Every Second Counts: Finding Your Missing Loved One

Every second that you are without a loved one feels like an eternity. Whatever: the teen who never returned, the old codger who went missing, the adult who just plain disappeared: It's crushing emotionally. But time is critical. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to track them down, of course, you could call the police or reach out to family and friends (and you should), but in most cases, that isn't enough. But if you're that stuck, you may be wondering if you can hire a private investigator (PI). So, how do you choose the right PI, especially in this sort of delicate, urgent situation?

The Initial Steps:

File a Missing Person Report

If someone goes missing, the first thing you really should do is to report it to the police. Law enforcement will often move quickly in order to get to the bottom of it if the person is under 18 or if there is a clear indication of foul play. But if the missing person is an adult and the situation doesn't seem threatening right away, police may not consider it urgent. At times like that, you may look for other alternatives, like hiring a private investigator.

Contact Friends and Family

Then, do a quick round of your own detecting work before you hire an investigator. Contact mutual friends or colleagues or anyone you might know who might know where the person was last seen. The next steps can come from even what seems like a small detail. This would provide such preliminary information as to direct the search in a more efficient direction.

Leverage Social Media

A lot of people still share more on social media than they may think. Next, check the person's Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages to see if they are even on any one of these sites. Don't hesitate to contact them directly to their followers, who may come up with info that could really serve.

Contact Volunteer Organizations

For more complicated cases, there are a few volunteer groups willing to help find missing people. For those looking for advice or resources, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) and the Missing Persons Clearinghouse are options. But time is very, very important. The faster you reach out to them, the better.

How to Find a Missing Family Member Without Going to the Police

Police mistrust due to past trauma can make it hard to seek help from them when your loved one is missing. Then again, police departments often have to deal with bureaucracies and several other cases that might delay or derail their attention.  The best solution is hiring a private investigator. They can start the search for your loved one immediately without having to wait for 24, 48, or 72 hours. With a private investigator, there is no red tape to cut. You just describe the specifics of the person you want to be found, and teams are deployed everywhere even across the borders to find your missing family member.  There is no risk of criminal exposure or the revocation of your immigration status—you can even have them sign an NDA for your peace of mind. 

The Role of a Private Investigator in Missing Person Cases

They are private investigators—the good ones—who often specialize in missing persons. In addition to resources, tools, and techniques, they have access to lifesaving tools that regular citizens and even law enforcement have no access to. 
It's not just looking to the obvious; a PI digs a little deeper, going through databases and interviews and using the most advanced techniques to acquire data. Let us break down how they help.

• Surveillance

Surveillance is one of the most powerful tools a private investigator actually has. High-tech tools like GPS trackers and drones will gather information from the locations where the missing person was last seen, and they'll watch. In cases where there are few apparent clues, this type of surveillance can be particularly helpful.

• Witness Statements / Interviews

PIs are good at getting information from people who have not easily digested it. They know how to talk to witnesses without shocking them or arousing suspicions. This can uncover critical data that police might not be able to get, such as whether the person who went missing has friends or family, the ones that somebody might be loath to talk to.

• Background Checks

You don't know what a missing person's secrets are—perhaps they got caught up in something that resulted in their disappearance. They'll search criminal records, histories, connections, and anything a private investigator will dig into. 
Released information about these details can help the investigator to help piece together something hidden that could be vital for solving the case.

• Online Investigations

Today, information is all around us. But social media profiles are not the only thing a private investigator can access or, better yet, detect; they can also search bank account activity and even the dark web. 
Police might have access to the internet, but PIs have added skills in tracking what people left behind on the internet which can be crucial in a case.

• Law Enforcement Collaboration

Private investigators work independently, but they also often collaborate with law enforcement. The PI will go out and do the legwork when digging for clues and interviewing people, while the police delegate the legal responsibility behind the case. This will, in turn, help speed up the search.

Choosing the Right Private Investigator: What to Look For

Hiring a PI can be overwhelming, but getting it right is crucial. If you're at the point of hiring a good investigator, then it will be the difference between success and failure, so you need to make sure they have the right skills and experience. Let's explore what to observe when picking the right PI for your lost person case.

• Identify Your Needs

Before you hire a private investigator, know what you are looking for. Do you want a PI to do some surveillance? Perform a background check? Track financial records? If you define your needs upfront, then you will be able to find a PI that has the relevant expertise.

