Age, Race, Gender, Disability, Socioeconomic status play potential role in lack of resources and media coverage for missing persons

For Immediate Release

Monday, August 19, 2013

San Francisco – Sean Sidi vanished on May 21, 2013, near 150 Oak Street in San Francisco, CA. Frantic, Sean’s parents Claude Sidi and Lynn Ching, immediately called San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to make a missing person report. The Sidi’s were particularly concerned because Sean was recovering from emergency brain surgery after sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury in an accident several months earlier. According to a statement issued by Dr. Geoffrey Manley, Chief of Neurosurgery at San Francisco General Hospital, “Sean’s medical condition puts him at significant risk of death, or of not making a meaningful recovery from his brain injury if not found quickly.” What the Sidi family did not realize is local and national resources to help them find their son are minimal. 

Kevin Collins missing February 10, 1984

It has been almost 30 years since Kevin Collins vanished from San Francisco on February 10, 1984. One of the first children to appear on a milk carton, Kevin’s case garnered national media attention.  

The missing, featured on a milk carton.

In the years following Kevin’s disappearance, there were many advances in the way law enforcement and media respond to missing child cases.  However, as the Sidi family found out, how much help you receive depends upon the age of your missing child and possibly even their gender. Unlike the disappearance of Kevin Collins, few missing persons ever become a household name.

As of August 1, 2013, there were 80,870 active missing person cases in the United States. The total number of active juvenile cases totals 40,671 missing children ages 0 - 17, and 11,025 active missing persons ages 18 - 21, with 29,174 active missing adults ages 22 - 99. Of the total number of active missing person cases 39,692 are missing males and the total number of individuals entered as disabled total 5,104.

In 1982, Congress enacted the Missing Children’s Act, requiring law enforcement to enter a missing child’s information into the FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC). In 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially opened the doors of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to provide assistance to law enforcement and families of missing children up to age 17.

Suzanne’s Law, which passed in 2003, required that law enforcement enter any missing person between    18 - 21 years of age into NCIC.  In addition to NCIC entry, Suzanne’s Law enables law enforcement to register 18 - 21 year olds with the NCMEC and profiled on www.missingkids.com, along with making additional resources available.  However, despite the passage of Suzanne’s Law, many law enforcement agencies throughout the country are still unaware this law exists, and missing persons ages 18-21, are often not provided the services of NCMEC or properly entered into NCIC databases.

Sean was entered into National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS) and receiving services from NCMEC searching for their missing disabled son but discovered other resources to assist in the search are scarce. Experts say missing persons over the age of 18 still have minimal resources, and even less media attention, especially for missing young men.

Typically, Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts are not available for young adults who vanish – even if severely disabled. According to the official Amber Alert website, one of the criteria for issuing an emergency broadcast is the missing person must be under age 17. The California Highway Patrol - Silver Alert  website indicates the missing person must be 65 or older to issue a Silver Alert. Sean does not fit either requirement.

A family’s desperate efforts to find missing son transforms into national public awareness campaign

Sean Sidi, critically disabled missing person.

With the help of an army of volunteers, the Sidi family has conducted ground searches, held vigils, posted thousands of fliers, visited homeless shelters and food kitchens, and even traveled to the Montana Rainbow Gathering in an effort to find Sean. They have distributed a minimum 30,000 missing person fliers.

They have also conducted a very impressive social media campaign. The Sidi’s immediately created a website for their son at www.seansidi.com that has received over 80,000 unique site visits since May and 1,613,306 hits to their website. In addition, they created “Find Sean Sidi” Facebook page, along with utilizing Twitter and Pinterest, to get Sean’s information out to the public. Together, the social media sites are averaging 7,000 visitors per day.

The Sidi family post updates on activities, dates of vigils, personal notes to Sean from family and friends, and “Calls to Action” asking for help from the public to “share” and post fliers of Sean nationwide, hoping to generate the one lead that will bring Sean home safe. They even announced a $5,000 reward.

According to NOKR’s National Director for Missing Adults, Sean is considered an extremely “high risk” missing person case but even his critical medical condition does not garner the same media attention as other missing persons.

“Sean’s medical condition places him in a category of individuals with a disability who are at significant risk of injury or victimization if not found immediately - and with the public’s help, I believe we can find Sean,” says Kym L. Pasqualini. “I’ve spent twenty years in the field of missing persons and services to families of missing adults are minimal, but there also exists disproportionate media coverage and historically we have had more difficulty getting media coverage for missing adult males, and the same is true for missing persons of different races and socioeconomic status.” NBC news Damsels in Distress and TRU TV reports from 2004, reflect little has changed for families of missing adults.

Despite the challenges they have faced in their effort to find their missing son, Sean’s parents remain undeterred from continuing their aggressive public awareness campaign.

