Tuesday, June 18, 2013

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Technology is key tool in missing person cases
Posted: 01.10.2012 at 4:10 PM
Mark Slavit

Mark Slavit is the Columbia Bureau chief and the Mid-Missouri Traveler.

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Charlie Bell has been missing since September. Authorities have used technology to try and track Bell, but have come up empty-handed.
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BOONE COUNTY, MO. -- When someone goes missing, authorities first try to find them by talking with family members, friends and co-workers.

If that doesn’t work, they get help from today’s technology.

What kind of technological tools do detectives use when searching for a missing person?

Boone County Sheriff’s Detective Tom O’Sullivan said investigators use computer data bases, cell phones and surveillance cameras when tracking down someone who is missing.

Sullivan has used these modern advancements in his search for Charles Bell of Harrisburg who has been missing since September 15.

Detectives have not found any credit card or cell phone use in connection with this case.

There have been no sightings of Bell on any surveillance camera footage at area businesses.

O’Sullivan said it’s hard to vanish without a trace with today’s technology.

O’Sullivan said, “Thirty of forty years ago when we were a cash and carry society, you could probably get away with that for a while.  Because so many people are using electronic devices or making electronic purchases, it’s a lot harder to cover up your trail.”

Bell was last seen riding his red motorcycle on Dripping Springs Road in northern Boone County.

Bell’s family is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to his whereabouts.

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