BC Private Investigator Practice Test 3

All 25 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

1. A PI firm puts a photo of a surveillance subject in its advertising. What may the subject do?

   1. Sue for unauthorized use of their portrait
   2. Nothing, since the photo was taken in public
   3. Only ask for a credit line under the photo
   4. Only complain to the advertising council

2. A witness asks to change a line before signing. How should the change be made?

   1. Have the PI change it quietly after the witness has left the room
   2. Use correction fluid and rewrite it neatly
   3. Strike through it, with both people initialling
   4. Start the whole statement again from scratch

3. Before sending a PI alone to a risky area, what must the employer do first?

   1. Ask the PI to sign a waiver of liability before every risky assignment
   2. Do nothing until an incident happens
   3. Tell the client the PI may quit
   4. Identify the hazards and eliminate or minimize the risk

4. Before accepting a locate file, what should a PI establish with the client?

   1. Only the fee and the deadline
   2. Nothing, since the client is always right about what is needed
   3. The client's favourite outcome
   4. A justifiable, lawful mandate and its purpose

5. A subject asks a PI firm what personal information it holds about them. What does PIPA generally require?

   1. Provide it only through the police
   2. Provide it only for a fee of $500
   3. Refuse, since PI files are always secret and belong only to the client
   4. Provide it and explain its use, with exceptions

6. Why must the original surveillance recording never be edited?

   1. Editing costs the client extra money
   2. Its integrity is essential for court
   3. Edited files are always too large
   4. Courts only accept black-and-white video

7. A PI records their own phone interview with a witness without saying so. Is that an offence under s. 184?

   1. Yes, unless a judge approved it first
   2. Yes, both people must always agree
   3. Yes, if the witness lives in another province from the investigator
   4. No, a party to the call can consent to the recording

8. An interview subject asks a PI to prove they are licensed. What must the PI do?

   1. Refuse, since PIs work covertly
   2. Give the employer's phone number
   3. Show a business card instead
   4. Produce the licence they are carrying

9. After the lawyer who called a PI as a witness finishes questioning, what happens?

   1. The judge declares a verdict
   2. The jury questions the witness
   3. The other side may cross-examine
   4. The witness gives a closing speech

10. Once a witness starts talking freely, what should the interviewer do?

    1. Argue with any point they doubt
    2. Stop them to read the client's version
    3. Not interrupt, and take notes discreetly
    4. Correct every small error right away

11. A person sues a PI under B.C.'s Privacy Act. Which court must hear the case?

    1. The Civil Resolution Tribunal
    2. The Provincial Court
    3. Small Claims Court
    4. The Supreme Court of B.C.

12. What does a PI need before obtaining a subject's bank or tax records?

    1. A signed release and lawful authority
    2. A good reason written in the file
    3. The client's verbal approval
    4. A licence older than two years

13. How should a PI judge whether a surveillance has been detected?

    1. Balance real warning signs against unfounded worry
    2. Assume detection after every glance
    3. Ignore the subject's behaviour entirely
    4. Ask the subject directly whether they noticed anyone following them

14. For criminal harassment, what must the targeted person reasonably fear?

    1. Only for the loss of their job
    2. Only that they might be sued in civil court by the PI's client
    3. Only for damage to their property
    4. For their safety, including psychological safety

15. Under B.C.'s Human Rights Code, 'age' as a protected ground means what?

    1. 16 years or older
    2. 19 years or older
    3. Any age from birth
    4. 65 years or older

16. What must the Crown prove in a criminal trial?

    1. Guilt on a balance of probabilities
    2. That the accused is probably guilty
    3. Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
    4. Guilt to the satisfaction of the victim

17. What does industry practice suggest before a PI interviews a 16-year-old witness?

    1. Get a parent's permission and allow them to attend
    2. Interview the youth alone, so that they will speak more freely
    3. Record secretly to save time
    4. Ask the school principal for consent

18. Which vehicle best suits covert surveillance?

    1. A vehicle with a roof light
    2. A marked company truck
    3. A nondescript vehicle in a muted colour
    4. A bright red sports car that is fast enough to keep up

19. What does the YCJA's declaration of principle say about parents?

    1. They decide whether the youth is charged
    2. They must pay every fine the youth receives and attend every hearing
    3. They should be informed and encouraged to support their child
    4. They are excluded from youth proceedings

20. What is the minimum age for a B.C. private investigator licence?

    1. 21
    2. 19
    3. 16
    4. 18

21. How many people should handle a piece of evidence?

    1. Only the client, never the PI
    2. Everyone on the case, so that all of them share the same knowledge
    3. At least three people, for verification
    4. As few as possible, with each transfer documented

22. A firm is paid to find out what caused a warehouse fire and who is responsible. Is this PI work?

    1. Yes, the cause of a fire is part of the definition
    2. Only if the insurer is based outside B.C.
    3. No, fire causes are only for the fire department
    4. Only if police have closed their file first

23. Which conduct can amount to criminal harassment under section 264?

    1. Taking a single photo of a person in a public park during the day
    2. Searching a public court registry for a name
    3. Repeatedly following a person or watching their home
    4. Reading a person's public social media posts

24. A PI uses a wireless camera that transmits to another location. What should they consider?

    1. Whether the camera matches the decor
    2. Whether the client likes the brand
    3. Whether the signal is encrypted
    4. Whether the subject could see the camera's battery pack

25. A PI wants to carry a metal badge to show during interviews. Is that allowed?

    1. No, licensees may not carry an identification badge
    2. Yes, as long as it is kept out of sight
    3. Yes, if it says PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
    4. Yes, as long as the registrar's crest does not appear anywhere on it