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Missing Persons Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sheriff Deputy SRO

Warner Robins, GA ยท On-site

$23.89/hr

... missing persons searches, rescue operations, public service duties, stranded motorists, etc ... unit assignments as needed in emergency response; provides emergency response on a twenty-four-hour ...

... missing persons searches, rescue operations, public service duties, stranded motorists, etc ... unit assignments as needed in emergency response; provides emergency response on a twenty-four-hour ...

Sheriff Deputy SRO

Warner Robins, GA ยท On-site

$23.89/hr

... missing persons searches, rescue operations, public service duties, stranded motorists, etc ... unit assignments as needed in emergency response; provides emergency response on a twenty-four-hour ...

Obtains warrants; performs various search operations; locates missing persons. Determines probable ... unit, narcotics, environmental protection, training, teaching, and/or other duties as assigned.

Deputy Sheriff

Woodbine, GA ยท On-site

$48K/yr

... or missing persons, and stranded motorists. * Patrols the county to enforce state, federal, and ... Performs special duty assignments as directed, including managing a K9 unit, participating in ...

Assists with decisions concerning a law enforcement unit, and trains, educates and assists new ... and searches for missing persons. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Minimum ...

... or missing persons, and stranded motorists. * Patrols the county to enforce state, federal, and ... Performs special duty assignments as directed, including managing a K9 unit, participating in ...

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: MFPE-CH Number of Vacancies: 2 Description The Sheriff Clerk position ... Responsible for quality control of timely, accurate and complete entries into NCIC-Missing Persons ...

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Missing Persons Unit information

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How much do missing persons unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for missing persons unit in the United States is $21.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $26.68 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.
More about Missing Persons Unit jobs
What cities are hiring for Missing Persons Unit jobs? Cities with the most Missing Persons Unit job openings:
What states have the most Missing Persons Unit jobs? States with the most job openings for Missing Persons Unit jobs include:
Infographic showing various Missing Persons Unit job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Sheriff Deputy SRO