“We will never stop searching for Sean until he is found.  Despite the many advances in the way law enforcement and media respond to missing child cases, since Kevin Collins’ disappearance 30 years ago, there is a serious lack of resources available when an adult goes missing,” says Lynn Ching, Sean Sidi’s mother. “It has been very difficult to obtain government assistance in our search for Sean. There is an urgent need for stronger laws to ensure timely assistance in the search for missing adults, especially those with serious medical conditions.”

For general information and statistics about missing persons, you can reach Kym L. Pasqualini at (480) 466-0063 or kympasqualini@gmail.com.

About NOKR
Established in January 2004, The Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) is a humanitarian non-profit 501c3 dedicated to bridging rapid emergency contact information. NOKR is a 100% volunteer work force with volunteers in 87 countries. NOKR is a resource on more than 92% of all State websites, the American Red Cross, International Committee for the Red Cross, Homeland Security Disasterhelp.gov, USA.gov, Ready FEMA, and other federal agencies, as a critical resource for daily emergencies. NOKR is also an official partner of Microsoft HealthVault. For more information, please contact NOKR Deputy Director Gerry DiStefano at (803) 319-3017 or Kym L. Pasqualini at (480) 466-0063. Visit NOKR's website at www.nokr.org.

Justice for Bernadette Stevenson Caruso - What you can do to help!

 

Bernadette Stevenson Caruso, missing 27 years.

Bernadette Stevenson Caruso has been missing since September 27, 1986.

The 23-year-old was last seen leaving her place of employment at Shaw's Jewelry Store in the Eastpoint Mall, in northeastern Baltimore County, Maryland. A witness saw Bernadette get into her vehicle in the mall parking lot at approximately 5:05pm that afternoon.

Bernadette was in a child custody dispute of her 3-year-old daughter, and had also filed charges of domestic violence against her estranged husband, a Baltimore County police officer. She had been scheduled to appear in court within two weeks of her disappearance. 

Prior to her disappearance Bernadette had told a coworker that her estranged husband had called her and she was going to go see him to have a discussion.

Her gray/green 1982 Chevrolet Cavalier with MD license plate FYW-097 remains missing.


Call to Action

Missing 27 years, Bernadette deserves JUSTICE. Her family has only 6 weeks to gather signatures on the Justice for Bernadette Stevenson Caruso petition, and present it to the State Attorney by September 27, 2013, the anniversary date that marks 27 years Bernadette has been missing.

Bernadette was one of my missing persons cases while I served as CEO for the National Center for Missing Adults from 1994-2010. For additional information about Bernadette's case and the families efforts to find answers please visit http://www.bernadettestevensoncaruso.org/ 

I was signer #1008 and I urge everyone to spare a moment to ensure justice for this mother and sign the petition to show that every life is valuable and Bernadette has not been forgotten.

PLEASE SIGN & SHARE AS IF THIS WERE YOUR DAUGHTER/SISTER/MOTHER
It only takes a moment & would help this family immensely.

To make a difference and sign the petition please go visit GoPetition Justice for Bernadette Stevenson Caruso

Thank you so much!

Kym L. Pasqualini

Teen Pleads for Return of Her Missing Brother

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, August 8, 2013

San Francisco - Sean Sidi vanished on May 21, 2013, near 150 Oak Street in San Francisco, CA. His family has been desperately searching for Sean who suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent emergency brain surgery prior to his disappearance. His mysterious disappearance has baffled police and the Sidi family has conducted ground searches, held vigils, posted thousands of fliers, and traveled to surrounding states searching for the missing nineteen year old. Now, his fifteen-year-old sister Danielle Sidi, is pleading for her brother’s safe return.

As of July 31, 2013, there were 84,525 active missing person cases in the FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Nationally, 5,601 missing persons were entered into NCIC as having a disability that places the missing person at significant risk.  California has one of the highest numbers of active missing persons, totaling 20,032 active missing person cases as of July 31, 2013.

Danielle Sidi with her older brother Sean Sidi

At a time when teens sometimes get a bad rap, Danielle Sidi is a young teen with a mission. Involved in various humanitarian projects, this young competitive soccer player, has volunteered at retirement homes, built houses with “Global Works” in Puerto Rico, served meals to the homeless, and scheduled to begin a yearlong volunteer position with California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) in San Francisco. Danielle is a young girl who now has a mission that has hit home, finding her missing disabled brother.

Danielle Sidi and her brother Sean have always been close sharing laughs at home and sharing fun times while traveling with their parents. “I just want my brother home,” says Danielle Sidi. When asked what she would like to say to her missing brother, Danielle tearfully responded, “Sean, I miss you and need my big brother.”

Kym L. Pasqualini, NOKR National Director for Missing Adults and 20-year expert in the field of missing persons, is working with the Sidi family. “We often do not realize the impact on children and teens when a sibling goes missing, as ambiguous loss is considered by medical experts to be one of the most traumatic of human experiences,” says Pasqualini. “Considering the emotional impact families experience when a child goes missing, I am in awe of Danielle’s strength and courage to ask national media for help finding her brother.”

