TxLady2
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the big difference between a cop and PI is that the PI was hired by a client (the family) whereas the cops have plenty of other matters competing for their time. you'd be surprised how many cops in many different jurisdictions do not take missing persons cases seriously unless there are some of the following factors involved - a. pretty blonde girl missing b. the MP is prominent in the community c. it looks like a crime was committed. if the MP is not white, not a pretty young female, is from a family that is poor or of modest means, the cases get very low priority.
I am not necessarily faulting LE as with the limited resources they have and the vast number of MP cases which resolve themselves favorably, it is often hard to justify the expense of search dogs, helicopters, draining of ponds, etc. when they know in the end the probability is that the MP will come home on his or her own.
PIs, since they are paid by the hour (presumably) have a financial incentive to make phone calls, follow up on messages, knocking on a few doors, etc. they give the families some sense of satisfaction that someone is actually paying attention to their situation and is actually doing something on their behalf.
BBM: That may be true in some places, esp. big cities, but it's not the same everywhere. They do take missing children's cases very seriously, but their hands are tied when it comes to missing adults or older teens, if there is some indication that the person left of their own free will. Not saying that's the case here, but the point is, LE may actually be doing much more investigating than the public is ever aware of. They do make phone calls, knock on doors, follow up on leads, but they don't stop to give us a minute to minute report.
I agree with your last paragraph, to a point. But while soothing the families' feathers may be important, it also takes away valuable time when they need to be out looking for someone. And there are a few unscrupulous PI's in high profile cases who do a lot of pandering and playing to the t.v. cameras and the family when in reality they are getting nothing done.
One last note, and this is not related to this case, but to others I've followed. A very good PI is not going to be a publicity hound and make appearances on JVM or Nancy Grace every night. He's going to be out there doing the job he's been paid to do.
No offense, you make some good points, but this is JMO.