Private Investigator Exam Private Investigator Assessment 2

Question 1

A PI conducting surveillance notices the subject has entered a building with a 'No Trespassing' sign. What should the PI do?

Accepted Answer

Remain outside and observe from a legal vantage point

Answer

A PI must never trespass on private property and should continue surveillance from legally accessible areas only.

Question 2

Which federal law prohibits a PI from intercepting wire, oral, or electronic communications without authorization?

Accepted Answer

Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)

Answer

The ECPA prohibits unauthorized interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications by anyone, including private investigators.

Question 3

A client asks a PI to find out if their neighbor is growing marijuana inside their home. What is the most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Conduct surveillance from public areas and document observable activity

Answer

PIs should only gather information from lawful vantage points such as public areas without invading the subject's reasonable expectation of privacy.

Question 4

What does 'chain of custody' mean in the context of evidence collected during a PI investigation?

Accepted Answer

The chronological documentation tracking evidence from collection to presentation

Answer

Chain of custody is the documented, unbroken record of who collected, handled, transferred, and stored evidence to ensure its integrity.

Question 5

A PI licensed in Texas is asked to conduct surveillance in Oklahoma. What must the PI do?

Accepted Answer

Check whether Oklahoma requires a separate license or reciprocity agreement

Answer

PI licensing is state-specific, and a PI must comply with the licensing requirements of each state where they operate.

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