Private Investigator Exam Evidence & Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'field note' and why is it important in PI work?
- A note left at a surveillance site
- A contemporaneous record written during or immediately after an observation to preserve accuracy (Correct answer)
- A formal summary sent to the client
- A court-required documentation form
Correct answer: A contemporaneous record written during or immediately after an observation to preserve accuracy
Field notes are written contemporaneously during or immediately after observations to preserve accuracy before memory fades, and they form the basis of the final report.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'hearsay' in the context of evidence?
- Evidence observed directly by the investigator
- An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted (Correct answer)
- Video evidence from a third party
- Evidence seized without a warrant
Correct answer: An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted
Hearsay is a statement made outside of court that is offered as evidence to prove the truth of its content; it is generally inadmissible unless an exception applies.
Question 3: For digital evidence such as social media screenshots to be admissible, what must a PI demonstrate?
- The client requested the screenshot
- Authenticity — that the screenshot accurately represents what was published (Correct answer)
- The screenshot was taken on a licensed device
- A court-issued subpoena was used to obtain it
Correct answer: Authenticity — that the screenshot accurately represents what was published
Digital evidence must be authenticated, meaning the PI must be able to demonstrate that the screenshot accurately represents what was actually posted or published.
Question 4: What is the proper way to store physical evidence collected during an investigation?
- In a bag at the investigator's home for convenience
- In a secure, labeled container with chain of custody documentation (Correct answer)
- Delivered directly to the client immediately
- Photographed only — physical retention is unnecessary
Correct answer: In a secure, labeled container with chain of custody documentation
Physical evidence must be stored in a secure, labeled container with full chain of custody documentation to preserve integrity and admissibility.
Question 5: Why should a PI avoid editorializing in their written reports?
- Clients prefer shorter reports
- Opinions can undermine credibility and may be challenged or stricken in legal proceedings (Correct answer)
- State law prohibits opinions in PI reports
- Editorializing increases report costs
Correct answer: Opinions can undermine credibility and may be challenged or stricken in legal proceedings
Personal opinions in reports can be challenged by opposing counsel and may undermine the PI's credibility as an objective fact-finder.
Question 6: What is a 'subpoena duces tecum' relevant to PI work?
- A license required for court testimony
- A court order requiring a person to produce documents or records (Correct answer)
- A client contract clause
- A warrant for electronic surveillance
Correct answer: A court order requiring a person to produce documents or records
A subpoena duces tecum is a court order compelling a person or organization to produce specific documents, records, or evidence.
Private Investigator Exam Evidence & Documentation 2
What is a 'field note' and why is it important in PI work?