Which of the following does not need to be accompanied by an employee of the county recorder’s office when inspecting public records?

The correct choice indicates that members of the public do not need to be accompanied by an employee of the county recorder's office when inspecting public records. This reflects the principle of transparency and public access to governmental records, which is designed to ensure that citizens can obtain information about government actions and decisions.

In many jurisdictions, public records are accessible to anyone, allowing individuals to review documents without needing a representative from the county recorder's office present. This accessibility supports the democratic process by enabling public scrutiny and accountability.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned—county recorder's office employees, government officials, and attorneys—may be required to have a staff member present for various reasons, such as maintaining security, ensuring proper procedure is followed, and assisting in navigating complex records. Their presence can help clarify laws, regulations, and the context of the documents being reviewed, all while helping to protect sensitive information within public records.