IL Private Investigator flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

PERC

Permanent Employee Registration Card issued by IDFPR to employees of licensed private detective, private alarm, and private security agencies; requires fingerprint background check and training.

Firearm Control Card

Authorization issued in addition to a PERC that permits a qualified private detective or security employee to carry a firearm while on duty, subject to training and qualification.

Licensee in charge

The licensed individual designated to supervise the operations of a licensed agency at a licensed location, responsible for compliance with the Act and rules.

Unlicensed practice

Performing private detective, alarm, security, fingerprint vendor, or locksmith services without the required Illinois license or registration; a violation subject to civil and criminal penalties.

Two-party consent

Illinois rule that recording a private oral conversation requires the consent of all parties; recording without consent may violate the eavesdropping statute.

Permissible purpose

A legally recognized reason, such as a court order or client's legitimate business need, that authorizes access to consumer, credit, or motor vehicle records.

Pretexting

Obtaining protected information, such as financial or phone records, through false pretenses; prohibited by federal and Illinois law and outside legitimate investigative practice.

Investigative consumer report

A consumer report containing information on character, reputation, or lifestyle obtained through interviews; governed by the FCRA with disclosure and dispute requirements.

Citizen's arrest

A limited common-law authority to detain a person who has committed a felony or breach of peace in the presence of the detainer; investigators otherwise have no police powers.

Conflict of interest

A situation where the investigator's personal, financial, or prior client relationship could bias the work; must be disclosed and avoided.

Client confidentiality

The duty to protect client information from disclosure except with consent, as required by law or court order, or to prevent imminent serious harm.

Fact versus inference

Reporting standard requiring the investigator to distinguish directly observed events from conclusions or deductions drawn from those events.

Subpoena handling

A subpoena for case records should be referred to the client or client's counsel, who may assert privilege or seek a protective order before production.

Inconclusive finding

A result that neither confirms nor refutes the allegation under investigation; must be reported honestly rather than omitted or overstated.

Data retention policy

Written rules governing how long case files and client data are kept, who may access them, and how they are destroyed consistent with law and contract.

Chain of custody

A documented record of each transfer and handling of evidence, showing who had it, when, and where, to establish integrity for admissibility.

Evidence packaging

Biological items go in breathable paper containers, electronics in anti-static packaging, and each package is sealed and initialed with date and time.

Surveillance log

A contemporaneous record of location, time, subject description, observed activity, and conditions, used to support later testimony and reports.

Static surveillance

Observation from a fixed position, such as a vehicle or rented room, chosen for sightlines and cover and documented with time-stamped notes.

Mobile surveillance

Following a subject on foot or by vehicle using planned relief and communication; requires avoiding trespass and detection while maintaining the log.

Original file preservation

Photographs and video should be kept in original form with metadata intact; edits are made on copies and documented to preserve authenticity.

OSINT documentation

Recording source URL, capture date, and screenshot for each open-source finding so the information can be verified and authenticated later.

GPS tracking consent

Placing a tracking device on a vehicle generally requires the owner's consent; unauthorized tracking may violate Illinois law.

Open-ended interview

An interview technique beginning with broad, non-leading questions followed by specific follow-ups, with date, time, place, and persons present recorded.

Engagement letter

A signed client contract defining scope, fees, expenses, reporting schedule, confidentiality, and termination terms for the investigation.

Credential verification

The agency's duty to confirm that each employee's license, PERC, or FCC is current before assigning regulated work.

Training records

Documentation of required pre-licensure and continuing training for licensees and registered employees, retained for Department inspection.

Firearm qualification records

Documentation of each armed employee's firearms training and periodic qualification, retained by the agency and kept current.

Trust funds handling

Client advances and retainers are kept separate from agency operating funds and accounted for with itemized invoices and disbursements.

Errors and omissions insurance

Professional liability coverage protecting the agency against claims arising from investigative errors, omissions, or negligent advice.

Advertising restrictions

Marketing must not imply law enforcement affiliation or misrepresent credentials, and must include the license number where required by rule.

Separation checklist

On employee departure, recover credentials, keys, and client files and update agency records to reflect the change in personnel.