Under what circumstances can a private investigator in Texas conduct surveillance?

A private investigator in Texas can conduct surveillance primarily when there is legal justification combined with consent or a valid public interest. This means that if they have obtained permission from the individual they are observing, or if the surveillance is deemed necessary for a matter of public concern (such as investigating potential criminal activity or fraud), then it is permissible.

This principle ensures that private investigators operate within legal and ethical boundaries, respecting individuals' privacy rights while still fulfilling their professional duties. The requirement for legal justification helps to prevent invasive or unlawful surveillance practices that could infringe on personal privacy.

The other options do not encompass the full legal framework that governs surveillance activities for private investigators in Texas. While warrants are applicable in certain investigative scenarios, they are not an absolute requirement for all types of surveillance by private investigators. Conducting surveillance solely on public property may limit the scope and effectiveness of an investigation, and acting solely on personal discretion without any legal basis undermines the ethical standards of the profession.