Real Private Investigator tells the TRUTH! What’s the Best Public Records Search Site?

ShadowAnyone
1 Dec 202003:23

TLDRLarry K from Shadowanyone.com discusses the best approach for public records searches, emphasizing the importance of looking at county-specific resources rather than a single website. He advises avoiding common search engine results, which may lead to scams or advertisements, and instead searching for county court records, sheriff's booking information, and state department of rehabilitation and corrections websites. Larry stresses the need to tailor the search to the specific area of interest and reminds users to conduct their investigations ethically.

Takeaways

  • 🕵️‍♂️ The best public records search site varies by region and specific case.
  • 📚 Larry K from Shadowanyone.com provides free training on public records and open source intelligence.
  • 🌐 Look for county-level municipal or lower misdemeanor court records online.
  • 🔍 Be cautious with search engine results; prioritize official courthouse websites over advertisers and scammers.
  • 🏛️ Know the specific county where the subject resides, lives, or works for effective searches.
  • 🚨 Sheriff's booking and inmate information is a valuable source, often organized by county.
  • 📄 If the information is not online, consider requesting it through official channels like letters.
  • 🏢 State Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections websites are useful, but their helpfulness varies by state.
  • 🌟 Tailor your search to the specific website relevant to your investigation.
  • 💡 Always conduct investigations ethically, remembering to do the right thing even when it's challenging.

Q & A

  • What is the common question Larry K from Shadowanyone.com gets about public records?

    -The common question Larry K gets is about the best public records search site he uses.

  • What types of training does Larry K provide?

    -Larry K provides training in public records, open source intelligence, and related areas.

  • How can one access Larry K's free training materials?

    -Larry K's free training materials are available on his website, Shadowanyone.com, in video format and blog posts.

  • What is the importance of focusing on county-level records when searching public records?

    -Focusing on county-level records is important because it allows for more specific and relevant information to be found about an individual within that county.

  • Why should one be cautious when searching for public records on major search engines?

    -One should be cautious because the first few results on major search engines are often advertisers or scammers, not the actual courthouse websites.

  • What kind of information can be found through sheriff's booking or inmate information?

    -Sheriff's booking or inmate information can provide details about individuals who have been arrested or are currently in custody within a county.

  • How can one find the correct website for their state's Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections?

    -By searching with the specific state's name and terms like 'Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections' or similar phrases, one can find the correct website.

  • What advice does Larry K give on using public records search sites?

    -Larry K advises not to pay for information and to avoid getting scammed; instead, use the appropriate websites for the specific investigation.

  • Why is it crucial to use the right website for public records search?

    -Using the right website is crucial because it ensures that the information obtained is accurate and relevant to the investigation, and it helps avoid scams and misinformation.

  • What is Larry K's final message in the transcript?

    -Larry K's final message is to remind everyone to do the right thing, even if it's the hard thing.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Utilizing Public Records and Open Source Intelligence

Larry K from Shadowanyone.com discusses the common question he receives about the specific websites he uses for his public records, training, and open source intelligence work. He emphasizes that there isn't one specific website but rather a variety of local and state-level resources that are relevant to the user's area of interest. Larry highlights the importance of searching for county-level municipal or lower courts, sheriff's booking and inmate information, and state department of rehabilitation and corrections websites. He warns against falling for scammers and advertisers who often appear at the top of search engine results and encourages users to find the correct resources for their investigations.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Public Records

Public records refer to documents and information that are not considered confidential and are legally available for public inspection. In the context of the video, public records are crucial for private investigators as they provide valuable information about individuals, their activities, and legal proceedings. The speaker emphasizes the importance of accessing these records at the county level, such as municipal or lower misdemeanor court records, to conduct effective investigations.

💡Private Investigator

A private investigator is a professional who conducts investigations and surveillance, typically for private individuals or organizations rather than for law enforcement agencies. In the video, the speaker identifies himself as a real private investigator and shares insights into the process of using public records for investigative purposes. He emphasizes the skills and knowledge required to navigate and analyze public records effectively.

