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Missing Persons Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA ยท On-site

$123K - $150K/yr

Continuous Bargaining Unit: Police Officers Association Job Characteristics ***OPEN & PROMOTIONAL ... missing persons cases and works with community organizations and governmental agencies in ...

Police Officer

Albany, GA ยท On-site

$50K/yr

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

Detective (Violence Suppression Unit, Financial Crimes Unit, Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes ... missing persons cases and works with community organizations and governmental agencies in ...

ENTER, CLEAR/CANCEL, MODIFY Warrants, Missing/Unidentified Persons, Vehicles and Articles onto the ... GCIC unit or within a GCIC with similar job requirements that a disciplinary history could be ...

New

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 ...

Telecommunicator

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$21 - $25.74/hr

Using a computer or written log, document the nature of each call received, which unit(s) responded ... missing persons or runaways; stolen, recovered, and/or abandoned vehicles. * Assists police ...

Telecommunicator

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$21 - $25.74/hr

Using a computer or written log, document the nature of each call received, which unit(s) responded ... missing persons or runaways; stolen, recovered, and/or abandoned vehicles. * Assists police ...

Telecommunicator

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$21 - $25.74/hr

Using a computer or written log, document the nature of each call received, which unit(s) responded ... missing persons or runaways; stolen, recovered, and/or abandoned vehicles. * Assists police ...

Police Officer

Overland Park, KS ยท On-site

$62K/yr

... all unit status location and need for assistance; monitors radio to record description of stolen vehicles, missing persons, armed felons and emergency situations; uses handheld radio when out of ...

Showing results 41-60

Missing Persons Unit information

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$12

$21

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How much do missing persons unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 does it take to become a missing persons unit investigator?

A missing persons unit investigator typically needs a background in law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and knowledge of case management and evidence collection. Relevant training, such as criminal investigation courses, and proficiency with tools like databases and surveillance are also important. Often, experience in patrol or detective work is required before specializing in missing persons cases.

Is tracking missing persons a real job?

Yes, tracking missing persons is a real job typically performed by law enforcement agencies' Missing Persons Units. These professionals use investigative skills, databases, and sometimes forensic tools to locate individuals and assist in recovery efforts.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Police-Dispatcher

City of Simpsonville

Simpsonville, SC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The following duties are typical for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls: determines nature of call and correct signal and/or code; enters information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System; and advises supervisors of all priority calls. Provides lifesaving and pre-arrival instructions to callers in emergency medical situations: remains available to callers while units are en route; and checks medical status. Dispatches the appropriate agency personnel to scene through use of radio and CAD systems: coordinates multi-unit response calls; maintains awareness of available response units; dispatches calls to available units; maintains contact with response units to provide information and instructions regarding emergencies; and assists in the coordination of correct response to emergencies. Utilizes computer to enter and retrieve data/information related to police, fire, and emergency medical service activity: retrieves and relays information from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), such as driver’s license, weapon registration, vehicle tags, article identification numbers, date of birth, etc. to law enforcement personnel; enters and updates NCIC data, such as stolen items, missing persons, warrants, incident reports, and other information, as needed. Identifies incorrect or outdated information contained in the CAD: prepares and completes update forms for changes of street names and/or addresses; and submits to supervisor for verification. Performs other duties in support of department operations: answers incoming administrative lines and greets visitors; provides assistance and information and routes calls; enters tow and repossession logs; processes requests and fees for fingerprint checks; and may train new hires and conduct testing for NCIC recertification. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable regulations, policies, and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends, and advances in the profession; participates in continuing education activities; and attends shift meetings, workshops, and seminars as appropriate. Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: prepares, completes, receives, reviews, processes, forwards or retains, as appropriate, various forms, reports, incident reports, radio traffic logs, run sheets, records requests, alarm registrations, criminal histories, CAD reports, hit notifications, court dockets, security checks, receipts, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Communicates with supervisor, law enforcement personnel, firefighting and emergency medical services personnel, other City employees, other public safety agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Operates and utilizes a variety of equipment to complete essential functions: operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment, as necessary.