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 searching public records. He emphasizes that there isn't a single best website for this purpose, as the most relevant information is often found at the county or municipal level. He advises avoiding common search engines, which may lead to scammers or advertisers, and instead recommends looking directly at courthouse and sheriff's department websites for accurate records. He also mentions state department of rehabilitation and corrections websites as useful resources.

Takeaways

  • 🕵️‍♂️ The best public records search site varies by region and specific case.
  • 📚 Larry K emphasizes the importance of training in public records and open source intelligence on his website, shadowanyone.com.
  • 🎥 Free training resources are available in video and blog post formats for those interested in learning more.
  • 🔍 Public records can be pulled from various online sources, not just a single website.
  • 🏛️ County level and municipal or lower misdemeanor court records are useful starting points for investigation.
  • 📜 Be cautious with search engine results; prioritize legitimate courthouse websites over advertisers and scammers.
  • 🔒 Sheriff's booking and inmate information is another valuable source of public records, often organized by county.
  • 🗺️ State department of rehabilitation and corrections websites are helpful for information at the state level.
  • 💡 Tailor your search to the specific county and type of court or record needed for the investigation.
  • 🚨 Avoid paying for public records that can be accessed for free to prevent scams.

Q & A

  • What is the common question Larry K from Shadowanyone.com frequently receives?

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

  • What types of training does Larry K provide?

    -Larry K provides training on public records, open source intelligence, and similar areas.

  • Where can one find the free training offered by Larry K?

    -The free training offered by Larry K can be found on his website, shadowanyone.com, in video format and blog posts.

  • Why doesn't there be a single 'best' public records search site according to Larry K?

    -There isn't a single 'best' site because the relevant public records depend on the specific location and jurisdiction of the investigation.

  • What level of court records does Larry K recommend searching for public information?

    -Larry K recommends searching county level, municipal, or lower misdemeanor court records.

  • What is a common pitfall when searching for public records online?

    -A common pitfall is mistaking advertisers or scammers who have manipulated search engine rankings for the actual courthouse or official government websites.

  • What is another source of public records that Larry K likes to use?

    -Larry K also likes to use sheriff's booking information and inmate information as a source of public records.

  • What type of phrases should one search for when looking for sheriff's department records?

    -Phrases like 'inmate search', 'booking information', and the specific county name can be used to find the relevant sheriff's department records.

  • What are state department of rehabilitation and corrections websites useful for?

    -These websites are useful for finding information on individuals who have been through the corrections system at the state level.

  • What advice does Larry K give on using public records for investigations?

    -Larry K advises to use the appropriate website for the specific investigation and location, and to avoid paying for or falling for scams when accessing public records.

  • What is the overarching message from Larry K in the transcript?

    -The overarching message is to do the right thing, even if it's the hard thing, when dealing with public records and investigations.

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 public records and open source intelligence. He emphasizes that there isn't one specific website but rather a variety of local and state-level resources. 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 advises being cautious of advertisers and scammers, and encourages users to look for legitimate, free training resources and to do the right thing, even when it's difficult.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Private Investigator

A private investigator, as mentioned in the transcript, is a professional who specializes in conducting investigations and gathering information not limited by law enforcement boundaries. In the context of the video, the speaker identifies himself as a real private investigator, emphasizing his expertise and experience in using public records and open-source intelligence for investigations. This profession is central to the video's theme as it highlights the importance of using the right tools and resources for effective information gathering.

💡Public Records

Public records refer to documents and information that are not considered confidential and are legally available to the public. In the video, the speaker discusses the importance of public records in conducting investigations and training others in this field. He emphasizes that the best way to access these records is through local government sources rather than relying on third-party websites, which may be scams or advertisements. Public records are crucial to the video's message as they form the backbone of the investigative process described by the speaker.

