The Role of Skip Tracing in Criminal Investigations 

When tracking down a fugitive, locating a witness, or gathering critical information, the success of an investigation often hinges on the ability to quickly and accurately find people. This is where skip tracing comes into play. Although skip tracing is often used in other practices, it’s also a vital tool that criminal  investigators use to find individuals of interest. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of skip tracing in criminal investigations, why it’s essential, and how to choose the right service to ensure your investigation is a success. 

What is a Skip Trace Investigation? 

A skip trace investigation is a process used to locate individuals who are difficult to find. The term “skip trace” comes from the phrase “skipping town” or “skipping out,” which refers to someone intentionally evading detection, often to avoid legal or financial responsibilities. A skip tracer, often a trained professional, uses various techniques and databases to track down a person’s whereabouts. 

In a criminal context, skip tracing can involve locating suspects, witnesses, victims, or anyone else connected to a case. The process typically involves gathering public and private data, cross-referencing different information sources, and sometimes even leveraging investigative tools to narrow down the target’s location.

How Can Skip Tracing Help in Criminal Investigations? 

Skip tracing is an indispensable tool for criminal investigators, providing critical support in multiple areas of case development and resolution. By utilizing specialized techniques and access to a wide range of databases, skip tracers can gather vital information that helps law enforcement agencies track down individuals, uncover hidden assets, and piece together essential details that may be overlooked through traditional investigative methods. Below, we’ll explore the specific ways skip tracing assists in criminal investigations. 

One of the most direct ways skip tracing benefits criminal investigations is through locating fugitives. Fugitives who have evaded arrest often go to great lengths to cover their tracks, changing residences, altering their appearance, and sometimes even assuming new identities. While law enforcement has its own set of tools and resources to locate fugitives, skip tracing offers a powerful supplement. Professional skip tracers have access to specialized databases—many of which are not readily available to the public or law enforcement—such as private records, financial data, and social media profiles. These databases allow investigators to follow a trail of public records, past addresses, criminal history, and online activity to locate someone who is deliberately hiding. The ability to access such comprehensive and often up-to-date information increases the likelihood of successfully tracking down and apprehending fugitives. 

Another critical use of skip tracing in criminal investigations is in finding witnesses and victims. In cases involving serious crimes such as murder, assault, or trafficking, locating key witnesses or victims who have information crucial to the case is paramount. However, witnesses and victims may be difficult to find, especially if they have relocated, changed their contact information, or even gone into hiding due to fear or trauma. Skip tracing offers investigators a way to trace their whereabouts by cross-referencing a combination of public records, social media profiles, employment histories, and other personal data. This allows investigators to reconnect with witnesses or victims who may hold the key to resolving a case, even if they’ve intentionally tried to disappear. 

Skip tracing also plays a significant role in gathering information on individuals of interest. A complete and accurate picture can help investigators get a clearer idea of a suspect’s motivations, behavior, and connections. Through skip tracing, investigators can access detailed personal data such as past addresses, family ties, employment history, and financial records. This can be vital in building a suspect profile, verifying alibis, or even identifying new leads. For instance, information about a suspect’s previous addresses or known associates might reveal patterns of behavior or hidden connections that were previously unknown. In cases involving multiple suspects or complicated relationships, understanding these details of each individual can shed light on their role in the crime. 

Finally, skip tracing can be invaluable in tracking assets during financial investigations. In cases involving fraud, money laundering, or other financial crimes, investigators often need to locate hidden assets, properties, or accounts that may have been concealed by suspects. Skip tracing can help trace these assets by examining public records, financial data, and ownership history. Identifying a suspect’s hidden wealth, shell companies, or illicit financial transactions may provide leads that are crucial to uncovering the full scope of a crime. In some instances, tracking down these assets could even lead investigators to uncover new criminals or larger networks of criminal activity, providing further evidence to build the case. 

Choosing the Right Skip Tracing Service

While skip tracing is a valuable tool for criminal investigations, it’s important to choose the right service for the job. Not all skip tracing services are created equal, and the effectiveness of your investigation will depend largely on the quality of the service you select. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a skip tracing provider: 

1. Accuracy and Reliability: A good skip tracing service should be able to provide you with accurate, up-to-date information. When locating someone for a criminal investigation, the risk of pursuing outdated or incorrect leads can be disastrous. Ensure the service you choose has a reputation for delivering reliable data. 

2. Access to Comprehensive Databases: The most successful skip tracing services have access to a wide variety of databases, including public records, financial records, criminal databases, social media platforms, and more. A comprehensive database will improve the likelihood of finding your subject quickly. 

3. Professional Experience: Criminal investigations require a high level of expertise, and skip tracing is no exception. Look for services that specialize in skip tracing for criminal investigations and have experience working with law enforcement or private investigators. 

4. Legal Compliance: Skip tracing must be done within the bounds of the law. It’s important to choose a provider who adheres to legal guidelines, ensuring that the investigation doesn’t inadvertently violate privacy laws or other regulations. 

Data Integrity: Database Access 

One of the most critical elements in successful skip tracing is access to accurate and varied databases. The more comprehensive the data a skip tracer can access, the greater the chance of finding the person in question. 

Key data sources include: 

• Public Records: Voter registration, marriage and divorce records, court documents, and property records. 

• Criminal Records: Court documents, arrest records, and warrants. 

• Financial Data: Specific purchases, and loan applications. 

• Social Media: Public profiles on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms can provide valuable clues about an individual’s location and activities. 

The more data a skip tracer can cross-reference from multiple sources, the better equipped they will be to pinpoint the person’s whereabouts.  

What is the Difference Between a Skip Trace and a Person Locate? 

While “skip tracing” and “person locating” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between the two. 

Skip Tracing: This refers to the specific process of locating someone who is intentionally avoiding detection or hiding from the authorities. Skip tracing is often used in the context of fugitives, debtors, or criminals evading arrest or legal responsibilities. It’s more investigative in nature and typically involves more intensive research and database checks. 

Person Locating: A person locate, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to locating any individual, whether they’re missing, relocating, or simply being sought for other purposes (such as genealogy research or reconnecting with a long-lost friend). Person locating can be a more straightforward process, requiring less in-depth investigation than skip tracing. 

Final Thoughts 

If you’re looking to enhance your criminal investigation efforts, consider working with a professional skip tracing service that has the tools, expertise, and ethical standards to support your needs. By partnering with the right service, you can increase your chances of locating key individuals and moving your investigation forward with confidence. 

Contact Tracers today to learn how our advanced skip tracing services can assist you in your criminal investigations and help bring cases to a successful resolution.