When a person goes missing, the first thing that family and friends do is launch a search. In most cases, this involves calling the police and posting notices about the disappearance. If a loved one goes missing for an extended period, it could be advisable to also hire a private investigator for a professional missing person investigation to look into their disappearance.
If you are going through this experience, it’s important to understand what exact information you need to prepare to help the investigators start with their search. Here are the top six pieces of information you have to present:
1. Basic Information
First and foremost, you have to provide the complete identification of the person you’re looking for. An investigation cannot start without providing this basic information, such as their complete name, their nickname if there is any, age, date of birth, birthplace, last known and current address of residence, and current or previous employers. With this information, the investigator can create a basic profile of the missing individual.
2. Physical Description
In case there will be a wide search, the missing person should be identifiable with physical descriptors, such as height, weight, age, body composition, hair color and length, eye color, any distinguishing marks (tattoos, birthmarks, scars, etc.), and/or facial hair (beard, mustache, sideburns) if there is any. Moreover, providing their most recent photo can be the best reference for the investigator’s search.
3. Habits, Personality, and Character
Aside from the physical description, one can be recognized by their habits, personality, and character. What sort of hobbies does this person have? Do they smoke or drink alcohol? Is there a particular place where they go in regularly? It can be helpful if you can provide their preferred activities, strange habits, or usual routines in detail. What type of demeanor do they have? Are they outgoing or quiet? Friendly or aloof? Are they well-educated? Giving a more detailed description can help the investigators identify who they’re looking for.
4. Overall Health and Condition
Does this person have any known physical conditions or medical problems? Any disabilities, psychological problems, or diseases? Could any memory loss or medications have worsened this individual’s state? These factors can provide leads as to when, where, how, or why this individual disappeared. Like in a professional background check service, information such as health condition provides additional identification to the person in question.
5. Information about the Last Sighting
There are many events and factors leading to the time someone disappeared. It is best to retrace the steps from when and where they were last seen. What was the specific time and location where they went missing? What are the names of those people who saw and spoke to them? Was there any place this individual is headed to? Any details regarding this trip or activity? How and why are they going there? Moreover, information about their clothing or disposition when they were last seen is also vital data. What type, color, style of clothing and accessories do they have at the time of disappearance? Was this individual upset, excited, or worried at that time? These are just some of the questions you can answer to give a clear picture of the incident leading to the disappearance.
6. Potential People That the Individual Would Contact
In most cases, people who have gone missing are usually with those people they are familiar with. You can also provide a list of their friends and acquaintances that they may have contacted; also include their addresses and contact number.
Conclusion
Searching for missing people can be frustrating, but you have to keep on trying, be resourceful, and be persistent. With a private investigator leading the missing person investigation, you can be assured that eventually, you will be able to find them again sooner than later.