(1) How Unsolved Missing Person Cases Are Solved (Pt. 1)

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138. WikiHow: How to Find a Missing Person

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WikiHow: How to Find a Missing Person
Co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD
Last Updated: September 4, 2020


When you believe a person in your life has disappeared, it's important to act quickly to set a search in motion. Start by calling the police department to file a missing persons report, then take measures to conduct your own search. If the person does not return home, you may need to alert the media and hire a private investigator. By taking the right steps quickly, you increase the chances of finding a missing person.


PARTS:
1) Contacting the Police and Filing Reports
2) Conducting a Search
3) Getting Outside Parties Involved

OTHER SECTIONS:
Questions & Answers
Tips and Warnings
Related Articles
References
Article Summary


PART 1: Contacting the Police and Filing Reports

Step 1

Contact the police as soon as you have reason to worry. You don’t have to wait a mandatory amount of time to file a missing person report. The faster you notify the police that your loved one is missing, the faster they can begin searching. Go to your local police department to file a report.

You should understand the limits of what the police can do, especially if the missing person is an adult. It is not illegal for a person to go missing.


Step 2

Provide the police with information about the missing person. To complete the missing persons report, you'll need to provide detailed information about the missing person's physical characteristics and last known location. Have the following information ready when you go to the police station to file the report:

Three current photos of the person

A list of nicknames or aliases used by the person

A physical description, including height, weight, age, hair color, eye color, build, etc.

A description of the clothing and shoes the person was last seen wearing

A list of possessions the person might be carrying, such as jewelry, glasses, contact lenses, accessories, a purse, a wallet, ID
cards, etc.

A list of scars, tattoos, and other identifying characteristics

A list of medications the person was taking, as well as allergies, handicaps, and other medical conditions

A list of relatives or friends of the missing person, along with contact information

A list of places the person frequents

A description of the person’s car or a different mode of transportation (a bicycle, for example) if applicable

A description of the situation surrounding the person's disappearance


Step 3

Keep a record of the report. Make sure you obtain a case number for your missing person's report. Write down the name of the person in charge of your case. Contact this person when you wish to follow up.


Step 4

Contact the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). The US Department of Justice operates this system. NamUs lets you upload information about a missing person for use by law enforcement officials, agencies, and individuals. The site helps missing persons cases wrap up sooner by providing this information to the public.


Step 5

Register with other missing persons databases or review their resources. You can use other databases designed to help find missing persons, many of which are geared toward specific characteristics. Consider registering with additional databases to gain access to their free services and resources to help you find your missing person.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children specializes in providing services for families of children who are missing. After you have reported a missing child to law enforcement, you can call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST(1-800-843-5678).

The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides resources for families of people with mental illness who have gone missing. Their website contains potentially useful materials, including suggested guidelines and forums.


REFERENCES:

http://missingpersonsofamerica.com/2011/03/06/when-can-you-report-a-person-missing/
https://www.findthemissing.org/en
http://www.missingkids.com/home
http://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Finding-a-Missing-Loved-One
http://www.lapdonline.org/lapd_adult_missing_persons_unit
http://www.amberalert.gov/faqs.htm

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https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Missing-Person
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