ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Missing Persons Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yellowstone County, MT

Sheriff's Clerk

Billings, MT · On-site

$19.02/hr

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 ...

APALACHEE CENTER INC

Milieu Therapist

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

... missing persons or elopements. OTHER JOB-SPECIFIC: * Must participate and complete all levels of ... At the conclusion of a shift, must clear departure with the unit supervisor to ensure shift ...

City of Concord, CA

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA · 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 ...

City of Albany, GA

Police Officer

Albany, GA · 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.

County of Oconee

Dispatcher I/II

Walhalla, SC

$20.10/hr

The role involves multitasking, ensuring unit safety, and providing resources and information for ... Enters and removes missing persons and stolen property information in the NCIC system. * Runs ...

City of Concord

Police Officer - Lateral

Concord, CA

$123K - $150K/yr

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

City of Fairbanks, AK

Police Sergeant

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

$41.90 - $66.64/hr

... missing persons. * Conducts reviews of use of force reports and assesses each report to the ... unit, section or detail). * Maintains accurate manual or electronic notes and logs of ...

City of Paducah

Telecommunicator

Paducah, KY · 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 ...

City of Paducah

Telecommunicator

Paducah, KY · 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 ...

City of Paducah, KY

Telecommunicator

Paducah, KY · 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 ...

Travis County

Constable Deputy Sr.

Austin, TX

$73K - $82K/yr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMissing Persons Unit Jobs

Missing Persons Unit information

See salary details

$12

$21

$30

How much do missing persons unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 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:
What job categories do people searching Missing Persons Unit jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Missing Persons Unit jobs are:
Missing Persons Unit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Missing Persons Unit job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,153 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Strategic Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Strategic Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

