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 Oklahoma, private investigators are regulated under the Oklahoma Private Investigator Act. They must be licensed by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). To become a licensed private investigator, individuals must meet certain requirements, including training, experience, and passing a background check. When hired during a divorce process to gather evidence of adultery or other improper behavior, private investigators are legally allowed to follow and observe a person in public places. However, they must conduct their surveillance within the bounds of the law, respecting privacy rights and avoiding trespassing, harassment, or any other illegal activities. The evidence collected by private investigators can be used in court, but it must be obtained legally to be admissible. It's important for anyone hiring a private investigator to ensure they are working with a licensed professional to avoid any legal complications.