New York Private Investigator Regulations Practice Exam

What must a private investigator do if they terminate an employee?

1. Inform the police immediately

2. Destroy the employee's records

3. Retain the employee's records for at least 3 years

4. Notify the Department of State

The correct answer is: Retain the employee's records for at least 3 years

Retaining an employee's records for at least three years is crucial in the context of private investigator regulations. This requirement is established to ensure that there is a documented history of employment, training, and any incidents that may have occurred during the course of the employment. Keeping these records allows for transparency and accountability, which is essential in the private investigation field. It also provides a reference in case any legal or employment-related issues arise in the future. This retention period is commonly implemented to comply with various employment laws and regulations that govern how businesses must handle employee information. In the case of private investigators, maintaining these records is particularly important given the sensitive nature of the work and the potential for scrutiny from regulatory bodies. The other options do not align with the standard practices and regulations governing the employment of private investigators. For instance, informing the police immediately or destroying the records are not mandated actions when an employee is terminated. Additionally, while notifying the Department of State may be necessary for certain regulatory changes or license updates, it is not a standard requirement for the termination of an employee.