#1 missing persons investigator IN THE country
About Steve Fischer
Steve Fischer is one of the most active and effective missing persons investigators in the United States. He leads Search Investigations, LLC, a multi-state licensed private investigation and SAR (Search and Rescue) firm known for its high success rate in both urban and wilderness cases.
With certifications as a NASAR SARTECH and an EMT, Steve brings advanced field search expertise combined with forensic analysis capabilities, drone operations (FAA Part 107), and digital evidence acquisition (cell phone and tower data etc). His team is frequently called in by families, attorneys, and media to find those who others have not.
Licenses
- California: Private Investigator QM-10 | Agency: PI-189652
- Florida: Private Investigator C-3300341 | Agency: A3300187
- Arizona: Private Investigator 1786517 | Agency: 1786516
- Tennessee: Private Investigator 9101
- Alabama: Private Investigator 0977
Notable Cases
Steve has been directly involved in high-profile recoveries, including:
- Alisa Petrov – Coordinated the investigation from Las Vegas to Utah.
- Riley Strain – Led the death investigation and field operations for the family.
- Doris Aguilar – Directed the family’s investigation, ultimately resolving the case.
- Jesse Farber – Used cell tower analysis and SAR modeling to locate Jesse’s remains.
- Celeste Rivas Hernandez – Led the private investigation after she was found deceased in Hollywood Hills.
- Layla Santanello, Hollynn Snapp, Sebastian Rogers – Current lead investigator on all three cases.
- Kiely Rodni – Assisted in search and rescue and post search investigation and located fire cam footage showing her SUV entering the reservoir.
Media Appearances
- Court TV – Expert guest on multiple cases including Celeste Rivas Hernandez, Jennifer Gledhill, Melodee Buzzard
- NewsNation, Law & Crime Network, Inside Edition, NBC, ABC, CBS
- Quoted and featured in LA Times, New York Times, Rolling Stone, People, BBC and local news outlets across the country
Social: @sf_investigates on Twitter/X
Steve’s extensive training and certifications include:
Licensed Private Investigator in California, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, and Alabama
FAA Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine Licensed Pilot
FAA Licensed Commercial Drone Pilot
POST certified
NASAR SARTECH Ground Search Technician Certification
FEMA Certifications 100-800
Training in Lost Person Behavior, Man Tracking, Alzheimer’s Missing Person Behavior, Searching for Autistic Children Certification, and more.
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Certification.
ABOUT SEARCH INVESTIGATIONS
Search Investigations is the nation’s premier missing persons private investigation firm. Our mission is simple: to bring missing persons home and provide resolution for families. We specialize in locating missing loved ones using advanced technology, experienced investigators, and a relentless dedication to results.
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At Search Investigations, we understand the emotional toll of a missing persons case. That’s why we work tirelessly, combining cutting-edge tools, years of experience, and an empathetic approach to deliver results. Our team’s diverse skills enable us to:
Conduct professional interviews and gather crucial information discreetly.
Collaborate seamlessly with local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Analyze electronic data such as cell phone records and digital footprints.
We leave no stone unturned, giving families confidence that every possible effort is being made to reunite them with their loved ones.
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Our team’s extensive qualifications ensure that we are prepared for any scenario. Highlights of our training and certifications include:
Private Investigation: Licensed in California, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, and Alabama
Search and Rescue:
NASAR SARTECH Certification
Certified in Automated Drone Image Analysis for Search Operations (ADIAT)
Law enforcement-deployed SAR team member
Wilderness First Aid Certification
Crime Scene Preservation and Evidence Certification
Emergency Medical Training:
EMT Certification
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
FAA Certifications:
Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine Licensed Pilot
Licensed Commercial Drone Pilot
Specialized Training:
LOC8 Detection Software
Alzheimer’s Missing Person Behavior Certification
Searching for Autistic Children Certification
Child Sex Trafficking and Child Sexual Abuse Certification (NCMEC)
FEMA Certifications:
IS-100c, IS-200c, IS-315a, IS-405, and IS-700b
Our breadth of knowledge equips us to respond effectively to a variety of missing persons cases, ensuring every tool and resource is utilized to its fullest potential.
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When every minute counts, we step in to bridge the gap where law enforcement resources may be limited. Our team is equipped with:
Search and Rescue Equipment: Tools like thermal imaging drones, including advanced Search and Rescue Drone Thermal Imaging, proprietary detection software, and underwater ROVs.
Specialized Search Resources: K9 units, including collaboration with SAR K9 and handlers organizations, boots-on-the-ground searches, and access to critical databases, including license plate readers and digital footprints.
Focused Expertise: Unlike law enforcement, who often juggle multiple cases, our sole focus is on your case, ensuring every lead is pursued.
drones
Thermal imaging drones are a powerful tool for missing person searches, leveraging infrared technology to detect body heat and rapidly scan large areas, including dense forests, fields, and bodies of water. These drones operate effectively both day and night, making them crucial in time-sensitive scenarios such as locating missing children or individuals with medical conditions. By identifying heat signatures quickly, thermal imaging drones significantly improve the chances of a safe and successful rescue.
#1 missing persons agency IN THE country
Since 2023, Steve Fischer of Search Investigations has successfully located 27 missing persons, providing families with the answers they needed. We operate nationwide with Search and Rescue services available in all 50 states, and private investigation services in Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Alabama, and states with reciprocity agreements.