Missing Persons Information
Discovering that a family member or friend is missing is one of the most frightening and distressing moments you can experience. Fortunately, local law officials and nonprofit organizations can help distribute missing persons information to assist the search.
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Options
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To file an official missing persons report, visit your local police department. Although the department will actively search for the missing person, you can seek assistance from other nonprofit missing persons organizations.
Time Frame
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As explained by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, “There is no waiting period to report a person missing to police.” Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to wait 24 or 72 hours before filing a missing persons report.
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Information
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When filing a missing persons report, provide as much detailed information about the person as possible. This information should include his birthday, age, height, hair color, eye color, physical build and clothes they were last seen wearing. Also include medical information and areas they commonly visit.
Considerations
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As explained by the police department in Mesa, Arizona, “Being a missing person is not a crime.” In many cases, a police department cannot force the person to return home or share their location without consent. However, in the case of endangerment, certain actions are taken.
National Clearinghouse
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In 2000, the National Center for Missing Adults (NCMA) was developed to provide assistance to families across the United States. Each state has its own clearinghouse, which keeps a database of missing persons and provides assistance to families. Visit TheyAreMissed.org for a list of state locations.
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References
- Photo Credit Police image by Zeno from Fotolia.com
