What to Do When A Loved One Goes Missing A Guide to Help
1st Step: FILE A REPORT WITH YOUR LOCAL OR STATE POLICE
We cannot stress this first step enough!! You do NOT have to wait 24-48 hours.
- Waiting is lost time in the search of your loved one.
- You will receive a police report and case number.
- The police report is vital in helping get the information out to the public.
- All information given to law enforcement will be entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center) and ask that information be entered into NamUS.
- Have at least 2-3 current pictures of your loved one for the police report. The other pictures "'ill come in handy for media, paper, fliers and social media. If pictures show missing person smiling, tattoos, scars, eye color, glasses, dental work and hair color this all helps identify person when found.
- Tell law enforcement of all mental, (bipolar, schizoid frantic), behavioral (Autistic, depression) medical issues (Heart, diabetic) and medication taken by your loved one.
- Keep a list of names, email addresses and phone numbers (in this packet) of all individuals you have spoken to for future reference.
- Ask for DNA to be taken. DNA from father and mother is preferred, if not from closest living siblings. DNA can be fro1n a tooth brush, hairbrush and soiled (unwashed) clothing from missing person. Unwashed clothing carries a scent for tracking.
- Fingerprints should be given to law enforcement and entered into the system.
- Dental records if available should be entered into the system.
- Notify law enforcement if there are any orders of protection, talk of a stalker or any unusual behavior in recent weeks before your loved one went missing.
checklist
Name:
Address:
City:
Hair Color:
Tattoos/Piercings:
Scars, past broken bones or surgeries:
Cell Phone:
Bank Used:
Wearing when last seen:
Vehicle:
Model:
Any visible damage to Vehicle:
Year:
Color:
Last known place where loved one was seen
Friends, address and phone numbers of missing loved one:
Place of employment:
Favorite places where missing loved one might go: