How to Look for a Missing Person
When a loved one disappears, it is natural for panic and fear to take over. It is imperative, however, to begin the process of looking for the missing person in order to bring attention to the situation and increase the chances of finding the missing person in good health.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Looking for a Missing Person
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1
Contact the local police department immediately. Give the responding officer vital information including what the person was wearing and a recent photograph. Call the missing person's dentist, if possible, to get dental records released.
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2
Have the police department register the missing person's information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If the local police department will not do this in a timely manner, contact the FBI. If the missing person is a child, this is required under the Missing Children's Act of 1982.
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3
In the case of a missing child, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. Other options include contacting Operation Lookout/National Center for Missing Youth at1-800-LOOKOUT, the Missing Children Help Center at 1-800-USA-KIDS, and other nonprofit organizations.
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4
Make posters that include all of the vital information of the missing person, including a recent photograph, and distribute them immediately. In the event of an abducted child, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can aid parents with various resources for this task.
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5
Contact all of the missing person's friends, family, and place of school or work to gather information that may aid the police department in the search for the missing person. A flag can be placed on the missing person's birth certificate through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Maintain communication with local authorities to keep the case fresh in their minds.
Keep records of all conversations in order to be more efficient.
Losing a loved one can be devastating. Be persistent and don't ever give up hope.
