ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What is the definition of theft?

1. Using force to take property

2. Unauthorized control and conversion of property

3. Stealing money from a businessman

4. The act of borrowing without permission

The correct answer is: Unauthorized control and conversion of property

The definition of theft is best described as unauthorized control and conversion of property. This definition captures the essence of the act, emphasizing that theft involves taking possession of someone else's property without permission and utilizing it for one's own benefit. The term 'unauthorized control' is crucial, as it highlights the lack of consent from the owner, which is a fundamental characteristic of theft. 'Conversion' refers to the act of changing the property's ownership or use, further emphasizing the unlawful appropriation involved. This definition is broad enough to encompass various types of theft, including physical objects and other forms of property, regardless of the means by which the property was taken. In contrast, the other options present incomplete or misleading definitions. For example, using force to take property may describe robbery, which specifically involves violence or the threat of force, rather than the more general concept of theft. Stealing money from a businessman narrows the definition to a specific scenario rather than capturing the broader legal definition of theft. Finally, the act of borrowing without permission implies a temporary possession and is not necessarily characterized as theft, as the intention behind borrowing might differ from that of appropriating someone's property permanently or irreversibly.