What does the term "Private investigator" refer to?

The term "Private investigator" primarily refers to a person who engages in the business of private investigation. This encompasses a variety of tasks such as conducting interviews, gathering information, performing surveillance, and investigating various types of cases on behalf of clients for personal, legal, or business purposes.

This definition is distinct because private investigators often work independently or through a private investigation agency, providing investigative services that are not affiliated with law enforcement. Their roles may include working on matters such as infidelity cases, background checks, missing persons, and corporate investigations.

The other choices describe activities or professions that do not align with the comprehensive definition of a private investigator. For instance, conducting surveillance for law enforcement refers more to police work, offering legal advice pertains to the field of law practiced by attorneys, and operating a security company relates to personnel safeguarding property rather than conducting investigations. Therefore, the most accurate choice is the one that identifies a person specifically engaged in private investigation as a business.