PILB - Private Investigators Licensing Board Use of Force Guidelines Questions and Answers

Question 1

A private investigator conducting surveillance in a parking lot observes their subject being aggressively confronted by an unknown individual.
The situation escalates, and the aggressor shoves the subject to the ground.
According to Nevada law, what is the primary legal principle that allows the investigator to intervene with physical force?

Accepted Answer

The principle of 'defense of others' against imminent harm.

Answer

The investigator's authority to make a citizen's arrest for assault.

Answer

The 'Good Samaritan' law, which protects individuals who provide aid.

Answer

The investigator's duty to protect the client's interests by any means necessary.

Question 2

Under what specific circumstance is a private investigator, acting as a private citizen, justified in using deadly force in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

To stop a violent intruder from burglarizing the investigator's occupied vehicle.

Answer

To prevent the escape of a person who has just committed any felony.

Answer

To defend against a verbal threat of future serious violence.

Answer

To subdue a subject who is actively resisting a lawful citizen's arrest for a misdemeanor.

Question 3

Which of the following best defines the 'reasonable and proportional' standard of force that a private investigator must adhere to in a self-defense situation?

Accepted Answer

Applying the minimum amount of force necessary to control the situation and then immediately disengaging.

Answer

Using a level of force greater than the threat to ensure a quick resolution.

Answer

Matching the attacker's level of force exactly, such as fist for fist.

Answer

Using any force available as long as the investigator did not start the confrontation.

Question 4

A private investigator is legally attempting to make a citizen's arrest of a suspect who just committed a felony in the investigator's presence. The suspect begins to flee. The investigator is unarmed. What level of force is the investigator authorized to use to stop the suspect from escaping?

Accepted Answer

Any force necessary, including tackling the suspect, as long as it does not constitute deadly force.

Answer

Deadly force is authorized since the suspect is fleeing from a felony arrest.

Answer

No physical force is allowed; the investigator must only observe and report to the police.

Answer

The investigator can only command the suspect to stop and cannot physically intervene.

Question 5

A private investigator is involved in a use-of-force incident while on duty. Which of the following actions is the most critical and immediate step the investigator must take after the situation is stabilized and any threat has ended?

Accepted Answer

Notify local law enforcement and file a complete and accurate report of the incident.

Answer

Immediately leave the scene to avoid further confrontation.

Answer

Contact their client to provide a status update on the investigation.

Answer

Secure any physical evidence and take it back to their office for analysis.

Question 6

An armed private investigator is confronted by an unarmed but belligerent subject who is shouting insults and standing five feet away. The subject makes no physical move towards the investigator. The investigator's most appropriate and legally sound initial response is to:

Accepted Answer

Attempt to de-escalate the situation verbally while creating distance and maintaining a position of safety.

Answer

Draw their firearm and hold it at a low-ready position to show they are serious.

Answer

Use a chemical agent like pepper spray to preemptively neutralize any potential attack.

Answer

Execute a physical takedown to control the subject before they can launch an attack.