Kentucky Private Investigator Practice Test

Which of these scenarios falls under civil investigations?

1. Murder investigation

2. Crimes such as petty theft

3. Character/reputation of job applicants

4. Missing person cases

The correct answer is: Character/reputation of job applicants

Civil investigations primarily involve issues that pertain to private disputes involving individuals or organizations rather than criminal matters. The correct choice, which pertains to the investigation of the character or reputation of job applicants, falls under civil investigations because it relates to the evaluation and verification of a person's qualifications and suitability for employment. This type of investigation often involves background checks and assessments that do not violate criminal law, focusing instead on personal history, professional experience, and any public records available that might affect someone's employability. In contrast, scenarios like murder investigations and crimes such as petty theft are related to criminal investigations, where a violation of the law has occurred, and law enforcement is typically involved to pursue legal action against offenders. Missing person cases can also involve criminal elements, as they may suggest foul play or activity that warrants police intervention. These types of scenarios are beyond the realm of civil matters since they deal with breaches of public law rather than private disputes.