203rd of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description


About the Work Unit:
Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned police officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff - all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
  • Continuously monitor live video surveillance feeds, alarm systems, access control alerts, and LPR/ALPR notifications across campus and surrounding areas; identify and escalate suspicious activity, safety hazards, and policy violations to field personnel in real time.
  • Conduct forensic video retrieval and review in support of criminal investigations, critical incidents, and administrative inquiries; preserve and document digital evidence in accordance with departmental policy and chain-of-custody requirements.
  • Operate and coordinate UAS (drone) flights for aerial surveillance, search operations, event monitoring, and emergency response; ensure compliance with FAA regulations, university policies, and departmental standard operating procedures for all UAS missions.
  • Monitor departmental radio traffic to maintain real-time situational awareness of active incidents, officer locations, and field conditions; relay actionable intelligence, camera observations, LPR alerts, and other time-sensitive information to field units and the Dispatch Center as appropriate.
  • Initiate and disseminate mass emergency notifications to the campus community during critical incidents, including active threats, severe weather, hazardous material events, and other emergencies, using established notification platforms and protocols; coordinate messaging with university leadership, the Office of Emergency Management, and Public Affairs to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent communications.
  • Perform crime analysis using available data sources, including CAD, RMS, LPR databases, and open-source intelligence (OSINT), to identify crime trends, patterns, and hotspots; produce written intelligence summaries, bulletins, and shift briefing materials for department leadership and field personnel.
  • Manage and maintain SOC technology platforms, including camera systems, LPR infrastructure, radio systems, UAS equipment, and associated software; report equipment malfunctions, coordinate repairs, and recommend system enhancements to the SOC Supervisor/Manager.
  • Support special events, dignitary visits, and large-scale campus activities by providing dedicated real-time monitoring, aerial surveillance, and communications coordination from the SOC; develop and execute event-specific monitoring plans in coordination with field commanders.
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of SOC standard operating procedures, quick-reference guides, and training materials; support the onboarding and training of new SOC personnel as assigned.
  • Maintain detailed logs of all SOC activities, incidents monitored, intelligence disseminated, and UAS flights conducted during each shift; ensure accurate and timely documentation in departmental records management systems.
  • Enter, modify, and validate records in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, including missing persons, stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and protective orders; ensure all entries are accurate, timely, and compliant with CJIS policies and audit requirements.
  • During periods of reduced operational tempo, conduct video review in support of the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) and case preparation efforts; identify, compile, and export relevant video footage, still images, and supporting documentation for use in criminal prosecutions, judicial and administrative hearings, and case files.
  • Monitor and manage electronic access control systems, including card readers, door alarms, and building lockdown mechanisms; respond to door-held-open and forced-entry alarms, coordinate remote locking and unlocking of facilMonitor and manage electronic access control systems, including card readers, door alarms, and building lockdown mechanisms; respond to door-held-open and forced-entry alarms; coordinate remote locking and unlocking of facilities; and execute building lockdown procedures during emergency situations as directed. Duties include executing building lockdown procedures during emergency situations as directed.
  • Receive, triage, and coordinate responses to fire, panic, duress, intrusion, and burglar alarms; verify alarm conditions using available camera and access control systems and notify the Dispatch Center for appropriate officer response in accordance with departmental protocols.
  • Create, distribute, and track Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alerts across shifts and coordinate BOLO dissemination with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and surrounding law enforcement agencies; configure and monitor LPR/ALPR alerts for BOLO-associated vehicles and notify field units upon positive hits.
  • Monitor social media platforms, news outlets, and open-source channels for potential threats to campus safety, emerging security concerns, planned demonstrations, and other activities that may impact university operations; compile and relay relevant findings to command staff and field personnel for appropriate action.
  • Monitor and respond to incoming tips, safety reports, and location-sharing requests submitted through campus safety applications and mobile tip platforms; triage reports for urgency and coordinate appropriate follow-up with patrol or investigative personnel.
  • Serve as a point of contact for real-time intelligence sharing and interagency coordination with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Tennessee Fusion Center, and other local, state, and federal partners as appropriate.
  • Continuously monitor weather radar, National Weather Service (NWS) alerts, and severe weather warning systems; initiate appropriate notification and protective action protocols for tornado warnings, severe thunderstorms, and other hazardous weather events in coordination with the Office of Emergency Management.
  • Conduct database queries and record checks through NCIC, TCI, and local records management systems on behalf of field officers during traffic stops, field interviews, and investigations; provide timely results and relevant intelligence to support officer safety and informed decision-making.
  • Support Clery Act compliance by identifying incidents that may meet the threshold for timely warnings or emergency notifications; gather and relay preliminary incident details to the Clery Compliance Coordinator and department leadership to facilitate timely and accurate campus notifications as required by federal law.
  • Conduct virtual patrol by proactively monitoring designated camera zones based on current crime data, time of day, special requests from university departments (e.g., Housing, Student Affairs), and directed assignments from supervisors; adjust monitoring priorities throughout each shift in response to emerging conditions and intelligence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the SOC Manager.
Education and Certifications
  • A High School Diploma or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) equivalent is required.
  • Minimum age of 18 years is required.
  • Must pass a thorough background investigation and drug test demonstrating good moral character, a good driving record, and no prior criminal convictions that would prohibit access to criminal justice information systems.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required or must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment.
  • An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Intelligence Studies, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred.
  • Maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Experience and Skills:
  • Proficiency with video management systems (VMS), security camera platforms, and digital evidence management tools is required.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills with the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and produce clear, concise reports is required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain CJIS/NCIC access clearance within thirty (30) days of appointment.
  • Two (2) or more years of experience in a real-time crime center, security operations center, emergency communications center, or law enforcement/military intelligence environment is preferred.
  • Experience operating UAS/drone platforms in a public safety or commercial environment and familiarity with LPR/ALPR technology, crime analysis software, and GIS mapping tools is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Requires light to moderate physical effort; primarily a seated, indoor position within the SOC environment.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds
  • Must be able to sit for extended periods and maintain sustained visual attention across multiple monitors.
  • Meet written departmental standards on appearance and grooming.
  • Must be available to work all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure 24/7 SOC coverage.

Working Environment:
  • Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled operations center with low ambient lighting optimized for monitor viewing.
  • The environment may be high-tempo and stressful, requiring the ability to multitask, maintain focus under pressure, and make rapid decisions during critical incidents.
  • Must be able to occasionally deploy to secondary command post and/or outdoor locations during critical incidents.

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Vanderbilt University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply