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Missing Persons Unit Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Victim Services Unit

Holland, MI · On-site

$39K - $48K/yr

Police Opening Date: 01/31/2024 Description Holland's Victim Services Unit (VSU) is an organization ... Fires, Traffic Accident, Medical Emergencies, Rapes, Missing Persons, Robberies, Deaths, Drownings ...

Police Officer

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$30.60 - $37.19/hr

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: POLC - NS The City of Battle Creek ("The City") provides equal ... Assists elderly and ill people, gives first aid, and locates missing persons and lost children ...

Inform office of any dirty windows or carpets needing attention in any unit or condominium complex ... Maintain and support high morale of the House Persons and Room Attendants. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Missing Persons Unit information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$18

$26

How much do missing persons unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for missing persons unit in Michigan is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Missing Persons Unit?

A Missing Persons Unit is a specialized division within law enforcement agencies dedicated to investigating and locating individuals who have been reported missing. These units collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to gather information, analyze evidence, and coordinate search efforts. They also provide support and resources to the families of missing persons. The primary goal of a Missing Persons Unit is to safely locate missing individuals and resolve their cases as quickly as possible.

What is the difference between Missing Persons Unit vs Missing Persons Investigator?

AspectMissing Persons UnitMissing Persons Investigator
Required CredentialsLaw enforcement training, criminal justice degree often preferredLaw enforcement background, criminal justice degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, field operations, community outreachField investigations, interviews, case analysis
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, private investigation firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in missing persons casesSpecific investigative responsibilities in missing persons cases

The Missing Persons Unit typically refers to a specialized team within law enforcement focused on locating missing individuals, often involving community outreach and coordination. A Missing Persons Investigator is a role within or associated with this unit, responsible for conducting investigations, interviews, and case analysis. While both roles require law enforcement credentials and work within similar environments, the investigator focuses more on active casework, whereas the unit encompasses broader coordination efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Missing Persons Unit?

Professionals in a Missing Persons Unit often encounter emotionally charged situations, balancing sensitivity with investigative rigor. One common challenge is managing high caseloads while ensuring each case receives adequate attention and resources. Collaborating effectively with law enforcement agencies, social services, and families is crucial to gathering information and leads. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of each case can require flexible hours and adaptability to rapidly changing circumstances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Missing Persons Unit, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Missing Persons Unit, you need a strong background in criminal justice or law enforcement, investigative skills, and often relevant police academy training or degree. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic technologies, and national databases like NCIC is typically required. Strong soft skills such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication are vital for working with distressed families and coordinating with various agencies. These competencies are crucial for efficiently investigating cases, supporting affected individuals, and increasing the chances of locating missing persons safely.
What job categories do people searching Missing Persons Unit jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Missing Persons Unit jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Missing Persons Unit job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,484 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Victim Services Unit

City of Holland, MI

Holland, MI • On-site

$39K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Salary: $0.00 Daily
Location : Holland, MI
Job Type: Volunteer
Job Number: 202400012
Department: Public Safety
Division: Police
Opening Date: 01/31/2024
Description
Holland's Victim Services Unit (VSU) is an organization of volunteers dedicated to providing initial support needed by victims of crisis or crime.
VSU responds to such incident types as: Fires, Traffic Accident, Medical Emergencies, Rapes, Missing Persons, Robberies, Deaths, Drownings, Natural Disasters, Homicides, Industrial Accidents, Plane Crashes, Shootings, Assaults, and Death Notifications.
When a sudden, unexpected crisis occurs in our lives, we frequently experience degrees of depression, despair, confusion and emotional shock. Imagine what a victim of random violence feels, or someone who has arrived home to find their personal property has been violated, a driver who has struck a child, a wife whose husband suddenly dies, or a homeowner whose home and memories have been destroyed by fire.
It is these and other life experiences that we all dread, but may be forced to endure. VSU volunteers respond to these challenges and:
• Provide comfort and emotional support.
• Help arrange for shelter, food, and clothing.
• Notify family and friends.
• Serve as liaison between the victim and other agencies.
• Help arrange follow-up services.
• Provide information and referral to appropriate agencies for on-going assistance.
The VSU provides 24/7/364 coverage for Holland residents. VSU volunteers are scheduled as teams to be on-call for 12 hour shifts (a.m. or p.m.), for seven-day periods to provide initial support for victims. Police and Fire personnel, when necessary, contact 911 dispatchers to request VSU assistance. The on-call VSU team is then paged to respond immediately to the scene.
Training Provided: Required training courses include crisis intervention skills, victimology, legal procedures, law enforcement and resource information.
Examples of Duties
• Provide emotional and practical crisis support to victims of crime and survivors of tragedy
• Help arrange for shelter, food, clothing and transportation
• Serve as a liaison between the victim and other agencies
• Cooperatively work with law enforcement and other emergency personnel
• Provide information and referrals
Typical Qualifications
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Have an open, non-judgment attitude with genuine concern and empathy for crime victims and tragedy survivors.
• Able to cooperate with police, staff and other agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal communications skills.
• Must have own transportation and telephone.
• Be willing and able to follow regulations for appropriate Victim Advocate behavior.
• Must have the necessary availability (be able to respond within 15-20 minutes)• Possess a valid driver's license.
Supplemental Information
Time Commitment
Must commit no less than one year to the advocate program. Attend monthly meetings and continuing education and training. Be on-call Monday through Sunday for 12-hour shifts one week out of every four as a minimum.
This position is not eligible for benefits.