Private Investigator Exam Guide 2

Question 1

When conducting surveillance, a private investigator should avoid which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Following the subject into a private residence without consent

Answer

Entering a private residence without consent is trespassing and illegal, regardless of investigative purpose.

Question 2

Which legal doctrine governs the admissibility of illegally obtained evidence in civil PI cases?

Accepted Answer

Fruit of the poisonous tree

Answer

The 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine holds that evidence derived from illegal actions may be inadmissible in court.

Question 3

A client asks a PI to find information about a person's medical history. What is the appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Decline unless proper legal authorization exists, such as a signed HIPAA release

Answer

Medical records are protected under HIPAA, and a PI must have proper legal authorization such as a signed release to access them.

Question 4

In the context of PI work, what does 'pretext' refer to?

Accepted Answer

A false identity or scenario used to elicit information

Answer

Pretext involves using a fabricated identity or story to obtain information, which can be legal in some contexts but illegal in others.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the duty of a PI when handling client information?

Accepted Answer

Maintain strict confidentiality and disclose only as authorized or required by law

Answer

PIs have a professional and legal obligation to keep client information confidential except where disclosure is legally required.

Private Investigator Exam Practice Test