Houston County

Warner Robins, GA โ€ข On-site

$23.89/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Sheriff Deputy - School Resource Officer Grade 17 Salary: $51,427.35($23.01 hr) - $53,394.15 ($23.89hr)
Supervisor: Major Clay Chambers
PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION
The purpose of this classification is to perform protective work functions associated with protection of life and property; enforcement of federal, state, and local laws; and duties within an assigned shift or within an assigned specialty which may include the Patrol Division, Midstate Sheriff's Task Force, Warrant Division, Courthouse Security, School Resource Officer (WAVE), Detention Facility, or other area of specialty.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
  • Enforces all applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations (both traffic and criminal) in order to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.
  • Patrols designated areas via motor vehicle or on foot to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
  • Prevents/discovers commission of crime; apprehends, arrests and processes criminals, fugitives, and offenders; writes citations.
  • Responds to calls relayed by dispatchers, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, rescue operations, public service duties, stranded motorists, etc.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations; interviews victims, complainants and witnesses and takes statements; gathers information and evidence; secures crime scenes.
  • Enforces vehicle parking and operating laws; uses radar/laser speed detection units to enforce speed laws.
  • Inspects premises of residential/commercial buildings/properties to detect suspicious conditions.
  • Provides traffic control and police protection for events such as parades, processions, funerals, ball games, school crossings, etc.; provides security/escort services to individuals, businesses, or others as appropriate.
  • Participates in court activities; testifies in judicial proceedings.
  • Serves criminal/civil warrants.
  • Administers first aid and CPR as necessary.
  • Inspects and maintains assigned patrol vehicle, uniform, weapons, equipment, etc.
  • Transport prisoners, members of the general public, or other individuals as required.
  • May participate as a member of Sheriff's Response Team (S.R.T.); responds to emergency call for situations involving hostage situations, barricaded persons, high-risk drug raids, riots, missing person searches, escaped prisoner searches, high security activities, and other situations requiring special weapons and tactical team assistance; participates in regular training activities.
  • Provides assistance and backup support to other deputies or other departments as necessary; substitutes for co-workers in their absence; performs flexible unit assignments as needed in emergency response; provides emergency response on a twenty-four-hour basis as needed.
  • Provides assistance to other public service agencies as appropriate (e.g., fire departments, city police departments, state patrol units, emergency medical personnel).
  • Confers with supervisors, staff, deputies, and others as necessary to obtain information or resolve problems; contacts command/supervisory personnel by radio, telephone, pager/beeper, voice mail, etc., for emergency response and critical incident communications.
  • Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Creates/maintains positive public relations with the general public; educates the public on laws, law enforcement, crime prevention, drug abuse, etc.
  • Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information/assistance by telephone or in person from the general public, news media, court personnel, attorneys, inmates, employees, officials, or other persons.
  • Answers the telephone; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
  • Operates a computer to research, review, enter and/or modify information in database.
  • Processes a variety of documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated timeframes; distributes documentation or maintains records as appropriate.
  • Prepares reports, logs, citations, forms, and other documents; maintains files and logs; performs other clerical duties.
  • Receives various documentation; reviews, processes, responds, forwards, maintains, and/or takes other action as appropriate.
  • Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, etc., for reference and/or review.
  • Maintains inventory of departmental supplies, initiates requests for new or replacement materials.
  • Attends shift meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of county/departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations.
  • Assignment to Midstate Sheriff's Task Force may include performance of the following additional duties:
  • Initiates contact with individuals driving motor vehicles to determine involvement in criminal activity.
  • Performs organized searches of vehicles and buildings to identify and locate illegal contraband.
  • Determines whether sufficient evidence exists to substantiate arrests; makes arrests.
  • Conducts investigations into illegal activities; interviews suspects to identify additional parties involved in the activity.
  • Prepares detailed investigate reports and records; reviews investigative information; assists in determining whether cases are ready for prosecution.
  • Works with specialized canine to detect drugs, conduct searches, control suspects, provide crowd control, or provide protection; trains and handles dogs.
  • Assignment to Warrant Division may include performance of the following additional duties:
  • Reviews/examines warrants to ensure completeness and accuracy; performs research functions to identify location of individuals to be served; maintains warrant caseload, GCIC/NCIC files, and "unable to locate" files; organizes/prioritizes work.
  • Serves arrest warrants, civil papers, and other legal documents within the county.
  • Transports suspects/inmates to/from county jail or other locations as required.
  • Books in arrested suspects; questions, fingerprints, and photographs suspects; completes appropriate documentation; enters data into computer system.
  • Performs data entry functions by keying data into computer system; enters/updates data pertaining to status of warrants in computer system.
  • Processes bond information for release of suspects.
  • Assignment to Courthouse Security function may include performance of the following additional duties:
  • Provides courtroom security; maintains a security presence in the courtroom to ensure safety of court personnel, to identify/prevent disturbances of court proceedings, and to identify/prevent potential violence or use of weapons.
