New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary purpose of a private investigator in New York State is to conduct investigations to gather information for clients. Private investigators are typically hired by individuals, businesses, or organizations to uncover facts and evidence pertinent to various matters, such as personal disputes, background checks, infidelity investigations, or corporate espionage. Their role involves utilizing various strategies, tools, and techniques to collect information, which may include interviewing witnesses, conducting surveillance, and researching public records.

While providing legal representation is a function of attorneys and not private investigators, serving legal documents is carried out by process servers rather than investigators. Additionally, although private investigators may assist law enforcement in certain situations, their primary function is not to aid in criminal cases; instead, they operate independently to provide services directly to their clients. This distinction underscores that the core duty of private investigators resides in gathering and reporting information rather than engaging in legal representation or governmental activities.