Putting someone under a microscope -- Using public records

If you have not already, here are some of the places you can go to find out information about the individuals you are researching. (This compilation is from the archives of IRE especially Don Ray and Jennifer LaFleur).

1. telephone directories and reverse directories (These list phone numbers by address and addressed by phone numbers so that if you know either of these things, you can find out the other about your subject.)

2. County Board of Elections have voter records that tell you name, address, prior address, date and place of birth, occupation, party affiliation, phone numbers sometimes, and how often they have voted.

3. local newspapers

4. state licensing boards -- contractors, electricians, barbers, private investigators, doctors, nurses, morticians all need to be licensed. Check the state of your subject's license.

5. County clerks keep marriage licenses, divorce and probate records

6. County assessor keeps track of names and address of people being sent property tax bills.

7. City clerks keep business permits and building permits and often, pet records

8. Municipal Court Clerk -- look up civil and criminal case files in this low-level court and traffic court.

9. U.S. District Court -- bankruptcy files and federal-level civil and criminal cases. Also naturalization and citizen records.

10. Department of Motor Vehicle drivers license (this does cost a small fee) and vehicle registration

11. Deeds and mortgages (online mostly now)

12. for candidates and public office holders check campaign finances and financial disclosure forms

13. college alumni offices and yearbooks. High schools too

14. resumes

15. gun permit databases in county clerks (or sheriffs) offices to find out if someone is allowed to carry a concealed weapon

16. Who's Who directories