If you receive a call from a runaway or a person claiming to have information about your missing person, you can trace the call. Here's the procedure.

At Search Investigations, our expertise as a private investigation firm extends to handling sensitive cases such as runaway juveniles, at-risk individuals, and situations involving ransom demands. In any active missing person scenario, initiating a phone trace can be a crucial step when you receive a call from either the runaway or a person making ransom demands. It is important to note, however, that this method is only suitable when there is no voluntary disappearance, as adults legally possess the right to remain missing.

*Understanding Phone Trace Activation with *57: When you receive a call from a missing person or someone demanding a ransom, you can initiate a trace immediately after the call ends by dialing *57 and hitting send/dial. This action connects you to an automated system designed for tracing calls. Depending on your phone carrier, the system may either provide a trace code, which you must record, or simply confirm that the trace has been initiated. In either case, it is crucial to note the exact time of the trace for law enforcement purposes.

*Detailed Steps to Utilize 57 Call Trace Effectively:

1. Activate the Trace: After the concerning call, hang up and dial *57 send/dial. This should be done immediately to ensure the correct call is traced.

2. Confirmation and Documentation: Listen for a confirmation message or note any codes provided by your carrier. Record all details including the time and date of the call, as these are critical for retrieving the trace details.

3. Contact Law Enforcement: Inform your local law enforcement agency that a trace has been initiated. They can then access the trace information through the proper legal procedures, which includes the time, date, and the traced number.

Key Considerations and Legal Compliance:

• Costs: Activating a call trace incurs a fee, typically around $2.00, which will appear on your phone bill.

• Legal and Privacy Concerns: The traced information is accessible only to law enforcement and requires them to follow specific legal protocols to access the data.

• Availability: The availability of *57 may vary by location and carrier, so it's important to confirm with your service provider whether this feature is supported in your area.

Why It's Important in Missing Person Cases: Using the *57 service in missing person cases can provide law enforcement with timely and critical information about the last incoming call, which can be pivotal in locating the missing individual or assessing the seriousness of ransom demands. It’s a powerful tool in the right circumstances, providing a quick way to leverage telecommunication technology to aid in urgent investigations.

At Search Investigations, we are committed to providing comprehensive support in missing person cases. We have successfully located numerous missing persons through diligent investigative work and effective use of technology like the *57 call trace. If you need assistance from experienced private investigators or search and rescue specialists, please do not hesitate to contact us at 877-619-9890, available 24/7, to discuss your case further