How the FBI Locates a Suspect: Tools and Techniques

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have a variety of tools and techniques at their disposal to locate suspects. This guide outlines the methods they commonly use, from accessing government and business records to employing advanced technologies.

FBI and Law Enforcement Tools

Agencies like the FBI have access to numerous resources, including government and business records. These records can be accessed with a court order or warrant. The FBI's ability to obtain vast amounts of data involves:

Comprehensive government records, such as NCIC (National Crime Information Center) US Postal Service and IRS records Property records, including DMV and tax records Credit records from various services Any interaction with businesses like utility providers

Through these various records, the FBI can piece together a comprehensive history of a suspect's activities and whereabouts over the past ten years or more. While some information is publicly available, much of it can be accessed through paid services like Lexis-Nexis, which are frequently utilized by private investigators.

Advanced Technologies: StingRay and Beyond

When traditional methods fail, law enforcement agencies like the FBI can turn to advanced technologies. One such tool is StingRay, which is widely used to determine an exact location of a suspect. Here’s how it works:

StingRay mimics a cell phone tower: When a cell phone connects to a StingRay device, it is essentially diverting the device to the location, allowing law enforcement to track the suspect. Ability to track: By imitating a cell phone tower, StingRay can lock onto a suspect's device and track their movements in real-time.

While StingRay is a powerful tool, it is important to note that not all information accessed by the FBI is unique to them. Much of the information available is in public records, and when necessary, paid services are used to obtain additional details.

US Marshals: The Experts in Tracking Individuals

For those suspects who take extensive precautions to hide their whereabouts, the FBI often turns to the US Marshals. The US Marshals Service is known for its expertise in tracking down individuals, making them a formidable force in locational investigations. They are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to handle the most challenging cases.

It is important to recognize that such tracking abilities are not exclusive to the FBI. Law enforcement agencies across the United States have similar capabilities and resources at their disposal. The line between publicly available information and information obtained through paid services is often blurred, making it a complex landscape for both law enforcement and the public.