Legal & Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real Private Investigator Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Legal & Ethics flashcards as text
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)?
Answer: Satisfying personal curiosity about an acquaintance
The DPPA restricts access to motor vehicle records to specific permissible purposes; personal curiosity does not qualify.
A PI discovers evidence of a crime while working a civil case for a client. The PI's best course of action is to:
Answer: Consult an attorney regarding reporting obligations and inform the client
When a PI discovers evidence of a crime, they should consult legal counsel and inform the client, as reporting obligations may vary by state and crime type.
The principle of 'confidentiality' in PI work means:
Answer: Client information and case findings must not be disclosed to unauthorized parties
Confidentiality obligates the PI to protect all client information and case findings from unauthorized disclosure.
If a subject confronts a PI during surveillance, the PI should generally:
Answer: Calmly disengage and relocate without confirming or denying their purpose
The safest professional response is to disengage calmly; revealing the investigation's scope could compromise the case and endanger the PI.
What is the significance of a 'cease and desist' letter for a PI conducting a case?
Answer: It legally requires the PI or their client to stop a specified activity
A cease and desist letter from an attorney demands that the recipient stop a particular activity, and ignoring it can lead to legal action.
Under what circumstance may a US private investigator legally carry a firearm while working?
Answer: When they hold the appropriate state firearms permit/license for armed PIs
Many states have a separate armed PI endorsement or license requirement that must be met before a PI may legally carry a firearm while on duty.