PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026 QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
◍ Privatization Answer:The trend of making services and functions
traditionally performed by public entities, the province of private, for-
profit entities, usually companies
◍ Private security is primarily concerned with Answer:the private
concerns of private property assets and particular individuals
◍ Private security is an option exercised to provide Answer:an
additional or increased level of protection than that afforded by public
law enforcement which must respond to larger concerns of the public.
◍ Forces prompting the shift to private security Answer:-Growing
perception about rising crime rates in America
-Cost/benefit supremacy of private law enforcement versus public
operation
-Post 9/11 world of terrorism
-Economic aspects of crime
,◍ Private security role include Answer:-Investigative process of factual
assimilation and the systematic collection of evidence
-Investigators must provide information to support or refute a claim,
cause of action, or criminal prosecution
-Solid investigation practice:
operates under an investigation plan, creates a theoretical framework
that underlines the investigative process, and proposes a cause or case in
law that relates to the investigative regimen.
◍ Traits of a good investigator are Answer:-Energy and alertness
-Knowledge of the law
-Set realistic objectives
-Methodical approach
-Knowledge of human nature
-Observe and deduction abilities
-Maintain meaningful notes
◍ Private investigators work for Answer:-Public prosecutors and law
enforcement
-Lawyers
-Patent attorneys
-Publishers
-Banks
,-Insurance companies and self-insurers
-Traveling companies
-Motor freight, warehouse and freight terminal companies
-Stores
◍ Purpose of investigative activities include Answer:-Determine if
there is sufficient factual evidence to support or defeat each element of a
action
-Accumulate factual evidence to prove or defeat a case at trial or to form
the basis of a settlement
-To locate leads to additional evidence
-Locate persons or property
-Find evidence to use to discredit a witness or the opponent
◍ General investigative methods include Answer:-Logical sequence
must be followed
-Real, physical evidence must be legally obtained and properly
preserved
-Witness must be identified, interviewed, prepared for litigation
-Leads must be developed
-Collection of reports and documentation
-Information must be accurate and recorded
-Evidence must correlate to the claim, cause of action, or offense
charged
, ◍ Preliminary Strategies-initial scene search should be Answer:-
planned, coordinated, and competent action
-legally permissible
-does not interfere with or obstruct the function of public justice
◍ Preliminary Strategies-Two fundamental priorities govern
investigative conduct upon initial visitation Answer:-The acquisition
and preservation of physical, real, documentary, and tangible evidence.
-The notation of mental impressions regarding motive and modus
operandi (MO)
◍ Steps For The Initial Responding Officer-Note or log dispatch
information Answer:(e.g., address/location, time, date, type of call,
parties involved).
◍ Steps For The Initial Responding Office-Be aware of Answer:any
persons or vehicles leaving the crime scene
◍ Steps For The Initial Responding Office-Approach the scene
cautiously, Answer:scan the entire area to thoroughly assess the scene,
and note any possible secondary crime scenes. Be aware of any persons
and vehicles in the vicinity that may be related to the crime.
EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2026 QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
◍ Privatization Answer:The trend of making services and functions
traditionally performed by public entities, the province of private, for-
profit entities, usually companies
◍ Private security is primarily concerned with Answer:the private
concerns of private property assets and particular individuals
◍ Private security is an option exercised to provide Answer:an
additional or increased level of protection than that afforded by public
law enforcement which must respond to larger concerns of the public.
◍ Forces prompting the shift to private security Answer:-Growing
perception about rising crime rates in America
-Cost/benefit supremacy of private law enforcement versus public
operation
-Post 9/11 world of terrorism
-Economic aspects of crime
,◍ Private security role include Answer:-Investigative process of factual
assimilation and the systematic collection of evidence
-Investigators must provide information to support or refute a claim,
cause of action, or criminal prosecution
-Solid investigation practice:
operates under an investigation plan, creates a theoretical framework
that underlines the investigative process, and proposes a cause or case in
law that relates to the investigative regimen.
◍ Traits of a good investigator are Answer:-Energy and alertness
-Knowledge of the law
-Set realistic objectives
-Methodical approach
-Knowledge of human nature
-Observe and deduction abilities
-Maintain meaningful notes
◍ Private investigators work for Answer:-Public prosecutors and law
enforcement
-Lawyers
-Patent attorneys
-Publishers
-Banks
,-Insurance companies and self-insurers
-Traveling companies
-Motor freight, warehouse and freight terminal companies
-Stores
◍ Purpose of investigative activities include Answer:-Determine if
there is sufficient factual evidence to support or defeat each element of a
action
-Accumulate factual evidence to prove or defeat a case at trial or to form
the basis of a settlement
-To locate leads to additional evidence
-Locate persons or property
-Find evidence to use to discredit a witness or the opponent
◍ General investigative methods include Answer:-Logical sequence
must be followed
-Real, physical evidence must be legally obtained and properly
preserved
-Witness must be identified, interviewed, prepared for litigation
-Leads must be developed
-Collection of reports and documentation
-Information must be accurate and recorded
-Evidence must correlate to the claim, cause of action, or offense
charged
, ◍ Preliminary Strategies-initial scene search should be Answer:-
planned, coordinated, and competent action
-legally permissible
-does not interfere with or obstruct the function of public justice
◍ Preliminary Strategies-Two fundamental priorities govern
investigative conduct upon initial visitation Answer:-The acquisition
and preservation of physical, real, documentary, and tangible evidence.
-The notation of mental impressions regarding motive and modus
operandi (MO)
◍ Steps For The Initial Responding Officer-Note or log dispatch
information Answer:(e.g., address/location, time, date, type of call,
parties involved).
◍ Steps For The Initial Responding Office-Be aware of Answer:any
persons or vehicles leaving the crime scene
◍ Steps For The Initial Responding Office-Approach the scene
cautiously, Answer:scan the entire area to thoroughly assess the scene,
and note any possible secondary crime scenes. Be aware of any persons
and vehicles in the vicinity that may be related to the crime.
