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 Tennessee, private investigators are regulated under state law and must be licensed to legally conduct surveillance and investigative work. The Tennessee Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission is responsible for licensing private investigators, and individuals must meet certain requirements, including training and background checks, to obtain a license. When hired during a divorce process to investigate suspicions of adultery or other improper behavior, private investigators are permitted to follow and observe individuals in public places. They can collect evidence such as photographs and videos, provided they do not violate laws such as trespassing, harassment, or invasion of privacy. The evidence gathered by private investigators can potentially be used in court proceedings to support claims of adultery, which is a legally recognized ground for divorce in Tennessee. However, it is important for private investigators to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law to ensure that the evidence they collect is admissible in court and does not infringe on the rights of the individuals being investigated.