The family remains very proactive in their search for Sean and post updates and messages to Sean on their website at www.seansidi.com. Danielle Sidi also set up a Facebook page for her brother at https://www.facebook.com/findseansidi. The sites are averaging 7,000 visitors per day.  

For general information and statistics about missing persons, you can reach Kym L. Pasqualini at 480.466.0063 or by email at kympasqualini@gmail.com

About NOKR
Established in January 2004, The Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) is a humanitarian non-profit 501c3 dedicated to bridging rapid emergency contact information. NOKR is a 100% volunteer work force with volunteers in 87 countries. NOKR is listed as a resource on more than 92% of all State websites, the American Red Cross, International Committee for the Red Cross, Homeland Security Disasterhelp.gov, USA.gov, Ready FEMA, and other federal agencies, as a critical resource for daily emergencies. NOKR is also an official partner of Microsoft HealthVault. For more information, please contact NOKR Deputy Director Gerry DiStefano at (803) 319-3017 or Kym L. Pasqualini at (480) 466-0063. Visit NOKR's website at www.nokr.org.

###

Paying it Forward for Sean Sidi

A note from Sean's Dad

Hello supporters of FIND SEAN SIDI, We are starting a new phase of fundraising. We would like to
raise funds to support further investigation, flyer production and bus and newspaper/online advertising. Our goal in this second phase of fundraising is to get Sean's missing person information on city buses, billboards and in newspapers.

 Please help us raise the additional dollars needed to support this. NOTE: Thank you to all the friends and family who have already supported us. Your friendship in this difficult time has kept us focused, perseverant, optimistic and grateful.

Please go to http://www.donationto.com/searchforseansidi to help.

Claude Sidi

$5,000 Reward Offered by Family of Missing Person Sean Sidi

Sean Sidi vanished on May 21, 2013 near 150 Oak Street in San Francisco, CA. With the help of an army of volunteers, the Sidi family has conducted ground searches, held vigils, posted thousands of fliers, and even traveled to the Montana Rainbow Gathering in an effort to find the missing nineteen year old. The Sean Sidi Facebook page is now averaging over 7,000 visitors per day. Hoping to generate the one lead that will bring Sean home safe, the family is announcing they are offering a $5,000.00 reward for anyone with information that leads to Sean’s safe return or the arrest and conviction of any person(s) responsible for his disappearance.

For nearly two months since Sean’s disappearance, the Sidi family has enlisted the help of their community in a desperate effort to try to locate the missing young man who suffers from a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to a statement issued by Dr. Geoffrey Manley, Chief of Neurosurgery at San Francisco General Hospital, “Sean’s medical condition puts him at significant risk of death, or of not making a meaningful recovery from his brain injury if not found quickly.” Sean underwent emergency brain surgery only months before he vanished.

According to missing person experts, Sean is considered an extremely “high risk” missing person case. Kym L. Pasqualini has worked in the field of missing persons for twenty years as founder and former CEO of the National Center for Missing Adults. “Sean’s medical condition places him in a category of individuals with a disability who are at significant risk of injury or victimization if not found immediately,” says Pasqualini. “Every day Sean is missing creates more concern and urgency.”

Sean’s mother Lynn Ching hopes offering the reward will be the incentive that someone needs to provide information about Sean Sidi’s whereabouts.

The Sidi family has released a new missing person flier that includes the $5,000.00 reward and phone number for the San Francisco Police Department. The Sidi family is also asking for help of more volunteers to continue distributing and sharing Sean’s flier nationwide. The Reward flier can be downloaded and printed at http://www.seansidi.com/page/Missing-Flier.aspx or fliers can be mailed by contacting lynnkching@yahoo.com.

Kym L. Pasqualini is founder and served as 17 years as CEO of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization & National Center for Missing Adults until 2010. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media. Kym can be contcted at kympasqualini@gmail.com or 480.466.0063.

Please Help Bring Sean Sidi Home Safe

When we think of missing young men, many instantly assume they can take care of themselves but what if someone you love is missing and has a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? Minutes count! Sean Sidi has been missing since May 21st and determined very "high risk" if not found quickly. We need your help to bring Sean home safe. Please share and distribute his information.

If you would like to assist the family and need additional information please visit www.seansidi.com

Sean Sidi Suffers from TBI and Missing! National Call to Action Details

Sean Sidi vanished on May 21, 2013 from San Francisco, CA. The Sidi is requesting help from the public to help ensure all resources are utilized by San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to find their son. Sean has already been missing four weeks!

Missing with Significant Medical Disability
Admitted to San Francisco General Hospital for a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) on November 12, 2012, Sean Sidi suffered multiple skull fractures, subdural and epidural hematomas, and a frontal contusion. Sean underwent immediate brain surgery to save his life.

TBI can cause wide-ranging physical and psychological effects that can appear even months after the injury to include loss of consciousness, profound confusion, dizziness and loss of balance, convulsions, and seizures, to memory and concentration problems.

