NC Private Investigator case studies
NC Private Investigator · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NC Private Investigator credential is a state license issued through the Private Protective Services Board (PPSB), a board within the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. It is intended for professionals who conduct investigations for hire in North Carolina - whether in surveillance, background and due-diligence research, insurance and corporate work, or process service support - and for applicants preparing to enter that field under licensed supervision. This independent study page is not affiliated with NCDPS, the PPSB, or any testing vendor; it is a candidate-side preparation resource. The exam content, as outlined here, is organized around four domains of equal weight: licensing and regulation under the PPSB; legal authority, roles, and responsibilities of private investigators; investigative techniques and case management; and ethics, professional conduct, and reporting. The NC Private Investigator case studies are 5 cases and about 2,579 words.
1The Lapsed License and the 'Independent Researcher'
Dana owns a small NC investigative firm and holds a PPSB private investigator license. Her renewal was due March 31, but she missed it while finishing a surveillance-heavy domestic case.
529 words, about 3 min2The Privacy Fence, the Shotgun Microphone, and the DMV Favor
Rick is a licensed NC PI retained by a workers' compensation insurer to investigate Teresa, who claims a disabling back injury. For three days Rick parks on the public street outside Teresa's home.
557 words, about 3 min3The Stockroom Confession
Karen, a licensed PI, is retained by a regional retailer after $18,000 in gift-card fraud. The store manager identifies Luis, a 19-year-old cashier, as the likely source.
503 words, about 3 min4The Bank Pretext, the Fake Profile, and the Fake Deputy
Owen is a licensed PI hired to locate a debtor who owes $42,000. After public-records searches stall, he calls the debtor's bank, identifies himself as the debtor, and says he needs the address on file 'for a wire.' A teller reads him the address.
487 words, about 2 min5The Alibi Witness and the Unhelpful Receipt
Elena is a licensed PI retained by a criminal defense attorney. She interviews a witness, Ms.
503 words, about 3 min