• Do Your Research

The internet is your friend. They will have a professional-looking website with client testimonials, case studies, and detailed descriptions of what they provide. Their missing person expertise should be proven, i.e., they should be licensed, insured, and known within the industry.

• Check Qualifications of Investigators

Not every private investigator has focused on missing person cases. Ask for the experience an investigator may have in similar cases. Have they found anybody so far? Are references or samples of their work provided? If their answers do not give you confidence, then continue your search.

Discuss Fees and Costs

Private investigators are not cheap, but they can make a big difference. Some PIs charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat fee depending on the case's complexity. Be upfront about costs to avoid any unexpected surprises down the line. Discuss any additional fees that may arise during the investigation.

• Know Their Investigation Techniques

Ask the investigator to describe their approach to your case. Will they provide surveillance? Research financial records? Will they interview witnesses? A good PI will explain their strategy in detail so you know what to expect, and their methods should align with your needs and expectations.

• Confidentiality

Missing person cases usually entail sensitive information on their own. You would want to be sure the PI you hire is going to treat all data with discretion. Ask how they protect your privacy and ensure confidentiality in the investigation process.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a PI for a Missing Persons Case?

At Martin Private Investigative Services, we utilize US UNITE, our exclusive, highly proprietary in-house computer system. Our expert investigators conduct locate searches with precision and efficiency, with a service fee of $750.00.

Key Questions to Consider Before You Hire a PI

Following are some of the basic ones that one should ask a private investigator during the initial consultation before hiring their services:

1. How many missing persons cases have you handled?
2. What are some of the investigative methods you will apply?
3. Do you work alone or with a team?
4. How will I be kept updated on the progress of the case?

These questions will help you understand the PI's experience and how he or she will handle your case. The more information they provide, the more confident you can be in their abilities.

Avoiding  Common Hiring Mistakes

In itself, the selection of an inappropriate PI can waste such valuable time and resources. Following are some of the most commonly occurring mistakes to avoid in investigator selection:

• Hiring the first PI that comes along in a rush: Take time to consider several candidates. Do not make haste.
• Failure to verify credentials: The investigator's license and insurance status should always be verified.
• Not discussing the costs outright: Be aware of what you are getting yourself into financially before sealing the deal.
• Red flags being ignored: When an investigator can't explain the methods they utilize or gives very vague answers, that's a cue it's time to walk away.

Improving Your Search Efforts: Going That Extra Mile

Of course, hiring a PI is a great step, but it is not the only thing you can do in your quest to locate your missing loved one. Here are a few more steps that can be taken to speed up the process:

• Offer a Reward for Information

Sometimes, a valid incentive makes the difference. That is why giving a reward for information might turn out to be a great encouragement for critical details.

• Post Flyers in Public Areas

Put up fliers in the neighborhood. Always include where your loved one is known to visit. Clearly write your contact information on the flier, and use a recent picture of them for quick identification.

• Contact Media Outlets

Media publicity can help in your case. You could send updates to a local TV or radio show. The more attention your case receives, the greater the chance that someone might come forward and reveal information about the case.

• Reach Out to Religious or Cultural Institutions

If the missing person is part of a specific religious or cultural community, call around to local organizations. Many times, these organizations have very tight-knit networks that can facilitate assistance in ways that law enforcement or a PI might not.

Emotional and Practical Considerations

It is a very emotional decision to hire a private investigator, yet it is one of the most critical decisions. You will feel a rollercoaster of emotions while working through the steps to take practical action. So be strong and patient, and keep reminding yourself that you can bring your loved one home with the right support.

Stay Positive and Stay Focused

Missing person cases can be long and frustrating, but keeping a positive mindset is crucial. The right private investigator, along with proactive efforts on your part, can greatly increase the chances of success.

Conclusion

Every second counts in a missing person's case. A good private investigator can help you find your loved one and bring them home. You are now in charge of the situation, making decisions, and seeing that the search for answers does not go astray with the steps mentioned below.

The wit on the legalities, channels to use when locating someone missing, and resources to use sometimes is confounding. You need to have a professional doing all the heavy lifting for you. At Martin P.I., we serve all 50 states and guarantee positive results. Our team comprises former DEAS,  IRS, FBI, and Secret Service agents. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact us at (800)-577-1080

FAQs

Martin Investigative Services

Martin Investigative Services office is located at 620 Newport Center Dr Suite 1400, Newport Beach, CA 92660 

Open: 24/7

Phone: (800) 577-1080