  • Conducts security checks of courthouse offices, judges' chambers, parking lots, or other areas of courthouse.
  • Performs electronic and visual security screening of jurors, spectators, or other individuals.
  • Assists detention officers with security/management of inmates in court; secures and detains new prisoners.
  • Assignment to School Resource Officer (WAVE Program-Weapons and Violence Education) function may include performance of the following additional duties:
  • Provides WAVE Program education to community youth; conducts structured classes regarding violence, guns, drugs, prisons, gangs, death, juvenile court, adult court, conflict resolution, benefits of education, and related subjects.
  • Provides counseling to students with behavioral problems; visits students' homes to talk with students and parents.
  • Acts as a liaison between juveniles and school administration, court officials, juvenile agencies, and other agencies.
  • Participates in various youth-oriented activities (e.g., sports events, club meetings, PTO meetings, etc.).
  • Assignment to Detention Facility function may include performance of the following additional duties:
  • Enforces jail rules, regulations, and procedures; maintains inmate discipline; maintains a secure and peaceful environment in the facility.
  • Monitors inmate activities inside the facility on a continual basis (e.g., during meals, cleaning activities, exercise, work, recreation, visitation, personal hygiene, and related activities); takes headcounts of inmates as required.
  • Receives/releases inmates transferred to/from the facility; completes applicable forms; secures personal property; makes photographic and fingerprinting records of incoming arrestees; explains jail rules, regulations, and procedures.
  • Performs various functions associated with ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of inmates (e.g., distributing meals and removing meal trays; providing clothing, bedding, and supplies; obtaining medical aid; coordinating visitation; distributing mail; coordinating telephone communications; escorting inmates to/from jail facilities; etc.).
  • Administers medications and first aid; responds to inmate requests for other medical attention; determines whether medical care is needed.
  • Performs tower guard duties to assure security of facility; monitors television screens; operates electronic access doors; maintains log of activities.
  • Performs periodic security checks of facility; inspects locks, alarms, and other security devices; searches inmates, mail, lockers, cells, and buildings to locate/remove contraband.
  • Assists officers in restraining violent/unruly arrestees.
  • Receives monies in payment for fines, fees, bonds, inmate accounts, or other departmental services; records payments and issues receipts; forwards revenues as appropriate.
  • May perform basic maintenance/repair tasks related to jail facility and grounds.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Provides assistance to motorists or other citizens as needed.
May conduct various errands as assigned (e.g., picking up supplies, transporting mail or documentation, etc.).
Performs other related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of relevant federal, state and local laws, ordinances, criminal and traffic codes, juvenile laws, search and seizure laws; knowledge of the practices of modern penology as related to the supervision and care of persons under institutionalized restraint; knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules, regulations and functions; knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; knowledge of general law enforcement techniques and procedures; knowledge of traffic investigation techniques; knowledge of criminal investigation techniques and procedures; knowledge of methods used in the identification and preservation of physical evidence; knowledge of law enforcement and emergency radio communication systems, and of radio codes used in public safety work; knowledge of the court system, court procedures, and presentation of evidence in court proceedings; knowledge of the county's provisions for emergency situations; knowledge of first aid and CPR techniques; knowledge of occupational hazards and safety techniques; knowledge of the road system and geographical layout of the area; knowledge of the basic content of various legal documents; knowledge of report preparation and recordkeeping methods; knowledge of basic principles of psychology; knowledge of conflict resolution principles and methods; knowledge of standard office practices and procedures; knowledge of standard office equipment; and knowledge of basic computer applications and techniques. Participation on Sheriff's Response Team requires knowledge of multiple weapons and knowledge of tactical operations.
Skill in enforcing laws and regulations firmly, fairly, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others; skill in interviewing and interrogating individuals; skill in conflict resolution; skill in restraining individuals without causing physical harm; skill in operating specialized law enforcement machinery, equipment, and tools; skill in use of firearms and chemical weapons; skill in driving; and skill in utilizing various computer software programs relevant to the position. May require skill in handling specialized canine units. May require skill in identifying various narcotic substances. May require skill in counseling and in interacting with juveniles. Participation on Sheriff's Response Team requires skill in operating multiple weapons with a high level of proficiency in marksmanship.
Ability to interpret, explain, and enforce pertinent provisions of laws, ordinances and regulations; ability to understand and explain departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations; ability to supervise the activities of large groups of inmates; ability to detect potential behavior problems of inmates; ability to detect the early symptoms of common health problems; ability to effectively interview and interrogate individuals; ability to ascertain facts by personal contact, observation, and examination of records; ability to analyze situations and to adopt effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; ability to react quickly and effectively under emergency conditions; ability to carry out work assignments with minimal supervision; ability to work with frequent interruptions or under pressure; ability to accurately remember names, faces, numbers, and events; ability to distinguish colors; ability to gather and compile data for...