Sean’s surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Manley is Professor and Vice-Chair of Neurological Surgery at UCSF and Chief of Neurosurgery at San Francisco General Hospital. Dr. Manley issued a letter on June 18, 2013 with a powerful message of urgency. “Sean Sidi is still recovering from his brain injury. This puts Sean at SIGNIFICANT RISK as a missing person.” Dr. Manley goes on to state, I am fearful that in his current state he is in danger of not making a meaningful recovery or death if he is not found quickly.”

The urgency to find Sean cannot be overstated and you can help! See how you can help below.


The Sidi family is requesting the following from San Francisco Police Department:

1. SFPD TO COMPLETE SEAN’S ENTRY IN THE FBI NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION CENTER (NCIC) BY ELEVATING HIS STATUS FROM THE “OTHER” CATEGORY TO THE “DISABLED” CATEGORY, AND ADD ALL MEDICAL DESCRIPTORS SUCH AS SURGICAL SCARS AND FRACTURES.

2. REQUEST HELP FROM FBI. TYPICALLY, TO OBTAIN ASSISTANCE ON A MISSING ADULT CASE, THE REQUEST MUST BE MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. THE SIDI FAMILY IS REQUESTING SFPD TO REQUEST IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE FROM THE FBI.

3. REQUEST FREE SERVICES OF SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS, INCLUDING
MARIN SEARCH AND RESCUE.

4. COORDINATE W/ GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE AUTHORITIES TO VIEW
SURVEILLANCE.

CALL TO ACTION – WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP 

Call, write, or email the San Francisco Mayor’s office: 415.554.6141 - Ask for Deputy Paul Henderson and REQUEST that the Mayor’s office intercede with SFPD and help effectuate FBI assistance in the search. Reference SF Police Case # 130419573 / Sean SIDI

Mayor Edwin M. Lee

c/o Deputy Paul Henderson

City Hall, Room 200,
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Fax: (415) 554-6160
Email: mayoredwinlee@sfgov.org
Tel: 415. 554.6141
Fax: 415.554.6160


Call, write, or email Attorney General Kamala Harris’s office: 916.445.9555 and REQUEST the AG’s office to intercede with SFPD and help effectuate FBI assistance in the search for SEAN Sidi. Reference SF Police Case # 130419573 / Sean SIDI.

Kamala Harris
Office of the Attorney General
1300 "I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814-2919
Email: missing.persons@doj.ca.gov
Tel: 1.916.445.9555
Fax: 916.323.5341

Please help. Never underestimate how one person can help save a life!

Sean Sidi missing May 21, 2013

Please visit www.seansidi.com for additional information. 

About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.

You can help find Sean Sidi - Join the National Call to Action!

Nineteen-year-old Sean Sidi has been missing since Tuesday, May 21, 2013 from San Francisco, CA.  That morning Sean went to visit a former high school teacher near 150 Oak Street in San Francisco at approximately 11:40AM. He then spoke to his father on his cell phone at approximately 1:30PM, indicating he was heading to the park. His cell phone went dead at approximately 2:00PM. That is where the mystery begins.

San Francisco Police Department conducted a “Ping Trace” on Sean’s cell phone and determined his cell phone had gone dead in the vicinity of Alvord and Stow Lakes in Golden Gate Park and the Inner Richmond area. Sean has vanished without a trace.

Sean’s parents Lynn Ching and Claude Sidi indicate Sean has always had a firm history of informing his parents of his whereabouts, never leaving for extended periods and would typically come home by 6PM in the evening.  His parents are desperate to find their son and his medical condition warrants his disappearance should be handled with priority by the investigating law enforcement agency.

Missing with Significant Medical Disability

Admitted to San Francisco General Hospital for a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) on November 12, 2012, Sean suffered multiple skull fractures, subdural and epidural hematomas, and a frontal contusion. Sean underwent immediate brain surgery to save his life.

TBI can cause wide-ranging physical and psychological effects that can appear even months after the injury to include loss of consciousness, profound confusion, dizziness and loss of balance, convulsions, and seizures, to memory and concentration problems.

Sean’s surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Manley is Professor and Vice-Chair of Neurological Surgery at UCSF and Chief of Neurosurgery at San Francisco General Hospital.  Dr. Manley issued a letter on June 18, 2013 with a powerful message of urgency. “Sean Sidi is still recovering from his brain injury. This puts Sean at SIGNIFICANT RISK as a missing person.” Dr. Manley goes on to state, “ I am fearful that in his current state he is in danger of not making a meaningful recovery or death if he is not found quickly.”

The urgency to find Sean cannot be overstated.

How you can help

The Sidi family will be holding a “Vigil for Sean” on June 23, 2013 at 2PM at Golden Gate Park (Stanyan and Haight Streets).

The purpose of the vigil is to request help from the San Francisco Community. Because Sean is considered a “very high risk” missing  person with a medical disability, the Sidi family is requesting  San Francisco Police Department immediately enter Sean’s descriptive information into the proper "Disability" category of the FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and ensure all available resources available to the department are being utilized to find their son.

