When a Family Member Goes Missing
Nothing is more heart wrenching than a family member gone missing. There are many circumstances to be examined when a family member goes missing. Some are voluntary, while others may be the result of something far more nefarious and/or criminal. With social media playing a much more significant role in answering the “why” a family member has gone missing, the challenges of returning that person to safety remains the same. These investigations are time sensitive, require immediate access to data and the cooperation of the city, state and in some instances the federal law enforcement community.
A common trend found in today’s missing persons cases are family members who have fallen under the influence of a person or group using highly suggestive brain washing techniques on subject matter ranging from political ideologies to religious cult like camaraderie. Darker, more criminal missing person cases have uncovered the use of complex dysfunctional behavior techniques, often influenced by drugs and by highly organized human trafficking rings.
When to Contact Law Enforcement
A loved one who has gone missing is certainly a disturbing and confusing time for a family. Often family members are reluctant to notify the local police department under the false impression that the police are generally not interested in these types of cases and view most missing persons as simply runaways. This impression is both wrong and can be very costly for both the family and person missing. If you sense that a family member has been missing with or without out sufficient reason or cause, it’s imperative that you immediately contact the police, because any lapse in time can make it more challenging for a successful outcome.
As former law enforcement professionals, it’s been our experience at Integrated Security Services that law enforcement agencies do take these cases very seriously, especially when they suspect possible foul play, the missing family member is very young, or there may be an underlying medical condition. Once a missing person case has been opened by the police, they have the ability to examine video surveillance footage from security cameras, review cell phone logs, bank transactions, and conduct wellness checks especially critical when a family believes that a person maybe living alone or non-responsive. These are just a few reasons not to delay in filing a missing persons matter with law enforcement agencies.
When to Contact a Private Investigator
While police departments have extensive resources and play critical role in a missing person investigation, law enforcement agencies are currently experiencing a high volume in aggravated crimes investigations, are understaffed with seasoned investigators and under heavy budget constraint. Detectives are often tasked with multiple investigations, with some receiving higher priority attention than others. Often the police may eventually close out a case with little investigative effort once they suspect the subject went missing with no foul play at hand. This is no solace to the families still seeking answers and connection with a missing loved one.
Hiring the right private investigator can play an integral role in a missing person investigation. As mentioned, a missing person investigation is a time of the essence matter. That said, there are certain aspects to these investigations that law enforcement agencies have limited access to and/or the time to pursue. At Integrated Security with access to proprietary investigative database intelligence and the ability to conduct complex targeted surveillances, our services can often become critical to a successful outcome. Further, privacy laws that often constrain law enforcement efforts to access certain data have allowed licensed private investigators to take a lead role in these investigations. Most importantly, a reliable private investigator will always be accessible to answer your questions on a 24/7 basis and follow up on all potential leads. Lastly, private investigators depend on developing strong interpersonal relationships with their clients, which help build trust and confidentiality with sensitive and personal information.
Conclusion
When a person goes missing, family members are often anxious, scared and reluctant to involve the police. Whether its fear of disclosing something very personal about the missing person and/or complex circumstances surrounding the same, this reluctance often delays the chance of a located the missing individual. While we always recommend your calling 911 first when you suspect foul play and, in most cases, a call to a licensed, reputable private investigative firm like Integrated Security can often serve as an excellent first step in these matters.
At Integrated Security Services, you will get to speak with a seasoned investigator who will not only offer you sound advice and be empathetic to your loss, but when needed function as an intermediary with the local law enforcement agency, interface on your behalf and advocate for a thorough and timely investigation.
Integrated Security Services is a full service licensed private investigation firm which specializes in missing persons cases discretely and confidentially.
We can always be reached via our website at intesecurity.com or at our toll-free 24/7 operation center at 888 808-9119.
Written by, Larry Teitle and Alan Schissel
