Private Investigator Exam Guide 5

Question 1

What is 'dumpster diving' in the context of PI investigations, and is it generally legal?

Accepted Answer

Retrieving discarded items from trash placed in a public area; generally legal once trash is abandoned

Answer

Once trash is placed in a public area for collection, it is generally considered abandoned, making retrieval legal under California v. Greenwood.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'open source intelligence' (OSINT)?

Accepted Answer

Information collected from publicly available sources such as social media, news, and public records

Answer

OSINT refers to the systematic collection and analysis of information from publicly available sources, a legal and widely used PI technique.

Question 3

A PI operating across state lines must be aware that:

Accepted Answer

Each state has its own licensing laws, and working without a valid license in another state may be illegal

Answer

PI licensing is state-specific with no universal federal license, meaning investigators must comply with each state's requirements when working across borders.

Question 4

What ethical rule should guide a PI when a client's instructions conflict with the law?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to carry out illegal instructions and potentially withdraw from the case

Answer

A PI must refuse to follow instructions that require illegal actions; professional codes of conduct and law both require declining unethical or unlawful tasks.

Question 5

What is the significance of a PI obtaining a signed client contract before starting an investigation?

Accepted Answer

It defines the scope, fees, and legal boundaries of the engagement, protecting both parties

Answer

A signed contract clearly establishes expectations, scope, and legal responsibilities, reducing disputes and protecting both the PI and client.

Private Investigator Exam Practice Test

Private Investigator Exam Practice Test

Private Investigator Exam Guide 5