Missing persons are many and greatly varied; they can become missing for any number of different reasons. Someone who has disappeared for a long time, with no apparent reason, is generally termed as a “missing” person

With resolve and adequate information, it is possible to locate just about anyone. However, there are variables that can turn the most simple of searches into the most difficult ones.

Finding a lost friend is sometimes as simple as calling directory assistance or using CD roms. These could produce valuable leads that, in turn, could produce successful searches. Locating a debtor could be a little more difficult.

Generally, people are aware of the resources available. It is another matter that those resources are strangely overlooked. It is astonishing that many people have been found through the telephone book or directory assistance, after initially overlooked by the client. Public records, such as court files, motor vehicle records and property records can be competent sources of useful information. Resolve, is the key here. It is imperative to search, verify and follow up leads until all have been exhausted or the missing person found.

For investigators, the resources available are exhaustive. Computerized records can generate various sources as well as faulty information. While an investigation is performed, it requires finding data and then sifting the accurate from the inaccurate. An investigator requires all possible information to find a missing individual. It is rare that a few telephone calls find a missing person.

Most investigators have three ways of agreeing to an assignment. They are: flat fee, budgeted and simply finding the missing person. The flat fee investigation involves a higher fee for finding a missing person and a lesser fee for a failed case. Then there are the “no find/no fee” plans. Though this may sound good ? it can cost you $100 for a successful case – it offers no incentive for the investigator to give his best to the search.

Most individuals have encountered a police officer at least once in their lives. Law enforcement officials maintain peace and order in society. Law enforcement officials are commonly known as police or police officers

The functions of uniformed police officers include traffic control, active crime response, and crime prevention. The officers that belong to this group are easily identifiable by the public.

Plainclothes police detectives do not wear uniforms. They engage in investigative work and are usually involved in a single case for long periods of time. They gather information partly by blending in with the crowd. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, they usually do not reveal that they are law enforcement officers. At times, they actually take on false identities during undercover operations.

There are also specialized groups within the department of law enforcement. The bomb squad is a group that deals primarily with explosives. A special unit called the narcotics department, or the NARCS, specializes in cases that deal with illegal substances. The most important police officers in terms of field operations are the members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. The members usually carry smaller, more powerful weapons that allow them to defend themselves during violent situations. They are also equipped with non-lethal weapons such as tear gas, concussion grenades, and rubber bullets, as well as protective bulletproof vests.

Even law enforcement officials have their own watchdogs. The Department of Internal Affairs deals with the overseeing investigations within the department. The scope of their work is limited to bribery, graft, and other methods and cases of internal corruption.