If you reside in the San Francisco area and can attend this event, your support is appreciated but you do not have to be in the San Francisco area to help.

On Sunday, June 23, the Sidi family will be releasing additional information about the search for Sean Sidi and an important “Call to Action” for the nation to join the search. 

I urge you to become involved. You may also visit www.seansidi.com for additional information.

When a loved one missing, few human experiences can be as traumatic for a family and no family should be alone in their search.

Sean’s descriptive information:

Name: Sean Sidi

Age: 19

Height: 5’ 5”

Weight: 120 lbs

Race: Asian/Caucasian

Hair: Dark brown

Eyes: Dark Brown

Last seen wearing:  Black and grey hooded “North Face” rain jacket, blue jeans, and black canvas shoes.

Identifying Features: Wearing braces on teeth, surgical scars on head from recent brain surgery, healing fracture on left wrist and wearing a black splint on arm.



About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.

Divorce and Child Custody Investigations - Private Investigators focused on the safety of children

How can a private investigator help keep my child safe during divorce or child custody dispute?

All too common in today’s headlines are stories involving children who have been abused. While we worry about our children’s safety around strangers, we sometimes fail to take the proper precautions to keep children safe in their own environments. Private investigators specializing in child custody investigations work directly with an attorney to generate a formative case for impeachment. Child custody investigators are trained to investigate and detect child abuse, neglect, substance and alcohol abuse, and other behaviors that may endanger a child. The information gathered by a qualified child custody private investigator about a custodial or non-custodial parent during a legal custody investigation, can uncover behavior that places a child at risk of harm, while also documenting the incidents of concern. This is a critical step in ensuring the information gathered during the child custody investigation can be presented in court if necessary. During cases of separation and divorce, no cutting corners when considering the safety of a child, and a qualified private investigator can literally save a child’s life.

Courtesy of  Throughmyeyes

Why is it important to utilize a private investigator specializing in child custody investigations?

Any separation or divorce is an emotional time during one’s life. At times, the situation can become volatile. While a parent’s first priority should be the child’s safety and emotional stability, it is not uncommon for parents to make false allegations to restrict the other parent’s access to the child. Unfortunately, children commonly become the pawns during a divorce and child custody case. Utilizing a private investigator specializing in custodial investigations can reduce incidents of false accusations, substantiate legitimate allegations, and ensure the child’s well-being is first priority.

Ideally, a qualified and licensed private investigator is hired to conduct the child custody investigation and work directly with an attorney during the pre-filing phase. The private investigator and the attorney handling the casework together to ensure all concerns are addressed prior to filing the case in court. This also ensures as much information as possible is presented to the court during the initial phase of the child custody case.

What happens during a child custody investigation?

A child custody investigator can document critical information during exchanges and visitations to chronicle how the child is treated while in the care of the other parent. Gathering evidence supporting mistreatment or neglect of a child during a legal custody investigation can entail interviewing the other parent, questioning witnesses, and conducting background checks on all parties involved in the child’s care. In addition, an experienced private investigator will conduct an on-site assessment of the child’s home can determine if the child is being cared for in a suitable environment by evaluating the cleanliness of the home and those who reside in, or frequently visit the home.

Also very common is utilizing video surveillance to document the parent’s behavior while the child is in their care, documenting those the parent associates with and who the parent may be exposing the child to, if the parent is participating in an illegal of reckless behavior, and any incidents of abuse such as keeping record of any bruises or injuries. Hiring a licensed child custody investigator ensures the investigation is conducted legally and the quality of evidence gathered can be used in a court of law. If required, the investigator will also provide expert court testimony.

Should I hire a child custody private investigator and what should I be doing?

• In court, judges commonly hear accusations from both sides. At times it becomes very difficult to determine who may be telling the truth and if concerns are warranted. Evidence presented in court by a licensed private investigator provides documented proof of allegations the court must take into consideration when making a ruling in a child custody case. It is especially important to present an accurate representation of a person’s character during any court case and even more important when children’s lives are impacted.

• If you suspect the other parent may be abusing your child emotionally or physically while in their care, it is important to substantiate those concerns. While hiring an investigator can guide and assist you, keeping a journal of any negative events, comments your child makes that are of concern, comments or threats the other parent makes to you, are helpful. Especially important, document any injuries the child has sustained in the care of the other parent by keeping written record and photographs of the injuries. Also, record any medical treatment received by a medical professional.

• If you suspect the other parent may be drinking excessively or involved in substance abuse while caring for the child, a private investigator can document the other parent’s actions by observing their daily activities, document those who come and go at the residence, and detect drug and alcohol abuse. 

• If you suspect the other parent is neglectful, participating in any kind of criminal behavior, or associating with individuals who may have a criminal background, it is best to have a private investigator perform a comprehensive background check on the other parent, anyone that resides with the parent or has interaction with your child. It is important to keep in mind, most incidents of child abuse and child death, occur within the home of a child and injuries inflicted by those trusted to care for the child. 

