The issue of:
Tracing Missing Persons
In the field of genealogical research, it is inevitable that you will come across a situation that will require you to trace the whereabouts of a missing person. While genealogy as such does not directly concern itself with the issue of missing persons, many of the methods used in tracking down missing persons can be used in tracing the bloodline or familial lineages of subjects of genealogical research. The sources of information commonly used by genealogical researchers can be utilised to track down missing persons as well.
While the two fields do have a lot of things in common (at least as far as methodology and information sources go) it is important to note that professional genealogical researchers as well as a large number of casual family historians, are typically hesitant to engage in tracing the whereabouts of living people. This can be due to any number of ethical reasons, not the least of which is a reluctance to invade the privacy of these people. Many genealogical researchers flat out refuse to trace the whereabouts of living persons and some have even taken a formal pledge not to engage in such activities. Additionally, searching for living persons constitutes a violation of legal statutes in some areas.
So keeping in mind some of the legal ramifications of tracking down missing persons, what are some of these research avenues open to you?
If the person you are looking for is currently or has at one time been an active member of the United States military forces, you may contact the Military Locator Services branch of the US Consumer Information Service or the Military Mailing Address office of the US Department of Defense. The Military Locator Service is further divided into separate offices that focus on specific branches of the US Military Forces; there is a US Air Force Locator Service, a US Coast Guard Locator Service, a US Marine Corps Locator Service and a US Navy Personnel Locator Service. If you know which branch of the military your subject was assigned to, targeting that specific branch's locator service should help narrow down your search considerably.
In case of an emergency in the family of an enlisted person, you may contact the American Red Cross directly.
It is common knowledge among genealogical researchers that much of the information you will need in tracing the whereabouts of an individual can be found in numerous public records. Some estimates place the number of these public records that can be accessed online at around 25%. Of course many rural or less-developed areas do not offer online capability at the moment. In these cases, it will be necessary for you to contact the relevant offices, either by mail or by telephone in order to request documents containing the information that you need. In some instances, you may even have to take a trip to the office registry or courthouse in question to gain access to these documents.
There are even several commercial agencies that offer access to databases that contain both public records and private information.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 20/06/2008
