Get answers to common questions about hiring a private investigator for missing persons cases, our process, costs, and how we can help.
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No — this is a dangerous myth. There is NO waiting period to report a missing person to police or to hire a private investigator.
If someone is missing and you're concerned for their safety, act immediately. The sooner a search begins, the higher the chances of a successful outcome.
Contact law enforcement right away, and call us at 877-619-9890 to discuss how we can help.
The first 48-72 hours are critical because:
After 72 hours, leads begin to go cold, memories fade, and the search area expands dramatically. This is why we maintain a 24/7 rapid response capability.
Every case is unique. Some missing persons are located within hours or days, while complex cases involving cold trails or intentional disappearances may take weeks or months.
Factors affecting timeline include:
The most important thing is to start immediately. Our 24/7 response team can begin working your case right away.
The sooner, the better. Time is crucial in missing person cases, and early action increases the chances of locating the individual.
If law enforcement is involved but progress is slow, or if you need additional support for a personal or family matter, a private investigator can complement ongoing efforts.
We employ cutting-edge technology including:
Our technology allows us to cover vast areas quickly and detect heat signatures day or night.
Thermal imaging drones detect body heat signatures, making them invaluable for locating missing persons. They can:
Our DJI Matrice M30T drones have proven crucial in multiple successful recoveries. Learn more about our drone capabilities.
Yes. We coordinate with certified K9 search teams and handlers for both live searches and human remains detection.
K9 teams can cover terrain that's difficult for humans and drones, pick up scent trails, and work in conditions where other methods are limited. We integrate K9 resources with our drone and ground search operations for comprehensive coverage.
Absolutely. Wilderness search and rescue is core to what we do.
Steve Fischer is NASAR SARTECH certified with extensive training in wilderness first aid, man tracking, and lost person behavior. Our thermal drones are especially effective in wilderness environments, and we have experience searching in deserts, mountains, forests, and remote terrain across the country.
Skip tracing typically involves locating someone who is avoiding contact (debtors, witnesses, etc.) using database searches and public records.
Missing persons investigation is far more comprehensive, involving:
We specialize exclusively in missing persons — not general skip tracing.
Yes — we have specialized certification in Alzheimer's Missing Person Behavior.
We understand the unique patterns and tendencies of individuals with dementia, including where they're likely to go and how they behave when lost. Time is especially critical in these cases due to medical vulnerabilities. Our thermal drones and rapid response capability are particularly effective for wandering cases.
Yes. Steve Fischer holds a Searching for Autistic Children Certification and understands the unique behavioral patterns of individuals on the autism spectrum when missing.
This specialized training helps us anticipate where an autistic individual might go and how they might respond to searchers — critical knowledge that improves our success rate.
Yes. Mental health and substance abuse cases are one of our specializations.
We approach these cases with compassion and understanding, recognizing that the missing person may be in a vulnerable state. Our goal is always safe recovery, and we coordinate with appropriate mental health resources when needed.
We offer human remains recovery services to bring closure to families when traditional search efforts have ended.
This sensitive work requires specialized training and equipment. We use thermal imaging, K9 cadaver teams, and systematic search patterns to locate remains with dignity and respect. Many families find that recovery, even in tragic circumstances, provides crucial closure.
Yes. We regularly take on cold cases where law enforcement resources have been exhausted.
Fresh eyes and new investigative techniques often uncover leads that were previously missed. We've successfully resolved cases where individuals had been missing for extended periods. Our approach to cold cases includes re-interviewing witnesses, applying new technology to old evidence, and pursuing angles that may not have been explored initially.
Yes. Steve Fischer holds certification in Child Sex Trafficking and Child Sexual Abuse from NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children).
We understand the unique dynamics of trafficking cases and work carefully to locate victims while coordinating with appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Our rates are $175 per hour with a 30-hour minimum commitment for missing person investigations.
This pricing reflects our extensive experience, specialized training, and use of advanced tools like thermal imaging drones and K9 teams.
Every case is unique, and costs may vary depending on the complexity and scope of the investigation. Contact us at 877-619-9890 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
We understand that missing persons emergencies don't wait for financial convenience. Contact us to discuss your situation — we work with families to find solutions and can discuss payment arrangements during your consultation.
The most important thing is getting the search started quickly.
Step 1: Call us at 877-619-9890 for a free, confidential consultation. We're available 24/7.
Step 2: We'll gather information about your case and assess the situation.
Step 3: We'll provide a clear plan and cost estimate.
Step 4: Once engaged, we begin immediately — often deploying within hours.
Throughout the process, you'll receive regular updates and have direct communication with our team.