 

• If you are not certain who the other parent is associating with, a private investigator can conduct surveillance to document who is coming and going at the home, even documenting license plates to determine the identity of individuals permitted to be in close proximity or care for your child. 

• If you are concerned about how a child custody investigation may affect your child, it is important to know professional private investigators are highly trained in child custody investigations to utilize investigative methods that minimize exposure of the child to the investigation. In fact, most investigations can be conducted without the child ever knowing, as the investigator is there to protect the child and serve in their best interest.

When children’s safety is in question, it is always best to be safe than sorry. If no questionable behavior is uncovered, everyone can feel secure knowing the child is in safe hands with two loving and responsible parents.

About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym is an expert in the field of missing persons and continues to advocate for crime victims utilizing 20 years’ experience working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media.

Effective business intelligence protects company bottom-line

Whether your company is entering a merger, considering an investment, or assessing a competitor’s advantage, due diligence is a necessary factor to ensure a successful outcome.  Business leaders know the importance of growth but every opportunity presented holds the potential for success or failure.

Business intelligence consists of collecting and organizing large amounts of data that enable businesses to identify opportunities and develop strategies that promote long-term success. Hans Peter Luhn, a researcher for IBM, said in a 1958 IBM Journal article, “Business intelligence is the ability to apprehend the interrelationships of presented facts in such a way as to guide action toward a desired goal.”

Making better decisions based on business intelligence

Successful business leaders know the importance of information gathering and review before making any business decision. They draw information and knowledge from various professional disciplines including business consulting, law firms, journalists, and of course investigators.

For instance, when considering a merger with another company it is crucial to know as much about the company’s history, business management, ethics, financial solvency, possible undisclosed liabilities, leadership of the company, and their affiliations. All business transactions have potential risks and it important to assess these risks prior to entering any business transaction. The public information gathered can be quite revealing and prevent a decision that could devastate years of hard work, reputation, and even avoid litigation in the aftermath.

Another circumstance that could arise is that your company may want to know the demographics of your competitor’s clients. The information gathered would contain the number of products offered by the company, how many were products were purchased, how many were sold to men or women, the age brackets of those who purchased the products, the average income level, zip code, and level of education. Utilizing a combination of commercial due diligence and intensive analytical due diligence can forecast sales growth; identify a competitor’s operational metrics, procurement, customer management, and even fraud.

Benefits of internal business intelligence

While business intelligence can identify external opportunities and risks, internal business intelligence can be equally important. For instance, in the Human Resources Department of a company, the data collected on employee’s absences can be a predictive trend and therefore a strategy developed to combat income loss and retain employees. The same company may want to gauge how their latest marketing campaign is increasing sales in order to produce a trend analysis report and present the information in east to understand graphs and charts in PowerPoint at the next Board Meeting. The advantage of data analysis is endless when assessing performance measures of a business.

The risks of economic espionage

Corporations of all sizes face risks both internally and externally. Protecting trade and investment secrets has become increasingly difficult for large corporations entering the age of cyberspace. International corporations face increased loss and risk that ultimately affects the American economy.

In June 2000, Bloomberg BusinessWeek reported Larry Ellison, Chief Executive of Oracle admitted to hiring a private detective agency to investigate groups that supported Microsoft. Oracle was trying to uncover ties to research groups that had been releasing studies supportive of Microsoft during an antitrust trial.

Claiming it was his “civic duty” to investigate Microsoft’s affiliations, it was uncovered, the investigative group hired by Oracle attempted to buy trash from two housekeepers at the Association for Competitive Technology.

In a June 28, 2012, statement before the House Committee on Homeland Security and Subcommittee on Counter-terrorism and Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Counter Intelligence Division, estimated more than $13 billion losses to the American economy due to economic espionage.

Whether an insider employee is selling trade secrets, a competitor is attempting to infiltrate, or a company is the target of cyber-attacks, more and more companies, governments, and nonprofits face significant risks. Business intelligence when conducted legally and ethically can protect more than the bottom-line.

Private Investigators specialize in business intelligence

Professional investigative teams have private investigators that can verify information, collect information about financial transactions, assets, investments, liabilities, and identify existing contracts, business practices, and even political associations. The information is then provided to the client providing a solid base for decision-making.

Business intelligence involves research, measurement, querying, analytics, data mining, performance management, reporting, identifying benchmarks, information sharing, and regulatory compliance. To implement effective business intelligence strategy, it is important to have skilled investigators to help your company obtain the needed information while conducting a legal, ethical, and discreet investigation.

According to Thomas Lauth, owner and lead private investigator at Lauth Investigations International, business intelligence has become a necessary component of business management worldwide. “From a negative media campaign to competing for a contract, knowing who your opposition is and their political and media affiliations, marketing and internet campaigns, and even motives will give you the competitive edge” says Lauth. “The old saying, it is better to be safe than sorry, rings true."

About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym has spent 20 years working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media. Kym is now a freelance writer and serves as an expert in the field of missing persons and victim advocacy.

