Investigative Techniques & Methodology 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 Investigative Techniques & Methodology flashcards as text
In conducting a corporate internal investigation, attorney-client privilege can be maintained when:
Answer: The investigation is conducted at the direction of legal counsel for the purpose of obtaining legal advice
Privilege attaches when qualified legal counsel directs the investigation and its purpose is to provide legal advice to the client.
Which surveillance platform provides the GREATEST flexibility for mobile surveillance in urban environments?
Answer: Foot surveillance combined with vehicle surveillance
Combining foot and vehicle surveillance allows investigators to follow subjects into pedestrian areas, buildings, and transit systems where vehicles cannot follow.
A CPI candidate should understand that 'parallel construction' in investigation refers to:
Answer: Re-creating the evidentiary trail using legitimate sources after obtaining evidence through other means
Parallel construction recreates a legally defensible evidentiary path that mirrors what was discovered through methods that may not be disclosable, raising serious ethical concerns.
When an investigator is tasked with locating a missing person, the FIRST priority is to:
Answer: Determine whether the disappearance is voluntary or involuntary and assess safety risk
Assessing voluntary versus involuntary disappearance and immediate safety risk determines the urgency and direction of the entire investigation.
The term 'cold hit' in forensic investigations refers to:
Answer: A DNA database match linking evidence to a person with no prior investigative connection
A cold hit occurs when forensic evidence (commonly DNA or fingerprints) entered into a database matches a profile without a prior investigative lead to that person.
Which of the following BEST exemplifies the principle of 'investigative objectivity'?
Answer: Pursuing all leads regardless of whether they support or refute the client's position
True investigative objectivity requires following evidence wherever it leads, even if the findings contradict the client's expectations or desired outcome.
When using social media as an investigative tool, an investigator MUST be careful to avoid:
Answer: Creating fake profiles to 'friend' or follow a subject under investigation
Creating a fake social media profile to gain access to a subject's private information constitutes deception that may violate platform terms and potentially applicable law.