Provide as much detail as possible:
Even small details can be crucial in developing leads. Don't worry if you don't have everything — we can work with what's available.
Start with what you have — we can work with limited information. Even basic details like a name, last known location, or photo can be starting points.
Our investigative techniques allow us to build out information from minimal starting points. During your free consultation, we'll assess what information is available and develop a strategy accordingly.
While law enforcement may face resource limitations or procedural delays, private investigators can focus solely on your case with advanced tools and techniques.
We bring specialized training in search and rescue, commercial drone piloting, and investigative research. Our resources include specialized databases, digital footprints, and thermal imaging drones.
We collaborate with law enforcement when appropriate while ensuring every avenue is explored. Unlike police who juggle multiple cases, your case is our sole focus.
Look for investigators with proper licensing, certifications, and experience specifically in missing persons cases.
We pride ourselves on professionalism, extensive investigative backgrounds, and a strong track record of success. Steve Fischer holds certifications including NASAR SARTECH, EMT, FAA Commercial Pilot, and is licensed in 5 states.
Yes, absolutely. All consultations and investigations are 100% confidential.
We understand the sensitive nature of missing persons cases and protect your privacy throughout the process. Information is only shared with law enforcement when legally required or when you authorize us to do so.
Yes. We regularly collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement by sharing evidence and leads uncovered during investigations.
However, we operate independently and can pursue avenues that police resources may not allow. This complementary approach often produces results that neither could achieve alone.
Yes. We can pick up where law enforcement left off.
Our team often uncovers new leads or angles that were overlooked, giving families renewed hope in their search. Many of our most meaningful cases have been ones where official resources were exhausted but we were able to find answers.
Yes. We have the tools, resources, and expertise to locate individuals across state lines and, in some cases, internationally.
We're licensed in California, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, and Alabama, with reciprocity in additional states. Our network and investigative techniques enable us to extend our reach beyond local boundaries.
If we locate an adult who doesn't want contact, we respect their privacy and inform you of their status without violating their rights. We can mediate communication depending on the circumstances.
For minors or vulnerable adults, different considerations apply, and we work within legal frameworks to ensure their safety.
Stay in contact with us and provide any new information immediately. Avoid actions that could compromise the investigation, such as contacting suspects or posting sensitive details on social media.
Trust us to handle the search efficiently and professionally. We'll keep you updated on progress and let you know if there's anything specific you can do to help.
Call 911 immediately, then call SEARCH Investigations at 877-619-9890. Do NOT wait 24 hours — that is a dangerous myth.
Gather recent photos, a physical description, last known clothing, phone number, and vehicle information. Check with friends, hospitals, and jails while waiting for professional help to arrive.
Go to your local police station or call 911 — there is no waiting period. Provide the person's full name, date of birth, physical description, last known location, a recent photo, and any medical conditions.
Ask for the case number so you can reference it when following up or when hiring a private investigator for additional support.
Police need the person's full legal name, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, hair, eyes, distinguishing marks), last known location and time, a recent photograph, cell phone number, vehicle information, medical conditions, and names of close contacts.
Having this information ready when you file the report helps law enforcement begin their search faster and more effectively.
Begin searching familiar locations immediately while waiting for professional help. Check the person's home, workplace, favorite spots, friends' homes, hospitals, and shelters.
However, do not enter dangerous terrain alone — call SEARCH Investigations at 877-619-9890 for professional search teams with thermal drones and K9s.
Coordinate with law enforcement first to avoid contaminating evidence. Assign a meeting point, divide into teams of 3-4, give each team a specific search area, and ensure everyone has a charged phone.
Professional SAR teams should handle wilderness, water, and hazardous areas. Leave those zones to certified searchers with proper training and equipment.
Share a recent, clear photo with full name, physical description, last known location, date missing, and a contact number on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and Nextdoor. Ask friends to share widely and contact local news stations.
Avoid posting sensitive case details that could compromise the investigation or tip off a potential suspect.
No — there is no waiting period in any U.S. state to report a person missing. This is one of the most dangerous myths in missing persons cases.
Report immediately to police and contact a private investigator for additional support. Every minute counts in missing persons cases.
The Holly Bobo Act is a Tennessee law requiring law enforcement to immediately investigate reports of missing adults between ages 18-64 who may be endangered. Named after Holly Bobo, who was abducted in 2011, the act ensures police cannot dismiss adult missing persons reports as voluntary disappearances without investigation.
This landmark legislation closed a critical gap in how law enforcement handles adult disappearances.
An Amber Alert is issued for abducted children under 18 believed to be in imminent danger, while a Silver Alert is issued for missing adults over 60 (or those with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's or dementia) who may be unable to return home safely.
