Which of the following is a frequently used source of public record information?

• A. School student directories
• B. Insurance claim histories
• C. Medical lab results
• D. Conference schedules

Answer: (A)

Public record sources are materials maintained by public or governmental bodies that the general public can access. School student directories are frequently used because schools publish directory information about students and sometimes alumni, and under policies like FERPA this information can be disclosed unless a student or parent opts out. That makes basic details such as names, addresses, and phone numbers readily available, which is why investigators often start with these directories to locate someone or confirm basic identity information.

In contrast, insurance claim histories are private and protected health and financial information, medical lab results are strictly confidential health data, and conference schedules don’t typically contain personal records needed for locating individuals.