Michelle Knight, removed by police from FBI database only 5 months after disappearance - Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper

What I uncovered sent shivers up my spine but worse, it is representative of a much larger national problem - the deficiencies that exist between  the way missing child and adult cases are handled. After verifying the information I had received, I was  forced to make a decision to do what I thought was right and notified the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper.

Michelle Knight prior to her 2002 disappearance

I was acting on a hunch and had no idea I would uncover a huge misstep in the investigation of the three Cleveland women. Michelle Knight, the oldest of the three Cleveland missing women who were all found safe last Monday, had been removed from the FBI National Crime Information Center database (NCIC) nearly 15 months after she vanished!

An error was made that could have gravely affected Knight's case early on. Rather than point fingers at the law enforcement agency that is understaffed, under-trained, and underfunded, I say this error falls upon each member of Congress and their failure to appropriate enough funding for law enforcement agencies throughout the country to carry out the functions of investigating missing person cases properly. Law enforcement throughout this country desperately needs quality training so mistakes are kept to a minimum, and most importantly a legislative mandate requiring a unified response to missing adults cases with every single case entered into the FBI NCIC as required for children. 

Congress funds efforts to find missing children in excess of $30 million annually! Not to mention organizations like NAMUS, Project Jason, Black & Missing, and the Cue Center to name a few, who desperately need funding so they may assist to meet the ever-increasing need for advocacy assistance. If you see a system for children works, model it, fund it, and  implement it for adults.

Congress,this is one mistake that can only be undone by each and every one of you putting yourself into the shoes of Michelle Knight's mother who searched for her daughter and distributed fliers ALONE - along with every missing person Michelle Knight represents. 

One more thing to those up on the Hill, after 15 years of listening to me plead and warn we are fighting a losing battle without your congressional support - PLEASE, DO THE RIGHT THING! 

Here is the Plains Dealer Newspaper article that explains what we discovered today. 

Michelle Knight, held captive since 2002, removed by police from FBI database 15 months after disappearance
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/05/michelle_knight_held_captive_f.html

A special thank you to Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Leila Atassi who took my call today and ran with it! Doing the right thing should be as easy for everyone as it was for her!

About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym has spent 20 years working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media. Kym is now a freelance writer and serves as an expert in the field of missing persons and victim advocacy.

Robert K. Ressler - A Legend to those who fight monsters

Robert K. Ressler

Robert K. Ressler (02/15/37 - 05/05/13)

A former FBI Agent and Criminologist, Ressler is considered the granddad of "criminal profiling" at the Behavioral Sciences Unit at the Bureau and developed many of the programs that led to the creation of the FBI's National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. His contributions to this field have been numerous and immeasurable. 

~A hero, a mentor, and a Man who fought Monsters. ~ I devoured his books when I was younger and grew up to fight monsters too. My inspiration. Robert will be missed.

For additional information http://news.fredericksburg.com/justiceforum/2013/05/07/former-fbi-profiler-robert-k-ressler-has-died/

About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adults in 2000. Kym has spent 20 years working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media. Kym is now a freelance writer and serves as an expert in the field of missing persons and victim advocacy.

ABC affiliate WJRW News-Talk Radio Interview about the disappearance of Michigan resident Jessica Heeringa

I would like to thank Mitch McCoy and ABC affiliate WRJW Newstalk Radio in Michigan for inviting me to talk about the disappearance of Jessica Heeringa, and especially for the time you have dedicated to bringing the details of this case to the public. This is how lives are saved! Thanks again!

(Grand Rapids) -- 1340 WJRW spoke with an expert Monday night during 1340 News LIVE AT FIVE about how police investigate missing person cases.

Kym L. Pasqualini spoke to 1340 WJRW's Mitch McCoy. Pasqualini is the Founder of National Center for Missing Adults.

Click here to listen.

Women Missing and Murdered - Online Dating and Personal Safety

The day after Valentine’s Day of 2013, national news reports indicated a spike in new online dating memberships. Once somewhat frowned upon, looking for love online has become socially acceptable within the last ten years.

"It has been ten years since the New York Times declared it socially acceptable to meet your date on the Internet," wrote Ann Friedman in a 2013 article titled "Perils of Online Dating." According to Friedman, one-third of America’s 90 million singles have used online dating services. While some find love, get married, and live happily ever after, some have met with tragedy.

2011 Disappearance of Robyn Gardner Remains Mystery

Robyn Gardner vanished while vacationing in Aruba.

Maryland resident, Robyn Gardner remains missing after meeting Gary Giordano, 50, online. Robyn, 35, had met Giordano on an online dating site, developing a friendship prior to her disappearance on August 2, 2011, while vacationing in Aruba.

Robyn had considered Giordano a friend and even her close friends knew of Giordano as an acquaintance. Robyn accepted an invitation to travel to Aruba with Giordano where she mysteriously vanished while staying at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino in Oranjestad. Her family continues to desperately search for answers.

