A private investigator or private detective is a person who secretly follows and observes persons in public places for the purpose of witnessing behavior and collecting evidence of any illegal or improper activities (photos, videos, etc.). During the divorce process a spouse who suspects their spouse of cheating (adultery) or other improper or illegal behavior may hire a private investigator to follow or “tail” the other spouse.
In Nebraska, private investigators are regulated under state law and must be licensed to legally conduct surveillance and investigative work. The Nebraska Private Detective Licensing Act requires individuals to obtain a license from the Nebraska Secretary of State before they can operate as private investigators. This includes individuals hired to follow or 'tail' someone during a divorce process for the purpose of collecting evidence of adultery or other improper behavior. Licensed private investigators are permitted to gather evidence, which may include taking photos and videos in public places, as long as they do not violate laws related to privacy, trespassing, or harassment. It is important for anyone hiring a private investigator to ensure that the investigator is properly licensed and abides by the legal and ethical standards of the profession. Evidence gathered by a private investigator can potentially be used in court proceedings, including divorce cases, but it must be obtained legally to be admissible.