Private Investigator Practice Exam Flashcards
7 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 7 Private Investigator Practice Exam flashcards as text
A private investigator is hired to conduct surveillance on a subject. The subject moves to a location where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. What should the PI do?
Answer: Cease surveillance and document the location change
When a subject enters a location with a reasonable expectation of privacy, a PI must cease surveillance to avoid violating wiretapping and privacy laws.
Which of the following is the MOST reliable method for a PI to authenticate the chain of custody for evidence?
Answer: Continuous, documented handling records from collection to presentation
A documented chain of custody with continuous records from collection through presentation ensures evidence integrity and admissibility.
A PI is asked to locate a missing person who is an adult. Which resource is generally NOT available to a licensed PI for locating individuals?
Answer: Law enforcement criminal databases (NCIC)
The NCIC (National Crime Information Center) is restricted to law enforcement agencies and is not accessible to private investigators.
When conducting a background check, a PI discovers that a potential employee has a sealed juvenile record. How should the PI handle this?
Answer: Exclude it because sealed records cannot legally be disclosed in most jurisdictions
Sealed juvenile records are legally protected and cannot be disclosed by a PI without violating privacy laws in most jurisdictions.
A PI is hired for a workers' compensation fraud investigation. Which of the following surveillance activities would MOST likely hold up as admissible evidence?
Answer: Video of the subject performing physical activities in a public park
Video recorded in a public place where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy is generally admissible as evidence.
What is 'pretext' in the context of private investigation, and when can it be legally problematic?
Answer: Using a false identity or story to elicit information, which can violate laws when used to obtain financial or medical records
Pretext involves using deception to gather information and is specifically prohibited under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act for obtaining financial records.
A PI receives a subpoena to testify about their investigation. Which of the following best describes their obligation?
Answer: They must comply with the subpoena and testify truthfully
A legally issued subpoena compels testimony, and a PI must comply and testify truthfully, though they may consult an attorney about scope.