Understanding Missing Persons
Investigations
Missing persons investigations are the most effective approach for
uncovering the truth about individuals whose whereabouts are unknown.
Each year, over 800,000 people are
reported missing and entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center
(NCIC). Of these cases, 85%–90% involve minors. It is important to note that
these statistics do not include individuals who are unofficially missing—those
who have not been formally reported as missing persons.
Skip Tracing – Locating People
Skip tracing is a method used to locate
missing individuals. This process typically involves collecting, organizing,
and analyzing substantial amounts of data related to a person to determine
their possible location. Private investigators and professional skip tracers
frequently conduct these efforts. Skip tracing is commonly used to reconnect
people for personal reasons or to resolve legal and financial matters.
Roles of Professional Investigators
Professional investigators are retained to locate various types of
missing individuals, including:
- Long-lost loved ones or family members who have voluntarily
disappeared or run away
- Fugitives
- Missing persons who have been unaccounted for over extended
periods and are classified as cold cases
- Runaways and minors who may have been kidnapped
If you are concerned about someone's location and they are
difficult to find, a qualified missing persons investigator can employ advanced
techniques to assist in locating the individual in question.
Techniques Used by Professional Investigators
- Networking with fugitive recovery agents, law enforcement
personnel, other private investigators, or compensating informants.
Private investigators often have extensive networks to support their
searches.
- Conducting surveillance and capturing video evidence.
Investigators may monitor locations where a missing person is likely to be
present or track suspects in a missing persons case.
- Searching hospitals and mortuaries. Investigators check
various facilities where a missing person may have been admitted or found.
- Performing background checks, questioning witnesses, and
applying other investigative techniques. These methods help isolate
potential suspects or leads who may assist in locating a missing person.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
