Which of the following actions is permissible for private investigators?

Utilizing public records to gather information is a permissible action for private investigators because these records are legally accessible and are often utilized as a foundational resource for investigative work. Public records can include documents such as court records, property records, birth and death certificates, and various other governmental files that serve to establish facts or provide critical leads in an investigation. Accessing these records helps private investigators to compile accurate and comprehensive information without violating any laws or ethical standards. It is critical to understand that private investigators must operate within the bounds of the law, and public records are specifically designed to be transparent and available to the public for lawful purposes.