💡Open Source Intelligence

Open source intelligence (OSINT) involves gathering information from publicly available sources to be used in an intelligence context. In the transcript, the speaker mentions his involvement in training and open source intelligence as part of his investigative work. This concept is directly related to the video's theme, as it underscores the value of using publicly accessible data for investigations, rather than relying on proprietary databases or services that may charge fees or have limited access.

💡Shadowanyone.com

Shadowanyone.com is the website of the speaker, Larry K, as mentioned in the transcript. It serves as a platform where he provides training and resources related to public records and open source intelligence. The website is relevant to the video's theme as it offers tools and guidance for individuals interested in learning more about conducting investigations and researching public records. It is positioned as a reliable source of information and training, contrasting with the potential scams or advertisements found on other sites.

💡County Level

The term 'county level' refers to the administrative division within a country, particularly in the United States, where counties often have their own local government and court systems. In the context of the video, the speaker suggests looking at county-level records, such as municipal or lower misdemeanor courts, to find relevant public information for investigations. This approach is highlighted as a practical method to obtain specific and localized data, which is essential for targeted and effective research.

💡Municipal Court

A municipal court is a local court that handles minor offenses and violations, such as traffic tickets and minor criminal cases. In the video, the speaker recommends searching for county-specific municipal court records as a valuable source of public information. This is because these courts are where many legal proceedings and records are documented, and they are often accessible online, providing a wealth of information for those conducting investigations.

💡Sheriff's Booking Information

Sheriff's booking information refers to the records maintained by a county sheriff's office detailing the booking and processing of individuals into the jail system. In the transcript, the speaker mentions using this type of information as a common source for investigations. It is a key concept in the video because it represents a valuable resource for finding information on individuals who have been arrested or are currently in custody, which can be crucial for an investigator's work.

💡Inmate Information

Inmate information pertains to the personal details and status of individuals who are currently incarcerated within a correctional facility. The speaker in the video highlights the importance of this type of data for investigations, as it can provide insights into the background and criminal history of a person of interest. The speaker advises looking for this information at the county level, which is directly related to the video's theme of using public records for investigative purposes.

💡State Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections

The State Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections is a government agency responsible for the supervision and rehabilitation of adult offenders and the administration of state prisons. In the context of the video, the speaker suggests using these state-level websites as a resource for information related to criminal records and correctional facilities. This is relevant to the video's theme as it offers a broader scope of information that can be useful for investigations beyond local or county-level records.

💡Scams and Advertisements

Scams and advertisements are mentioned in the transcript as potential obstacles when searching for public records online. The speaker warns against falling for paid services or fraudulent websites that may mislead users by appearing at the top of search engine results. This is an important concept in the video, as it advises the audience to be cautious and discerning when looking for reliable sources of information, and to prioritize legitimate government and public records sources over those that may be trying to exploit their search for information.

💡Investigation

Investigation, as the core theme of the video, refers to the process of examining and researching in order to uncover facts or information. The speaker, being a private investigator, emphasizes the importance of using the correct methods and resources for conducting an effective investigation. This involves utilizing public records, open-source intelligence, and other legitimate sources of information to build a comprehensive understanding of a subject or situation. The video's message underscores the need for thorough and ethical investigative practices.

Highlights

The best public records search site is not a single website but varies by region and specific needs.

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

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 manipulate search engine rankings.

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

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

State Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections websites are another valuable resource for investigators.

The key to effective public records searching is knowing which specific websites to use for your investigation's location.

Avoid paying for public records that are freely available through the right sources.

The speaker advises to do the right thing, even if it's the hard thing, emphasizing ethical considerations in investigations.

Public records can reveal a lot of information, but the methods and sources must be tailored to the individual case.

Shadowanyone.com offers a Public Records Mini Course for those interested in learning more about the field.

When searching for public records, it's important to know the county where the subject resides, works, or has connections.

Some public records may not be online and could require a formal request or letter to access.

The speaker discourages the use of paid services that may scam individuals looking for public records.

The effectiveness of public records searches depends on using the appropriate websites for the specific state and county.