Both trigger public notifications through highway signs, media, and cell phone alerts to mobilize community awareness and assistance.
You have the right to file a report immediately (no waiting period), receive a case number, request updates from the assigned detective, hire a private investigator, and access victim advocacy services.
You also have the right to request that your loved one be entered into the NCIC (National Crime Information Center) database, which makes their information accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
It depends on the state and circumstances — in most states, custodial interference is a felony when it involves taking a child across state lines, using force or threat, or keeping the child for an extended period. In some states, first offenses may be charged as misdemeanors.
Regardless of classification, it is a serious crime that SEARCH Investigations can help resolve. Contact us at 877-619-9890.
Kidnapping typically involves a stranger or non-family member taking someone by force, while parental abduction (also called custodial interference) involves a parent taking or keeping a child in violation of a custody order. Both are serious crimes.
Parental abduction accounts for the vast majority of child abductions in the United States.
Call 911 immediately — do not attempt to negotiate or pursue the kidnapper yourself. Provide police with the child's photo, description, any suspect information, and vehicle details.
Then call SEARCH Investigations at 877-619-9890 — we coordinate with FBI and law enforcement for rapid response in abduction cases.
Law enforcement issues an Amber Alert when a child under 18 is abducted, believed to be in imminent danger, and there is enough descriptive information to assist the public. Alerts are broadcast through highway signs, TV, radio, cell phones, and social media.
Not all missing children qualify — the case must meet specific criteria set by each state.
Yes — SEARCH Investigations has experience with international custody cases. We work within the framework of the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction and coordinate with the U.S. State Department's Office of Children's Issues.
We deploy investigators who can locate children taken across international borders.
Most runaways stay within 50 miles of home, often at friends' houses, shelters, parks, bus stations, or encampments. Repeat runaways may travel further using public transit or ride-sharing.
Our investigators are trained in runaway behavior patterns and know where to look based on age, history, and circumstances.
A runaway is someone who voluntarily leaves home, while a missing person may have disappeared involuntarily due to abduction, accident, medical emergency, or mental health crisis. Law enforcement sometimes deprioritizes runaways, but they face serious dangers including trafficking, exploitation, and exposure.
SEARCH Investigations treats every case with urgency regardless of classification.
It depends on the minor's age and state laws — in most states, police can return minors under 18 to their parents or guardians. However, if the minor reports abuse or unsafe conditions, authorities may involve child protective services instead. For minors aged 16-17, some states have limited enforcement.
SEARCH Investigations locates runaways safely and can help facilitate family mediation.
Address the root cause — most teens run from something (conflict, abuse, mental health struggles, bullying) rather than toward something. Seek family counseling, maintain open communication, and consider involving a therapist who specializes in adolescent behavior.
If your teen is at immediate risk of running, contact SEARCH Investigations at 877-619-9890 for safety planning guidance.
NASAR SARTECH (Search and Rescue Technician) is the gold standard certification issued by the National Association for Search and Rescue. It validates expertise in ground search techniques, navigation, survival, evidence preservation, and team coordination.
Steve Fischer, lead investigator at SEARCH Investigations, holds this certification along with EMT, FAA Commercial Pilot, and Part 107 drone certifications.
Our DJI Matrice M30T drones have a maximum transmission range of 15 kilometers (approximately 9.3 miles) and a flight time of 41 minutes per battery. They carry both thermal and visual cameras, allowing us to cover vast areas and detect body heat signatures.
This capability enables effective searches through vegetation, darkness, and challenging terrain conditions.
Thermal imaging drones detect heat signatures, not visual images, which means they can identify a person's body heat even through tree canopy and dense vegetation. While thick foliage can reduce thermal detection range, our DJI Matrice M30T drones are specifically designed for this purpose.
We combine drone searches with ground teams and K9s for comprehensive coverage.
ADIAT (Automated Drone Image Analysis Technology) is AI-powered software that automatically analyzes thousands of aerial images captured during drone searches. It can identify anomalies, human shapes, clothing colors, and heat signatures that the human eye might miss when reviewing large datasets.
This technology dramatically increases the speed and accuracy of aerial search operations.
Cadaver dogs (also called human remains detection dogs) are trained to detect the scent of human decomposition, even in water, underground, or years after death. They can locate remains in areas that are impossible to search visually.
SEARCH Investigations deploys certified cadaver K9 teams for recovery operations, working alongside law enforcement and medical examiners.
Still have questions? Call us anytime — we're available 24/7 for free, confidential consultations.
877-619-9890Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Our team is standing by 24/7 to help reunite your family.
877-619-9890