Illinois PI & Security Annual Refresher Training

Module 1 of 10

Private Detective & Process Serving

9 questions. Read each one and its correct answer; the reference shows where it comes from. Your study time is recorded while this page is open and in use.

  1. 1. When serving civil process in Illinois, which of the following persons is generally authorized to serve a summons?

    • A.Any adult over 18 who is not a party to the action (correct answer)
    • B.Only a licensed private detective
    • C.Only a uniformed law enforcement officer
    • D.Any adult regardless of interest in the case

    Reference: 735 ILCS 5/2-202

  2. 2. When a defendant cannot be found at home for personal service, which method is known as 'abode service'?

    • A.Mailing the summons to the defendant's last known address
    • B.Posting the summons on the defendant's front door
    • C.Leaving a copy at the defendant's usual place of abode with a family member 13 years or older (correct answer)
    • D.Publishing notice in a local newspaper

    Reference: 735 ILCS 5/2-203(a)

  3. 3. A process server has attempted service multiple times and cannot locate the defendant. Which form of service may the court authorize as a last resort?

    • A.Electronic service via email
    • B.Proxy service through the defendant's employer
    • C.Constructive service via text message
    • D.Service by publication (correct answer)

    Reference: 735 ILCS 5/2-206

  4. 4. In process serving, a 'proof of service' (return of service) document must include which of the following?

    • A.The date, time, location, manner of service, and identity of person served (correct answer)
    • B.The defendant's Social Security number
    • C.A photograph of the defendant
    • D.The defendant's employment information

    Reference: Best practice / ILCS 5/2-203

  5. 5. A private detective in Illinois is conducting pretext surveillance on a subject. Which action would be considered UNLAWFUL?

    • A.Photographing the subject in a public park
    • B.Placing a GPS tracking device on a vehicle the detective does not own without court authorization (correct answer)
    • C.Recording the subject on a public sidewalk
    • D.Observing the subject from a public parking lot

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/21-2

  6. 6. When conducting mobile surveillance, a PI should maintain what minimum following distance in urban areas to avoid detection?

    • A.1-2 car lengths
    • B.One block
    • C.3-5 car lengths (correct answer)
    • D.Half a mile

    Reference: Professional surveillance best practice

  7. 7. A licensed Illinois private detective is hired to locate a missing person. Which data source may the detective legally access?

    • A.National Crime Information Center (NCIC) directly
    • B.Federal tax records
    • C.Protected health information under HIPAA
    • D.Publicly available records, social media, and licensed skip-tracing databases (correct answer)

    Reference: 225 ILCS 447

  8. 8. Which Illinois statute governs the licensing of private detectives?

    • A.225 ILCS 447 (correct answer)
    • B.720 ILCS 5/14
    • C.735 ILCS 5/2
    • D.410 ILCS 70

    Reference: Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004

  9. 9. During a static surveillance operation, the best position for an investigator in a vehicle is:

    • A.Directly in front of the subject location
    • B.At an angle offering a clear line of sight while minimizing visibility to the subject (correct answer)
    • C.Parked in the subject's driveway
    • D.On the opposite side of the building

    Reference: Surveillance best practice