💡Open Source Intelligence

Open source intelligence (OSINT) is the collection and analysis of information from publicly available sources to be used in intelligence and security contexts. In the video, the speaker mentions his involvement in OSINT, highlighting the importance of using public records as a form of open source intelligence in investigations. This involves gathering data from various online and offline sources to build a comprehensive understanding of a subject.

💡ShadowAnyone.com

ShadowAnyone.com is the website of the speaker, Larry K, who is a private investigator and trainer. Throughout the video, he refers to this site as a resource for free training materials, video formats, and blog posts related to public records search and open source intelligence. It serves as a platform for those interested in learning more about investigative techniques and accessing public records.

💡County Level

The term 'county level' refers to the administrative division within a country, particularly in the United States, where counties are geographic and political subdivisions. In the context of the video, the speaker advises looking for public records at the county level, such as municipal or lower misdemeanor court records, to find accurate and relevant information for an investigation. This level of specificity is important because it allows investigators to focus on the area where the subject of their inquiry resides or operates.

💡Municipal Court

A municipal court is a local court with civil and criminal jurisdiction over matters that occur within a city or town's geographical boundaries. In the video, the speaker suggests that investigators should look for public records at the municipal court level, which is often accessible online. These courts handle a wide range of cases, including misdemeanors and other minor offenses, and their records can provide valuable insights into an individual's legal history.

💡Search Engines

Search engines are software systems designed to search the internet or a database for information based on user-entered keywords. In the video, the speaker warns about the potential pitfalls of using search engines to find public records websites, as the top results may be advertisers or scammers rather than the actual courthouse websites. He advises investigators to be cautious and to look beyond the initial search results to find legitimate sources of public records.

💡Sheriff's Booking Information

Sheriff's booking information refers to the records maintained by a county sheriff's office that document individuals who have been arrested and booked into jail. In the video, the speaker mentions using sheriff's booking information as a valuable source for investigative purposes. This information can provide details about a person's arrest history, which is often a matter of public record and can be accessed by investigators to understand a subject's background.

💡Inmate Information

Inmate information pertains to the personal details and records of individuals who are currently incarcerated in a correctional facility. In the context of the video, the speaker highlights the importance of using inmate information as part of an investigation. This can include details such as the inmate's name, charges, sentencing information, and other relevant data that can be accessed through public records or directly from the sheriff's department of the relevant county.

💡State Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections

The State Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections is a government agency responsible for the supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders into society. In the video, the speaker refers to these departments as a resource for public records related to criminal convictions and sentences. These websites can provide information on the status of offenders, their release dates, and other details that are crucial for conducting comprehensive background checks and investigations.

💡Investigation

Investigation in this context refers to the systematic process of gathering information and evidence to uncover facts about a person or situation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using various public records and open source intelligence in conducting effective investigations. This involves meticulous research, analysis, and the use of legitimate resources to build a clear and accurate picture of the subject matter.

Highlights

The best public records search site is not a single website but varies by location and type of information needed.

Larry K from Shadowanyone.com emphasizes the importance of training in public records, open source intelligence, and related areas.

Free training resources are available at Shadowanyone.com in video format and blog posts.

For public records searches, it's crucial to look at the county level, municipal or lower misdemeanor court records.

When searching online, be cautious of advertisers and scammers who may appear at the top of search engine results.

Actual courthouse websites may not be optimized for search engines but are still valuable resources for public records.

Sheriff's booking and inmate information is another useful source of public records, varying by county.

State Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections websites are helpful for certain types of information, but vary by state.

It's important to use the correct website for your specific investigation and not be misled by generic or non-local websites.

Larry K advises to do the right thing, even if it's the hard thing, emphasizing ethics in public records research.

Public records can reveal a lot of information, but the process requires knowing where and how to look effectively.

The key to successful public records searches is understanding the local and state-specific resources available.

Avoid paying for public records that are freely available or falling for scams promising easy access.

For a comprehensive investigation, it's essential to use a combination of county, state, and local government websites.

The transcript provides insights into the methods and resources used by a real private investigator for public records searches.

Larry K shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of public records search, offering practical advice for investigators.