire has no evidentiary relevance; date, time, and location are essential to establishing the context and credibility of surveillance photographs.
Question 4: What is the primary advantage of using a body-worn camera over a handheld video camera during foot surveillance?
- Body-worn cameras produce higher resolution footage
- Body-worn cameras are less expensive to purchase
- Body-worn cameras allow hands-free, covert recording while maintaining natural movement (Correct answer)
- Body-worn cameras have longer battery life
Correct answer: Body-worn cameras allow hands-free, covert recording while maintaining natural movement
Body-worn cameras enable covert, hands-free recording, allowing the investigator to appear as a normal pedestrian while still capturing footage.
Question 5: An investigator observes a claimant performing heavy lifting that contradicts a disability claim. What is the MOST important immediate action?
- Confront the claimant about the inconsistency
- Record the activity with date, time, and location clearly documented (Correct answer)
- Report verbally to the client before continuing surveillance
- Cease surveillance to preserve any legal action
Correct answer: Record the activity with date, time, and location clearly documented
Contemporaneous, well-documented video evidence with timestamps and location is critical to building an admissible record that supports the client's case.
Question 6: Which factor MOST affects the admissibility of recorded surveillance evidence in a civil proceeding?
- The brand of recording equipment used
- Proper chain of custody and accurate documentation of how evidence was collected (Correct answer)
- The physical appearance of the investigator in the footage
- The length of the recorded footage
Correct answer: Proper chain of custody and accurate documentation of how evidence was collected
Chain of custody and proper documentation ensure the evidence has not been tampered with and was collected legally, which are the primary admissibility criteria.
Question 7: What term describes a surveillance technique where an investigator blends into the subject's environment by matching the activity, clothing, and behavior of people in that setting?
- Ghosting
- Cover for action (Correct answer)
- Technical surveillance
- Parallel surveillance
Correct answer: Cover for action
Cover for action means the investigator has a plausible reason for being in a location that fits the environment, making their presence appear natural and unremarkable.
PCI Surveillance Methods & Technology 3
Which type of surveillance is MOST appropriate when the subject's schedule is unpredictable and location is unknown?