Missing Person

Missing person investigators are licensed private investigators or sworn law enforcement officers who use standard police methods and specialized training to search for and locate people who have disappeared. Investigators may confront a variety of cases, including runaway children, potential or actual victims of kidnapping or other violent crimes, and persons with mental disabilities who have become lost. Investigators use digital and physical surveillance techniques, specialized database software, and interpersonal skills to solve cases.

Investigators may be required to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, in order to complete their investigations as quickly as possible. The work associated with locating missing persons may be physically demanding as well as emotionally taxing. Investigators are often armed for protection against potentially dangerous criminals and other risks. Therefore, investigators must be able to remain patient during long surveillance sessions, maintain a high level of integrity, be creative with available resources, comfortable communicating with law enforcement and clients and be able to work under immense pressure.