Surveillance & Intelligence Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Surveillance & Intelligence flashcards as text
A 'fixed surveillance post' (OP/Observation Post) is best established:
Answer: At a location providing concealment with a clear view of the target area
An effective observation post must balance concealment to avoid detection with adequate sightlines to observe the target.
Which legal doctrine primarily governs the use of electronic surveillance by private investigators in the United States?
Answer: Federal and state wiretapping statutes such as the ECPA
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and corresponding state laws regulate interception of electronic communications by private parties.
What does 'burning' a surveillance operative mean in field terminology?
Answer: The subject detecting or identifying the surveillance operative
Being 'burned' means the subject has recognized the operative as conducting surveillance, compromising the operation.
Pattern of Life (POL) analysis in surveillance is primarily used to:
Answer: Identify a subject's routines, habits, and predictable behaviors
POL analysis maps out the subject's regular activities, locations, and schedules to anticipate future behavior and optimize surveillance timing.
When photographing surveillance subjects in a public space, a CPI must ensure:
Answer: Photography complies with applicable state laws regarding expectation of privacy
In public spaces, individuals generally have a reduced expectation of privacy, but state laws vary and must be followed to ensure evidence admissibility.
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) sweeps are conducted to:
Answer: Detect unauthorized eavesdropping devices such as hidden microphones or cameras
TSCM sweeps use specialized equipment to locate clandestine listening or recording devices that may have been planted in a secure area.
Which of the following represents a critical ethical boundary for a CPI conducting surveillance?
Answer: Trespassing on private property to obtain better footage
Trespassing onto private property to gather evidence is illegal regardless of the purpose and violates professional and legal standards.