When Giordano reported Robyn missing, he told authorities he had been snorkeling with Robyn off Baby Beach on August 2. He explained he tapped on Robyn's leg when he noticed the tide begin to pull them out to sea and proceeded to return to shore. Once on land, Giordano indicated he noticed Robyn was gone.

Weather reports indicate the waters off Baby Beach on the southeast end of the island of Aruba, to be mild the day of Robyn's disappearance.

When questioned by authorities, Giordano's answers failed to add up and his lack of concern apparent when authorities arrested Giordano. While the search was ongoing, Giordano attempted to return to the U.S. Police arrested at the airport.

Robyn's friends and family all agree that Robyn would never go snorkeling. Robyn's younger brother Andrew Colson told the Daily Mail, "she just wouldn't want to ruin her makeup or get her hair wet."

Gary Giordano met Robyn Gardner online.

Two days after Robyn's disappearance, Giordano contacted American Express (AMEX) regarding a $1.5 million life insurance claim. Giordano had taken out a insurance policy with American Express Travel Insurance that would pay upon the "accidental death" of Robyn. AMEX informed Giordano the policy was only in effect during the time they were in Aruba and there had not been a determination as authorities were still in the early stages of search efforts for a missing person. 

In June 2012, Giordano filed a suit in the Cook County Circuit Court against Chicago based AMEX Assurance for $3.5 million due to failure to pay on Robyn's life insurance claim. Robyn remains missing.

Looming Questions

• Why did Giordano tell Robyn's mother he would stay and assist with the search, then brusquely try to leave?
• Why did Robyn post portentous message, "This sucks," on her Facebook wall at 2 a.m.the day she vanished?
• Why did Giordano fail to show any worry or emotion in the days following Robyn's disappearance?
• Why did Robyn's Gmail account indicate she had been online for two days following her disappearance?
• Why did Giordano contact AMEX on August 4th, only two days after Robyn's disappearance and ask if the policy also covered search costs?

Witnesses that were approached by Giordano on the beach following Robyn's alleged snorkeling accident report the following:

• One witness reported Giordano had a cut on his throat similar to an injury one would sustain after being scratched by a fingernail.
• Another witness reports she saw blood on the beach.
• Yet another witness reported she noticed Giordano was sweating when he told her his girlfriend was lost while snorkeling but the witness said his shorts were not wet.

Robyn's disappearance remains a mystery and many questions raising suspicion of Giordano's connection, remain unanswered, however speculation points to Robyn Gardner as one of many people who have fallen victim to an online predator.

Tragedy Hits Home in Central Michigan

Leigh Swanson met her killer online.

November 30, 2012, Michigan law enforcement announced the body of Leigh Swanson had been found in the woods, approximately 10 miles northwest of Midland. Her cause of death was a fatal gunshot.

Swanson, 45 years old, had met a man on an online dating site according to her mother, Beverly Kane. Kane said her daughter had expressed that she had a "bad feeling" prior to going on the date. 

On November 18, 2012, Swanson called her mother from the man’s home indicating everything was fine and she would be home soon. She never arrived and at the time, no one knew whom she had gone on the date with.

After Swanson was reported missing, authorities traced the Swanson's call to a house in Edenville Township, dispatching deputies to the location. When deputies approached the front door, they heard a gunshot from inside. Ordering anyone inside to come out with their hands over their heads, a man exited the home holding a cell phone in his hand. The man had been on the phone with 911 reporting his son had just shot himself inside. Police later found Swanson’s body in a wooded area on a neighboring property.

While the positive stories about online dating far outnumber the bad, the harsh reality is that online dating can also put people at risk. Following are some tips that can help keep you safe.

Protect Yourself

• Always meet in a public place. Never invite the individual to pick you up from your home or accept an invitation to theirs.

• Use the online dating site email system to communicate. Remember, the more information you give out the easier you are to find. Even providing a private email address gives someone enough information to find out who you are and where you live.

• If you decide to meet personally, attempt to obtain as much verifiable information about the person prior to the meeting, such as name and phone number.

• Make sure you let someone close to you know who you are meeting, where you are meeting, and as much information about the person as possible. You can even have your friend call you during the date. This gives your friends and family peace of mind but also sends a clear message to the individual you are with that others know where you are.

• Do your homework. It is not unreasonable to conduct a background investigation on a potential mate and could lessen the danger to yourself and those you love.

• No matter how comfortable you feel with the person, never leave your food or drink unattended.

While I am not discouraging anyone from online dating, I do encourage you to take every precaution necessary to protect yourself. We must not permit tragedies or the lives of victims to be in vain.

About the Author: Kym L. Pasqualini is founder of the Nation’s Missing Children Organization in 1994 and the National Center for Missing Adult, serving as CEO until 2010. Kym has spent 20 years working with government officials, law enforcement, advocates, private investigators, and national media, to include expert appearances on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, John Walsh, Lifetime, Montel, and Anderson Cooper Live. Kym is now a freelance writer and serves as an expert in the field of missing persons and victim advocacy. Kym is currently Director at Missing Media Solutions. www.missingmediasolutions.com.