A missing person is someone who has disappeared from their accustomed network of personal and social relationships, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. The Association of Chief Police Officers defines the term as: “a person is considered to be missing whenever they are out of contact with their normal network of family, friends and work colleagues to an extent that people within that network define their absence as interfering with the performance by that person of their expected social responsibilities.”
A missed person case can be difficult and time-consuming to investigate. However, many families have found success in finding their loved ones by following a checklist of important steps. These include contacting law enforcement, gathering information, preserving evidence and enlisting the help of others.
Immediately report your missing loved one to the local law enforcement agency. They will ask you to provide a detailed physical description of the person, clothing they were wearing and when and where they went missing. They will also ask you to give them a list of places they frequently visit and people they talk to often. They may also request bank records, cell phone information and social media account information.
Post a missing person poster in local restaurants, bars, churches and hospitals. You can also create a Facebook page or website for the missing person. Be sure to include a photograph and an urgent plea for their return. Use a searchable heading like “Find Missing Jane Smith” to help your post show up on Google searches.