Private Investigator Exam Legal & Ethics 3

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a permissible purpose for accessing someone's driver's license record under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA)?

Accepted Answer

Satisfying personal curiosity about an acquaintance

Answer

Insurance claim investigation

Answer

Litigation support

Answer

Fraud prevention

Question 2

A PI discovers evidence of a crime while working a civil case for a client. The PI's best course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Consult an attorney regarding reporting obligations and inform the client

Answer

Destroy the evidence to protect the client

Answer

Immediately report to law enforcement without telling the client

Answer

Ignore it and focus only on the client's original request

Question 3

The principle of 'confidentiality' in PI work means:

Accepted Answer

Client information and case findings must not be disclosed to unauthorized parties

Answer

All case details must be published in a report

Answer

The PI must keep their identity secret at all times

Answer

Case notes are automatically protected by attorney-client privilege

Question 4

If a subject confronts a PI during surveillance, the PI should generally:

Accepted Answer

Calmly disengage and relocate without confirming or denying their purpose

Answer

Identify themselves and explain the full scope of the investigation

Answer

Immediately contact law enforcement

Answer

Provide a cover story rehearsed with the client

Question 5

What is the significance of a 'cease and desist' letter for a PI conducting a case?

Accepted Answer

It legally requires the PI or their client to stop a specified activity

Answer

It terminates the PI's state license

Answer

It is sent by the PI to a subject to stop interfering

Answer

It waives the subject's right to privacy

Question 6

Under what circumstance may a US private investigator legally carry a firearm while working?

Accepted Answer

When they hold the appropriate state firearms permit/license for armed PIs

Answer

Whenever the case involves potential danger

Answer

Only if the client requests armed protection

Answer

Carrying firearms is never permitted for PIs