PILB - Private Investigators Licensing Board Legal and Privacy Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

A private investigator is hired by an attorney to conduct interviews for a pending civil lawsuit.
The investigator's notes and reports are shared directly with the attorney.
Under Nevada law, what is the primary legal doctrine that protects these communications from being discovered by the opposing party?

Accepted Answer

The Work Product Doctrine

Answer

Client-Investigator Confidentiality

Answer

Investigative Immunity

Answer

The Fifth Amendment Privilege

Question 2

A licensed private investigator in Nevada makes a telephone call to gather information. To build rapport, the investigator implies they are a law enforcement officer, hoping to make the person more cooperative. According to Nevada Revised Statutes, what is the potential criminal penalty for this action?

Accepted Answer

A gross misdemeanor

Answer

A simple misdemeanor with a warning

Answer

A civil infraction subject only to a fine

Answer

A category C felony

Question 3

Under NAC 648.3395, which of the following best describes the confidentiality requirements for an application for registration submitted by a prospective employee of a licensed private investigator?

Accepted Answer

The application is confidential and a licensee shall not use the information for any purpose other than determining employment eligibility.

Answer

The application is a public record accessible upon request.

Answer

Only the applicant and the PILB can view the application.

Answer

The information becomes public once the registration is approved.

Question 4

A private investigator is hired for a child custody case. The client asks the investigator to place a GPS tracking device on the vehicle of the other parent, who is a co-owner of the vehicle but is unaware of the device. What is the legal status of this action in Nevada as of July 1, 2023?

Accepted Answer

Illegal, as it constitutes unlawful installation of a mobile tracking device without the consent of all owners/operators.

Answer

Legal, as long as the client is a registered owner of the vehicle.

Answer

Legal, but only with a court order.

Answer

A civil matter, but not a criminal offense.

Question 5

A private investigator in Nevada concludes an investigation for a client who is not an attorney. The client later requests a copy of all investigative reports and evidence collected. Which of the following is true regarding the confidentiality between the investigator and this client?

Accepted Answer

The communications are confidential, but generally not privileged, and could be subject to discovery in a lawsuit.

Answer

All communications and reports are protected by absolute privilege.

Answer

The investigator must refuse to provide the report to protect confidentiality.

Answer

The investigator can only share the report if the subject of the investigation consents.

Question 6

According to NRS Chapter 648, a licensed private investigator has a professional duty to protect their client's information. Divulging information learned during an investigation, without the client's consent or a legal mandate, is a basis for disciplinary action. What is this fundamental principle called?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Work Product Rule

Answer

Investigative Discretion

Answer

Due Diligence