Covert & Overt Investigation Methods Flashcards

An investigator is asked to conduct a 'dumpster dive' to retrieve discarded documents from a subject's trash. Under what condition is this generally legal?

Answer: When the trash has been placed at the public curbside for collection

Under the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in California v. Greenwood (1988), garbage left at the curbside for collection has no reasonable expectation of privacy and can legally be searched.

What is the primary risk of 'burning' a surveillance operation, and what does 'burned' mean?

Answer: The subject becomes aware they are under surveillance, compromising the operation

A surveillance is 'burned' when the subject realizes they are being watched, which destroys the element of surprise and may cause the subject to alter behavior, destroy evidence, or flee.

In the context of CSI investigations, what does OSINT stand for and how is it used?

Answer: Open-Source Intelligence; gathering information from publicly available sources

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) involves collecting and analyzing information from publicly available sources such as social media, public records, news, and online databases.

A subject makes a spontaneous, incriminating statement to an investigator during an overt interview. How should the investigator handle this?

Answer: Document the statement verbatim as soon as possible after the interview

Investigators should document spontaneous statements verbatim immediately after the interview to preserve the exact words as accurately as possible for evidentiary purposes.

Which type of surveillance involves monitoring a subject's internet activity, email communications, or social media posts with their employer's authorization?

Answer: Consensual electronic monitoring

Consensual electronic monitoring occurs when an authorized party (e.g., employer on company systems) grants permission to monitor communications, making it legal under federal and most state laws.

When conducting a neighborhood canvass as part of an overt investigation, what is the recommended approach for introducing yourself?

Answer: Clearly identify yourself as a private investigator and state your purpose without deception

Honest identification during a neighborhood canvass maintains ethical standards and legal compliance, and deceptive approaches could expose the investigator and client to liability.

What is 'skip tracing' and which combination of resources is most effective for locating a missing subject?

Answer: Locating a person who has 'skipped' or fled; combining public records, database searches, and social media

Skip tracing is the process of locating a person who is avoiding contact or has disappeared, and combining public records, licensed database searches, and social media yields the most comprehensive results.