Private Investigator | Locating Services | Dragnet Investigations
top of page
Image by Yucel Moran

Locating Services

What are locating services?

Locating services refer to the efforts made by private investigators or specialized agencies to find and locate an individual who has gone missing. These services can include a wide range of investigative techniques and resources, such as conducting background checks, searching public records, conducting interviews.

Is hiring a private investigator an effective way to find someone?

The first step in locating a missing person is to gather as much information as possible about the individual. This can include personal information such as their name, date of birth, social security number, and last known address. PIs or specialized agencies will also look into the individual's background, including their employment history, financial information, and any criminal records. This information is used to create a profile of the missing person and to identify potential leads or locations where the person may be.

Once the initial investigation is complete, PIs or specialized agencies will start to actively search for the missing person. This can include conducting surveillance, contacting friends and family members, and searching online databases and social media platforms for information. PIs or specialized agencies may also use advanced tracking technology such as GPS to help locate the missing person.

In addition to these traditional methods, specialized agencies may also use additional resources such as aerial surveillance, undercover operatives, and forensic analysis to help find the missing person.

It's important to note that the success of locating a missing person will vary depending on the specific case and the amount of information available. However, with the help of a private investigator or specialized agency, the chances of finding a missing person can be significantly increased.

Using a private investigator (PI) to find someone can be an effective way to locate a missing person or gather information about an individual. PIs are professionals trained in investigative techniques and have access to resources that may not be available to the general public.

When it comes to finding a missing person, PIs can use their expertise and resources to uncover new leads and information that may not have been discovered by the police or other authorities. They can also conduct surveillance, interview potential witnesses, and search databases that are not accessible to the public. PIs can also work on a case on a full-time basis, which means they can devote more time and attention to the investigation than the police, who may have other cases to work on.

PIs can also be useful in cases where the missing person is believed to be in another city or state. They have the ability to travel and can often have better access to local resources and information that can help to find the missing person. They can also work with other investigators in different locations to find the missing person.

PIs can also be used to gather information about an individual in other situations, such as in a child custody case, infidelity investigation or background check. PIs can conduct surveillance, interview potential witnesses, and search public records to gather information that may be relevant to the case. This information can be used in court or in other legal proceedings.

It's important to note that hiring a PI can be costly, so it's important to consider the financial aspect before deciding to hire one. It's also important to make sure the PI is licensed, insured, and has a good reputation. Not all PIs are created equal, so it's important to do your research and select a PI with the proper credentials and experience.

In summary, using a private investigator to find someone can be an effective way to locate a missing person or gather information about an individual. PIs have expertise and resources not available to the general public and can uncover new leads and information, conduct surveillance, interview potential witnesses and search databases that are not accessible to the public. However, it's important to keep in mind that hiring a PI can be costly and it's important to carefully consider the financial aspect and make sure the PI is licensed, insured and has a good reputation before making a decision.

Below is an example of a private investigator conducting a lost family member search. 

A private investigator, John Smith, was hired by a woman named Lisa, who had grown up in foster care and had never met her biological family. She had always been curious about her origins and wanted to find her birth parents and any siblings she may have.

John Smith, being a highly experienced private investigator, knew that locating a long-lost family member would require a thorough investigation. He began by gathering all the information Lisa had about her birth parents, such as their names, ages, and any other identifying information. He also reviewed adoption records and searched various databases to find any possible leads.

As the investigation progressed, Smith was able to locate Lisa's birth mother and discovered that she had given birth to twin siblings, a brother and sister. He also found that her birth mother had passed away but her twin siblings were alive and well and living in different states.

John Smith reported his findings to Lisa, who was overjoyed to finally have a family. She was able to reconnect with her twin siblings and finally had a sense of belonging. They were able to share stories and learn about their common history and it brought them closer together.

In conclusion, this case serves as an example of how a private investigator can be of great help in locating long-lost family members. The expertise and experience of a private investigator can provide valuable information to those who are searching for their biological families, and can help them find closure and a sense of belonging. Additionally, a private investigator can also provide a level of discretion, sensitivity, and professionalism when dealing with such sensitive and personal matters.

Child Abduction Investigation Case Example 

"The Vanishing Son"

In the quiet suburban town of Meadowridge, the Johnson family was torn apart by a mysterious child abduction that left the community in shock. Little did they know, the key to unraveling the case would lie in the determined efforts of a private investigator named Emily Harris.

It all began when six-year-old Alex Johnson disappeared without a trace from his school playground. The local authorities launched a thorough investigation, but as days turned into weeks, hope dwindled, and the family faced the agonizing uncertainty of their son's fate.

Frustrated with the lack of progress, the Johnsons decided to hire Emily Harris, a seasoned private investigator known for her success in solving seemingly unsolvable cases. Emily delved into the investigation with unwavering determination, using her skills to uncover every lead and piece of evidence.

As she combed through the details of the case, Emily discovered that Alex's father, Robert Johnson, had recently gone through a bitter divorce with his estranged wife, Sarah. The custody battle had left Robert devastated and desperate to be with his son. Emily sensed that there might be more to the story than met the eye.

After days of tireless investigation, Emily unearthed a lead that pointed towards Robert attempting to flee the country with Alex. She discovered that he had booked a one-way ticket to a foreign destination and was planning to board a flight with Alex under assumed identities. The private investigator acted swiftly, contacting local authorities and coordinating a plan to intercept them at the airport.

On the day of the scheduled departure, Emily, along with law enforcement, managed to apprehend Robert and rescue Alex just in the nick of time. The emotional reunion between mother and son was a moment of joy amid the turmoil that had gripped the community.

Further investigation revealed that Robert, driven by desperation and a misguided belief that taking Alex away was in his best interest, had concocted an elaborate plan to escape the country. Legal proceedings were initiated, and Robert faced charges related to the abduction, prompting a renewed focus on mental health and counseling for the entire family.

The case of "The Vanishing Son" showcased the importance of skilled private investigators like Emily Harris, who not only bring closure to distraught families but also unveil the hidden complexities of domestic disputes that can lead to drastic and harmful actions.

bottom of page