Illinois PI & Security Annual Refresher Training

Module 7 of 10

Licensing & IDFPR Requirements

20 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. Under 225 ILCS 447, who issues private detective licenses in Illinois?

    • A.Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) (correct answer)
    • B.Illinois State Police
    • C.Secretary of State
    • D.Each county's circuit court clerk

    Reference: 225 ILCS 447/5-10

  2. 2. The Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act is codified at:

    • A.720 ILCS 5
    • B.225 ILCS 447 (correct answer)
    • C.735 ILCS 5
    • D.410 ILCS 50

    Reference: 225 ILCS 447

  3. 3. In Illinois, what is the minimum age requirement to obtain a private detective license?

    • A.18
    • B.25
    • C.21 (correct answer)
    • D.30

    Reference: 225 ILCS 447/35-10

  4. 4. Illinois law at 720 ILCS 5/107-3 authorizes a private person to make an arrest when:

    • A.They see any traffic violation
    • B.A law enforcement officer verbally delegates authority
    • C.A misdemeanor occurs on their employer's property
    • D.A felony has been committed or is being committed in their presence (correct answer)

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/107-3

  5. 5. Under the Illinois Eavesdropping Act (720 ILCS 5/14-2), recording a private conversation without the consent of ALL parties is:

    • A.A felony (correct answer)
    • B.A petty offense
    • C.Legal with one-party consent
    • D.Legal if the recorder is a licensed PI

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/14-2

  6. 6. The Illinois Retail Theft statute that grants the merchant detention privilege is found at:

    • A.720 ILCS 5/7-3
    • B.720 ILCS 5/16-26 (correct answer)
    • C.225 ILCS 447/35-5
    • D.735 ILCS 5/12-101

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/16-26

  7. 7. To obtain an Illinois private detective license, an applicant must have how many years of qualifying investigative experience?

    • A.1 year
    • B.5 years
    • C.3 years (correct answer)
    • D.10 years

    Reference: 225 ILCS 447/35-10

  8. 8. Under 720 ILCS 5/17-2, it is a Class 4 felony to impersonate a peace officer in Illinois. A private security officer who falsely claims to be a:

    • A.Licensed PI is guilty of a misdemeanor
    • B.Security supervisor is always lawful
    • C.Federal agent is only a civil violation
    • D.Sworn police officer to gain compliance is guilty under this statute (correct answer)

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/17-2

  9. 9. Illinois self-defense law under 720 ILCS 5/7-1 allows use of force when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to:

    • A.Defend themselves or another from imminent unlawful force (correct answer)
    • B.Protect property valued over $500
    • C.Enforce any contract
    • D.Retrieve personal property from a third party

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/7-1

  10. 10. The Illinois Stalking statute (720 ILCS 5/12-7.3) defines stalking as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:

    • A.Merely feel annoyed
    • B.Fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress (correct answer)
    • C.Feel watched in any public place
    • D.Report to law enforcement

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/12-7.3

  11. 11. Under 725 ILCS 5/107-2, a law enforcement officer may arrest a person without a warrant when:

    • A.A neighbor complains about the person
    • B.They suspect a misdemeanor was committed last week
    • C.They have probable cause to believe the person committed a felony (correct answer)
    • D.The person refuses to identify themselves

    Reference: 725 ILCS 5/107-2

  12. 12. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) applies to:

    • A.Private corporations and individuals
    • B.Illinois courts exclusively
    • C.Licensed private detectives only
    • D.Public bodies and government agencies (correct answer)

    Reference: 5 ILCS 140/2

  13. 13. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-202, service of process on a defendant must be made by leaving a copy of the summons with the defendant 'personally.' If personal service cannot be made, the server may use abode service, which requires leaving a copy:

    • A.At the defendant's usual place of abode with a family member 13 or older AND mailing a copy to the defendant (correct answer)
    • B.At the post office
    • C.With any neighbor
    • D.With the defendant's employer

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

  14. 14. The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5) is relevant to private investigators and security firms because it:

    • A.Regulates investigation techniques
    • B.Prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations, affecting hiring of security personnel (correct answer)
    • C.Governs firearms licensing
    • D.Sets surveillance equipment standards

    Reference: 775 ILCS 5

  15. 15. In Illinois, a FOID (Firearm Owner's Identification) card is required for a private security officer to:

    • A.Work any security job
    • B.Obtain a private detective license
    • C.Possess or purchase firearms and ammunition in Illinois (correct answer)
    • D.Carry handcuffs professionally

    Reference: 430 ILCS 65 (FOID Act)

  16. 16. Illinois law at 720 ILCS 5/14-3 exempts which of the following from the Eavesdropping Act?

    • A.Private detectives in all circumstances
    • B.Any person who consents to the recording on their own behalf
    • C.Security firms with employer authorization
    • D.Law enforcement acting under a properly issued eavesdropping order (correct answer)

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/14-3

  17. 17. The Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) required under 225 ILCS 447 must be obtained before a private security officer:

    • A.Begins working as a registered employee of a licensed security firm (correct answer)
    • B.Applies for a FOID card
    • C.Purchases a uniform
    • D.Files annual taxes as a contractor

    Reference: 225 ILCS 447 PERC requirement

  18. 18. Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/7-2), deadly force to protect a dwelling (the 'castle doctrine') is justified when:

    • A.Anyone enters the property without permission
    • B.An intruder forcibly enters and the occupant reasonably believes deadly force is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or a felony (correct answer)
    • C.Property damage is being committed
    • D.The occupant is a licensed security officer

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/7-2

  19. 19. The Illinois Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (AUUW) statute (720 ILCS 5/24-1.6) is most relevant to armed security professionals because it prohibits carrying:

    • A.A firearm on any public property at any time
    • B.Any weapon inside a privately owned business
    • C.An uncased, loaded firearm in a vehicle or on one's person without the required license (CCL/FOID/PERC as applicable) (correct answer)
    • D.Body armor without a permit

    Reference: 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6

  20. 20. Under Illinois law, which government body oversees complaints against licensed private detectives and security contractors?

    • A.Illinois State Police Investigations Unit
    • B.The Illinois Attorney General directly
    • C.The circuit court of the home county
    • D.IDFPR's Division of Professional Regulation (correct answer)

    Reference: 225 ILCS 447/5-10