Private Investigator Exam Evidence & Documentation

Question 1

What is the 'chain of custody' in evidence management?

Accepted Answer

A documented record tracking who collected, handled, and stored evidence

Answer

Chain of custody is a documented record that tracks every person who collected, handled, transferred, and stored a piece of evidence to ensure its integrity.

Question 2

Which type of evidence is considered 'direct evidence' in an investigation?

Accepted Answer

Evidence that directly proves a fact without requiring inference

Answer

Direct evidence directly establishes a fact without requiring the trier of fact to draw any inferences, such as an eyewitness account or a confessional statement.

Question 3

What is 'circumstantial evidence'?

Accepted Answer

Evidence that requires an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact

Answer

Circumstantial evidence requires the fact-finder to make an inference to connect it to a conclusion, such as muddy boots near a crime scene suggesting the wearer was there.

Question 4

When writing an investigation report, which writing style should a PI use?

Accepted Answer

Objective, factual, and free of personal conclusions or opinions

Answer

PI reports must be objective and factual, recording only observed events and verified facts without personal opinions or conclusions that could be challenged.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'case intake form' at the start of an investigation?

Accepted Answer

To document client identity, stated purpose, subject information, and scope of the case

Answer

A case intake form documents the client's identity, the stated purpose of the investigation, subject information, and the agreed scope of work.

Private Investigator Exam Practice Test

Private Investigator Exam Practice Test

Private Investigator Exam Evidence & Documentation