Fundamentals & Core Concepts 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 Fundamentals & Core Concepts flashcards as text
Which type of surveillance involves an investigator following a subject on foot through public areas?
Answer: Mobile foot surveillance
Mobile foot surveillance involves an investigator physically following a subject on foot, typically in pedestrian-heavy environments.
During a background investigation, discovering that an applicant's resume lists a degree from an institution that cannot be verified should lead to:
Answer: Contacting the applicant for clarification and documenting the discrepancy
Proper investigative procedure requires seeking clarification from the subject and thoroughly documenting any discrepancy before drawing conclusions.
What is the primary purpose of a closing conference in an investigation?
Answer: To summarize findings with the client and determine next steps
A closing conference allows the investigator to present findings to the client, answer questions, and collaboratively determine appropriate follow-up actions.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a consumer reporting agency must provide an adverse action notice when:
Answer: Information from a consumer report contributes to a negative employment decision
FCRA requires employers to send an adverse action notice—including a copy of the report and summary of rights—when consumer report information contributes to a negative hiring decision.
The term 'spoliation' in investigative contexts refers to:
Answer: Intentional or negligent destruction or alteration of evidence
Spoliation is the destruction, alteration, or failure to preserve evidence, which can result in legal sanctions and adverse inferences in litigation.
An investigative report should be written primarily from which perspective?
Answer: Third person, objective, and based solely on verified facts
Professional investigative reports use third-person, objective language and restrict content to verified facts, observations, and documented evidence.
Which of the following BEST describes the investigator's role when serving as an expert witness?
Answer: Provide unbiased expert opinion based on professional knowledge and case facts
An expert witness has a duty to the court to provide impartial opinions grounded in expertise and facts, regardless of who retained them.