Keck Private Investigations

How Many People Go Missing?

Hundreds of thousands of missing person cases are reported in the United States each year. According to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), over 500,000 missing person records are entered annually. Many cases are resolved, but thousands remain open for months or years, especially if there are few immediate leads (Ritter, 2007).

Why Do People Go Missing?

The reasons people disappear are varied. Children and teens often leave home voluntarily, but adults may go missing due to mental health issues, accidents, domestic violence, or involvement in crime. Vulnerable populations—such as people with dementia, disabilities, or unstable housing—are at higher risk (Greenhalgh & Greene, 2021). In many cases, there is no immediate evidence of a crime, which can complicate the response.

What Is the Typical Police Response?

Most police departments treat missing children as urgent, starting searches immediately. For adults, some agencies recommend waiting 24 hours before filing a report, especially if there is no evidence of foul play or danger. Police may prioritize cases with clear signs of risk or vulnerability, but resource limits can slow early investigation for adults (Fyfe et al., 2015). This waiting period can be stressful for families.

How Are Private Investigators Different?

A private investigator can begin searching as soon as you ask for help. There are no required waiting periods or bureaucratic delays. Early investigation means more opportunities to gather information, interview witnesses, and check recent locations. Private investigators often have more flexibility to follow up on leads that might not meet law enforcement’s urgency criteria (Ritter, 2007).

Why Fast Action Matters

Research shows the first 48 to 72 hours are critical in missing person cases. Evidence is fresh, digital and video records are more likely to be available, and people’s memories of events are clearer. After this period, leads become harder to follow, and the chances of locating the person quickly go down (Bennett & Ferguson, 2024).

What Steps Does an Investigator Take?

When you hire Keck Private Investigations, our process is direct and evidence-based:

We gather key facts: when and where the person was last seen, their habits, recent contacts, and potential risks (Fyfe et al., 2015). We search physical locations: homes, workplaces, hospitals, shelters, and areas the person is known to visit. We check digital and financial records: phone activity, bank use, and social media updates. We interview people who may have seen or spoken to the missing person. We update you regularly and coordinate with law enforcement when needed.

Every step is tailored to your case and situation.

If someone you care about is missing, contact Keck Private Investigations right away. Early action improves your odds of finding answers. You do not have to wait for police permission or the passing of a certain amount of time. For support and a clear plan, contact us today!