[bobby2o12]

Doing a report for my criminal law studies degree. Here's the scenario, someone is on the run from the law right. Now my questions are, can a local police department run that person's SSN and see where they are working? Can they see whether the individual has bank accounts or not? I know this may vary depending on the circumstance and also whether federal authorities are involved or not. Basically my report is to explain the process of how a police department locates someone that has a warrant or is wanted. I know the first step is going to their last know address, my questions consist of after that, what is the next steps?

[Fr_Chuck]

No, the police can not just run and see where they work, or where they bank. In fact to get some of that info they may first have to get a warrant. But they find a lot out by talking and interviewing people that know them

The other issue is what are they wanted for. For the majority of wanted people, nothing is done, they may drive by the address on the drivers license. But for the majority, they wait till they are caught or stopped for another offense like driving.

For serious crimes, they will work from evidence and go from there.

[bobby2o12]

Thanks for the reply. Can you be specific in the case separations? As in with felonies will they try harder?

[Fr_Chuck]

Again what type of felony? Also lets take Atlanta, they have a special group that services warrants ( arrest warrants) There is a group of about 30 or 40 officers, and perhaps about 10,000 active warrants to do. So they will take the most serious ones to go after first.

In some areas a smaller police department may only have two or three officers who investigate any new cases and try to find the ones from warrants.

Next if the felon has moved out of town, or out of state, those officers do not travel to find them, they will contact the local department who may or may not do much.

If it is a rape, or murder or serious attack. Perhaps a very large drug case.