How to File a Missing Persons Report in Ocala, Florida

Missing persons reports are entered into computers to make them available to other police departments.

Promptly filing a missing persons report is essential to getting an official investigation started before the evidence trail goes cold. In Florida, you can only file a report with the police in the jurisdiction where the missing person normally resides and from where he has disappeared. If your missing person lives in Ocala, that is where you must file. Some Ocala police reports can be filed by phone or electronically, but missing persons reports must be filed in person.

Things You'll Need

• Recent clear photograph of the missing person
• Descriptive details about the missing person

Instructions

1. Go immediately to the nearest office of the Ocala Police Department or Sheriff's Office (for locations, see References). Tell the desk officer you need to file a missing persons report on an Ocala resident.

2. Give the officer taking your report as much pertinent information as you can about the missing person's recent activities, where she was last seen, who she was with and why you believe she is missing. Detail any measures you have already taken, such as talking to her friends, calling her place of work, or going to her apartment.

3. Give the officer a recent good-quality photograph of the missing person. Provide key descriptive information, including height, weight, appearance, skin tone and any distinguishing characteristics (for example, moles, scars, or tattoos). Be as specific and accurate as possible: "chocolate brown" or "caramel colored" is more useful than "brown" in describing hair; "between 5'4" and 5'6" tall" is more helpful than "medium height"; and an honest assessment of the person's weight is more important than worrying about feelings being hurt if you give her actual 200 pound weight rather than her preferred (but incorrect) 140 pounds. The more accurate the details you provide, the better the chances of someone spotting the missing person based on the description.

4. Inform the officer taking the report about any medical or psychological issues that might affect the individual's well-being or actions. Specify any medications the missing individual regularly takes and describe any handicap or other physical condition that might hamper movement. Tell the officer if the individual suffers from any serious psychological condition that might require specially trained personnel to be involved in search and rescue efforts.

5. Request a copy of the completed report. Ask the officer to ensure the report is entered into both Florida and nationwide crime and missing persons databases. You will need the report number to track reports, hints and sightings entered into these databases.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are an Ocala resident but your missing person is not, contact the Ocala police if you need assistance identifying where the report should be filed. Contact the appropriate jurisdiction by phone and tell them you need to file a missing persons report; they will inform you whether they can take your report over the phone or if you need to come file it in person.

• Tell the officer if you believe the missing individual is armed or with someone else who is armed or otherwise dangerous.

• There are severe penalties for filing false police reports; doing so takes resources away from legitimate investigations and can result in fines and/or jail time.

References

• Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Florida Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse
• Florida Senate; The 2010 Florida Statues; Criminal Procedure and Corrections; Missing Persons Investigations
• Marion County Sheriffs Office: District Office Locations
• Marion County Sheriffs Office: Contact Us
• Ocala Police Department; FAQ; How Do I Report a Crime or Incident?