Under what circumstances may someone licensed only as a PPO conduct an investigation?

The correct answer is that someone licensed only as a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) may conduct an investigation incidental to protecting property they were hired to watch.

This distinction is crucial because a PPO's primary responsibility is to provide security and protection for specific properties or premises. As part of their duties, they may need to observe or investigate activities that could threaten the safety or security of that property. This means that any investigative actions they take must be closely tied to their role in safeguarding the premises.

Engaging in investigations beyond the scope of protecting property, such as conducting general surveillance or collaborating with law enforcement without specific authorization or justification, could infringe upon legal boundaries and the restrictions imposed on PPOs. Therefore, the authority to conduct an investigation is limited to actions directly related to their protective functions regarding the property they are responsible for securing.