Is it legal for private investigators to place a tracking device on a suspect's vehicle in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, private investigators are allowed to place a tracking device on a suspect's vehicle under certain circumstances. The legality hinges on whether the investigator has a legitimate purpose and does not violate any reasonable expectation of privacy that a person might have. The general principle is that if the vehicle is already in public view—meaning the device does not require trespassing or invasion of private spaces to install—it is permissible for investigative purposes. This aligns with the general understanding that actions taken in public areas do not infringe upon privacy rights.

Additionally, the requirement for a warrant typically applies to more intrusive forms of surveillance or when tracking could occur in private spaces where privacy is expected. In contrast, tracking visible vehicles on public roads can be justified under the premise of surveillance for investigative work that does not cross legal boundaries. Thus, the assertion that it is legal in certain contexts reflects the balance between effective investigation and respecting privacy rights.