Private Investigator Practice Exam V

Interrogation Techniques

• Subterfuge Approach: Involves deceptive tactics to elicit a confession or gather critical facts, such as claiming to have eyewitness testimony that does not exist.

Licensing and Approval

• Board Requirement: Individuals must receive approval from the board before taking the private investigator examination.

Surveillance and Firearm Use

• Improper Firearm Usage: A licensed PI may face disciplinary action for discharging a firearm inappropriately, including firing warning shots, which can lead to unlawful discharge charges.

Concealed Carry Regulations

• Weapon Permit Validity: Licensed private detectives are permitted to carry concealed firearms with certain exceptions while performing their duties.

Impersonation Consequences

• False Representation: A PI impersonating a police officer can face severe penalties, including fines and suspension of their license.

Interviewing Techniques

• Interviewer Conduct: One of the major mistakes during interviews is excessive talking by the interviewer, which can hinder information gathering.

Private Property and Arrests

• Fourth Amendment Rights: PIs cannot enter a private residence without consent, even if there is an active arrest warrant for a fugitive residing there.

Evidence and Prosecution

• Admissions as Evidence: An admission of a wrongdoing during investigation is often sufficient to initiate formal charges in court.

Working for Multiple Companies

• Registration Requirement: A private investigator can work for multiple firms as long as each company registers the employee with the board.

Background Check Components

• Licensing Criteria: Not all checks, such as a urinalysis test, are included in the board's background verification process for issuing licenses.

Acceptable Liability Insurance Forms

• Insurance Requirements: Not all forms of financial backing, such as a promissory note, qualify as liability insurance required by the board.

Agency Name Registration

• Agency Naming: A proposed name for a private detective agency must be suitable for acceptance by the board.

Incident Reporting Duties

• Board Incident Notification: Any incident involving the use of a firearm by a PI must be reported to the board within 10 days of the occurrence.

Investigative Reporting

• Investigative Reports Requirement: Detailed reports from private detectives are mandatory only if requested by the client, including a summary of work done and fees charged.

Company Ownership Changes

• Notification of Employee Transfer: If a detective agency is sold, the new company must inform the board about transferring employees, including PIs.

Out-of-State Licensure

• Investigation Limitations: There is no limit to the number of investigations a licensed PI from another state can conduct in Georgia within a year.

Payroll Regulations

• Single Employment Rule: A PI in Georgia is restricted to working for one licensed private detective company at a time.

Exam Retake Eligibility

• Veteran Benefits: A veteran may gain a scoring advantage for licensing exams, potentially allowing for immediate re-examination after scoring below the pass mark.

Board Decision-Making

• License Revocation Votes: A minimum of four out of seven board members must vote to revoke a private detective's license.

Appropriate Interview Techniques

• Non-leading Questions: The question "Then what happened?" is an example of a non-leading question suitable for interviewing children.