Many people associate private investigators with finding missing persons. Missing persons can often be the hardest cases for private investigators, however, this is not the only reason someone may need to hire a private investigator to find an individual. Landlords, solicitors and council and government agencies often use the services of a private investigation firm to help trace a subject that has absconded, or who may be in rent arrears.
Private investigators with this speciality are also known as tracing agents, and are experienced in tracking an individual through legal means to get a successful result for their client. But what makes tracing agents so good at finding people?
Experience
Private detectives and tracing agents are now highly skilled and highly trained, with most having former backgrounds with the police, military, corporate or intelligence services. With new standards, industry accreditations and advances in technology, private investigation firms have to be at the top of their game for the services they offer and tracing an individual or asset is no exception.
The experience of a tracing agent can make all the difference in results. Having a police background is particularly helpful when needing to know how people are likely to react given a certain situation, how they will behave and where they are likely to hide.
Specialist tracing agents are now longer just expected to draw on their prior experience and contacts; however, as with modern advances in technology, there are now new ways for a private detective to conduct investigations into the whereabouts of an individual, which means experience in technology and software is a key element of a successful private investigator.
Technology
With the rise of social media, modern technology, and online banking, we are truly living in a digital age, which makes it harder for people to hide. Everyone leaves a digital footprint and specialist tracing agents are trained to follow this digital trail and use the tools they have at their disposal, such as database access, to narrow down the search until they have identified the whereabouts of an individual.
So what technology do private investigators/tracing agents make use of?
- Technological forensics – If it is necessary and under certain circumstances, private investigators can carry out mobile phone and computer forensics to recover deleted information. This is particularly useful when trying to trace an individual who has left behind a technical device such as a phone or laptop.
- Background Checks – A thorough background check is often key to a missing person investigation. Private Investigators can access all public records, including criminal records and unsealed court documents, as well as access databases that may not be accessible to the public. While private documents, including credit reports, can only be viewed with the express permission of the owner, public documents and records will often provide the necessary information to enable a private investigator to conduct a thorough background check, and can help identify the location of the subject of the investigation.
- Electronic Surveillance – A good private investigator will usually have available the latest in innovative technology to be able to survey and monitor a range of media. With permission, they can legally access video and audio recordings, corporate phone call records and computer activity to find out information relevant to your case.
Location
Location can be key when tracing an individual or asset. Even if someone has moved out of an area, having a private investigator that is familiar with the locale that an investigation may start in, can reap a lot of benefits, especially when it comes to speaking to local people who may have information on an individual.
Private investigators can use their local knowledge and expertise to their advantage during the course of an investigation and are far more likely to obtain the evidence they need that points to the whereabouts of a subject if they are acquainted with the area they work in.
Tracing an individual or asset with OpSec Solutions
If you need to trace an individual or asset and don’t know where to start or have been frustrated by dead end leads, then you need a reliable private investigator or tracing agent from a company you trust.
We know that needing to trace an individual can be stressful, so start by leaving it to us here at OpSec Solutions. It doesn’t matter if the case is straightforward or has complexities, we can help you get the results you need.
Our specialist agents and private investigators can work with agencies across the country to trace any individual for any purpose and if you require any confidential guidance or advice on tracing an individual, then our reputation shows we are a company you can trust to help, no matter the circumstances.
We are proud members of the Association of British Investigators (ABI), the UK Professional Investigators Network (UKPIN), Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI) and the World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI). This means you can be assured of both our quality and our code of ethics when tracing an individual or asset.
So what is our process?
Our Specialist tracing agents can assess your circumstances and requirements and may ask for any information you have on the individual you want to trace, which enables us to give you a clear price, so you can be rest assured there will be no unexpected and hidden costs.
Of course, the level of information you can provide differs from case to case, but generally, we require:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Any previous known addresses
We will consult with you to gain as much information as possible before starting to research your case. We will constantly keep you updated with your case and anything we discover; you will stay aware of.
Tracing a person can often be a time consuming process, but with our software, and attention to detail, we can provide a fast, efficient location service for all your needs.
Here at OpSec, we understand that there are occasions where you would rather an individual you are tracing is not alerted to the search. All our research can be done with prudency and the information we provide is secure and strictly confidential.
OpSec Solutions is highly experienced in the field of tracing missing persons and has a proven track record of delivering actionable results quickly, and with the utmost discretion. Our team of professionals can provide a bespoke service that accommodates the needs of your case, without incurring any hidden costs. Get in touch today using our contact form on the website or call us on 0844-664-1125 to discuss your options and find out how OpSec Solutions can help you.