PILB - Private Investigators Licensing Board Investigative Techniques and Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A private investigator in Nevada is conducting surveillance on a subject in a workers' compensation fraud case.
The investigator observes the subject from a public street, documenting their activities in a publicly visible front yard.
Which of the following actions would be considered illegal or a violation of Nevada law?

Accepted Answer

Placing a GPS tracking device on the subject's vehicle without their consent.

Answer

Using a telephoto lens to photograph the subject in their front yard.

Answer

Following the subject to a public park and recording their activities.

Answer

Reviewing the subject's publicly accessible social media profiles for evidence.

Question 2

When collecting physical evidence, such as a receipt or a discarded item, what is the most critical procedure a private investigator must follow to ensure its admissibility in court?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a detailed chain of custody.

Answer

Photographing the evidence in its original location.

Answer

Wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.

Answer

Placing the evidence in a sealed, tamper-evident bag.

Question 3

An investigator is asked to obtain financial records for a divorce case. Which of the following methods for acquiring bank account balances is illegal under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)?

Accepted Answer

Calling the subject's bank and pretending to be the account holder to get information.

Answer

Searching public records for assets like property and business ownership.

Answer

Interviewing a source who has firsthand knowledge of the subject's wealth.

Answer

Analyzing the subject's lifestyle and spending habits through surveillance.

Question 4

During a mobile surveillance, what is a primary objective for the private investigator to maintain effectiveness and avoid detection?

Accepted Answer

Varying their driving patterns and maintaining a safe following distance.

Answer

Staying within two car lengths of the subject's vehicle at all times.

Answer

Using a vehicle that is identical in make and model to the subject's.

Answer

Immediately stopping if they believe the subject has noticed them.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a public record that a private investigator can legally access and use during a background investigation?

Accepted Answer

County property tax assessment records.

Answer

Sealed juvenile court records.

Answer

Medical records from a private hospital.

Answer

A subject's personal text messages obtained from a phone company.

Question 6

A private investigator is conducting an interview with a cooperative witness. To ensure the information obtained is reliable and the interview is conducted professionally, the investigator should:

Accepted Answer

Begin with open-ended questions to allow the witness to provide a narrative account.

Answer

Offer the witness financial compensation for their time and information.

Answer

Record the conversation without the witness's knowledge to get their unguarded statements.

Answer

Ask leading questions to guide the witness to the desired answers.