Private Investigator Exam Legal & Ethics

Question 1

In most US states, what is required before a person can legally work as a private investigator?

Accepted Answer

A state-issued PI license

Answer

A law degree

Answer

FBI clearance

Answer

A private security guard certification

Question 2

Which federal law prohibits the unauthorized interception of electronic communications?

Accepted Answer

Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)

Answer

Freedom of Information Act

Answer

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

Answer

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act

Question 3

What is 'informed consent' in the context of a PI conducting recorded interviews?

Accepted Answer

Notifying and gaining agreement from a party before recording a conversation where required by law

Answer

The subject agreeing to be surveilled

Answer

A signed waiver from the client

Answer

Court approval for recording

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of an ethical violation by a private investigator?

Accepted Answer

Misrepresenting oneself as a law enforcement officer to obtain information

Answer

Conducting background checks with client permission

Answer

Observing a subject from public property

Answer

Reviewing publicly available court records

Question 5

What does the legal concept of 'reasonable expectation of privacy' mean for PI work?

Accepted Answer

People in public places generally cannot claim privacy from observation

Answer

Subjects must be informed if they are being watched

Answer

PIs must obtain a warrant before any surveillance

Answer

Only courts can determine if surveillance was lawful

Question 6

Which of the following actions could expose a PI to civil liability for invasion of privacy?

Accepted Answer

Covertly photographing a subject inside their home through a window

Answer

Reviewing public social media profiles

Answer

Following a subject in a public park

Answer

Obtaining a subject's criminal court records