Ontario Private Investigator Practice Exam 2025 - Free Private Investigator Practice Questions and Study Guide

Following someone into a public place is generally permissible for a private investigator due to the lower expectations of privacy in such areas. In public settings, individuals are aware that they may be observed by others, and the law typically recognizes that people do not have the same privacy rights in public as they do in private settings, like their home or a private office. This means that a private investigator can lawfully observe and follow individuals, gathering information that may be pertinent to their investigations, provided they do not engage in harassment or other illegal activities.

In contrast, the other options suggest restrictions that do not align with the established legal framework surrounding privacy in public spaces. For example, the notion that a private investigator requires a special permit to follow someone is inaccurate, as such permits are not standard requirements for surveillance in public areas. Similarly, the idea that following someone is always illegal contradicts the accepted legal principles governing public observation. Lastly, the notion that an individual must agree before being followed overlooks the fundamental premise that public spaces inherently allow for observation by anyone, including private investigators.