Can a Detective Investigate “Past Events”? Cases Where It's Possible and Impossible
“I once had an affair.” “I used to have a large debt, although I’ve since paid it off.” If you’ve experienced something like this, you might fear that if your spouse or family ever hires a detective, they’ll uncover your past mistakes. In this article, we’ll discuss whether a detective or investigative agency can reveal past events, examining specific request types to see when it’s possible—and when it isn’t.
Detective Work Isn’t Limited to “Ongoing” Matters!
People commonly hire detectives or agencies to look into:
- Possible infidelity by a spouse
- The whereabouts of a missing family member
- Stopping a stalker from harassing them
All of these involve investigating something happening in the present. However, some requests are more backward-looking:
- “I heard my fiancé once had debts or a habit of cheating. I want to confirm the truth.”
- “A new hire might be falsifying their résumé. I need it verified.”
- “I want a divorce from my spouse. Please investigate their past affairs.”
These requests focus on past events. Indeed, not all detective work concerns current or ongoing issues. But keep in mind that even if a detective uncovers past deeds, their efforts must be relevant to solving a problem. So, can a detective investigate past events? The short answer is yes in some cases, but not always. Let’s see where it’s feasible—and where it isn’t.
Which Past Events Can Be Investigated?
Below are some common inquiry types in which past investigations may be possible.
Past Romantic History
One scenario involves a marriage close at hand, and someone hears rumors of their partner having problematic past relationships. A “marriage investigation” by a detective can sometimes uncover the facts. Through discreet interviews and data checks, it’s possible to verify if your partner truly had past infidelities or questionable behavior.
However, keep in mind that accuracy often depends on the timeframe. If it’s relatively recent, there’s a higher likelihood of uncovering substantial information. If you’re worried about your fiancé’s background, consider initiating a marriage investigation sooner rather than later.
Past Employment History
Companies hiring new employees—or especially key personnel—may need deeper insight into a candidate’s past. While standard background checks exist, an investigative agency can conduct more thorough checks, often referred to as “employment investigations.” By verifying work history or interviewing previous colleagues, a detective can confirm whether a résumé is genuine.
Again, how far back the events occurred can affect accuracy. A detective might successfully check a previous workplace, but going decades into the past could require extra time and might not yield complete results.
Past Academic Credentials
This often overlaps with “employment investigations” or “marriage investigations.” Examples include:
- “My fiancé claims to have graduated from a certain university. Is it true?”
- “I want to confirm the authenticity of the degrees on this new hire’s résumé.”
Here too, an agency can generally handle such inquiries. As with work history, the more recent the period in question, the more accurate the findings are likely to be.
Which Past Events Cannot Be Investigated?
Now let’s look at situations where a detective’s inquiry into the past won’t be possible.
Past Affairs or Cheating
Infidelity investigations rank among the most common detective requests, but investigating a past affair—one that’s no longer happening—typically isn’t feasible. This is because proof of an affair hinges on “clear evidence of ongoing or recent sexual involvement.” Detectives gather such evidence by documenting present-day behavior, such as photographing a couple entering and exiting a hotel. It’s impossible for any agency to retroactively capture proof from the past.
However, in these cases, investigation could still be worthwhile:
- You suspect an affair is still continuing, even though your spouse claims it ended.
- You’ve heard about an old affair but don’t know the third party’s identity, and the statute of limitations hasn’t passed.
If it’s possible the cheating is ongoing, a professional detective might obtain valuable evidence. Unsure if it’s viable? Contact an agency for a consultation.
Financial Debts, Criminal Records, or Birth Origins
Whether it’s a missing-person search or checking a fiancé’s background, a detective is limited when it comes to specific personal data:
- Debts: Detectives can’t directly access exact loan amounts or creditors due to privacy laws.
- Criminal Records: They have no legal right to review official crime registries, and such data isn’t publicly accessible.
- Birth Origins: Investigating someone’s place of origin can lead to discrimination issues; hence it’s restricted under the detective industry’s regulations.
Even if such inquiries relate to the past, they often get declined. That said, if the question concerns “money handling habits” or other broad behavioral clues (rather than specific debt details), an investigator might unearth indications or rumors—but these findings aren’t guaranteed hard data.
Conclusion
While some past events are open to detective work, others are off-limits—or yield uncertain findings. The key is clarifying the purpose of your inquiry and whether the results will truly help solve your issue. If you’re unsure whether something can be investigated, consult a detective or investigative agency. Many offer free consultations and estimates, allowing you to get professional guidance without risking time or money. If you need to uncover the truth, seeking expert assistance might be your best option.
