Alabama Private Investigator Practice Exam

Which of the following is a valid technique for locating a subject?

1. Surveillance

2. Interviews

3. All of these

4. Public records search

The correct answer is: All of these

Selecting "C. All of these" as the valid technique for locating a subject is accurate because each method listed plays a significant role in the investigative process, and they can be effectively used in combination to achieve the desired outcome. Surveillance is a powerful method that allows private investigators to directly observe a subject's activities, movements, and patterns. This can provide real-time information about the subject’s location and behavior, which can be crucial for locating them. Interviews are another essential technique, as speaking with acquaintances, family members, or colleagues of the subject can yield valuable information about the subject’s whereabouts or activities. These personal insights often reveal leads or connections that may not be accessible through other means. Public records search is also critical in locating a subject, as it involves accessing various databases and official records, such as property records, court records, and vital statistics. These public documents can provide address histories, change of address filings, and other relevant information that can assist in tracking down the individual. Therefore, by combining surveillance, interviews, and public records searches, a private investigator can enhance their effectiveness in locating a subject, justifying the selection of "All of these" as a comprehensive answer.