Kind of funny, when LE does not go all out from the start in a missing child case, we complain...when they do, we are suspicious...jMO.
Its not the "full force" that makes this look suspicious. I don't think suspicious is even the term we're looking at. What I'm looking at is more of the logistics, response time, man power afforded etc. This is a combination of my OPINION, experience, and FBI protocol and actions. Anything I state that is fact can be found on the FBI home page or other literature officially produced by the FBI.
The FBI doesn't keep data on their avg response time to a CARD (child abduction rapid deployment) team. However, there are several instances documented where they do provide a general response time. I've seen as quick as 2 hrs (Lindbergh Law). Generally, it appears that the arrival is documented as "same day". Without trying to assume, I think we can use the law of averages and state a general response is somewhere in the vicinity of 12 hrs. The thing of major importance in these cases is, the response time is AFTER THE FBI INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED OR AFTER THEY RECEIVED A LEAD. Many factors need to be taken into consideration. When EXACTLY was the call put in? What specific info was provided? What was it that automatically deemed it suspicious? "Unlike her to do this", is not an automatic factor that Police will use to immediately contact FBI. From my research, the team responding was out of Boston. While we like to think there's a dozen agents sitting around a phone waiting to get a call, obviously its not that simple. When the FBI (CARD) is activated, it comes from request and/or info provided on the circumstances. I haven't been able to find a source that states exactly when the CARD team arrived, but from some info provided by takeitfromme412, there were troops already in action the evening of the report, and essentially "full force" by the following morning. Is it safe to say this included the FBI?
Factors to consider (assuming local LE deemed it an abduction immediately and contacted FBI): How long was FBI initial inquiry? How long would it take to assemble a team to respond? What time did they deploy and from what location (Boston is the closest field office)? Boston is approximately a 3 hours drive by motor vehicle. Not taking into any extraordinary occurrences.
**From the FBI in direct reference to missing child (above age of 12):
"Our field offices respond to cases involving the mysterious disappearance of a child whenever and however they come to our attention. All reports of circumstances indicating that a minor has or possibly has been abducted are afforded an immediate preliminary inquiry.
In this initial inquiry, we evaluate all evidence, circumstances, and information to determine if an investigation is warranted under federal law. (For instance, it is a federal violation for a person to travel between states to engage in any sexual act with a person under 18.) If a case is warranted, we will immediately open an investigation in partnership with state and local authorities."
Under the age of 12 falls under the category of the "Lindbergh Law". These cases often receive much faster response due to different protocols.
IMO, before the initial report of AH being missing, there was already FBI "activity" in or in the near vicinity of N. Conway. If this is the case, why? Although the FBI can be involved in nearly ANY type of case, for them to be "local" to N. Conway BEFORE AH went missing, I believe this limits the specific reasons of why. Online predators, human trafficking, crimes against children may be a few of the reasons there was FBI activity. It appears there's been no shortage of investigations (as seen in the media) into missing children, human trafficking in the NE area in recent times. As far as the N. Conway area, was there non- reported, or under-reported cases of abduction attempts, luring, or cyber activity that was already being investigated? Was there an investigation into an RSO or RSOs?
I might be dragging this into the deep waters, but something is telling me that there was already an FBI presence in N. Conway and/or its surrounding areas before AH went missing. Again, this is strictly based on my opinion, given on the information i know about this case, and my experience working major crimes. Does this lead us any further into where AH is? No, but I think trying to look into (in general) the previous days/weeks prior to the report of her being missing, might put us on a track that we may have strayed from by looking into the finer details.
Side note. Ramsey stated in his most recent interview that its been confirmed that AH was seen leaving school property and going down the powerline trail. He states that this was based on info given by 2 of her friends. I personally would never use the statements of two 14 y/o to CONFIRM a sighting. Confirmation is such a strong word in an investigation. Eyewitness reports are among the least accurate forms of evidence. Were these two statements confirmed by a 2nd source of information?
