Missing Persons Checklist - Updated 2017

Although every state and city are different in how they handle missing persons cases, these are some simple guidelines that can help you get the ball rolling.

1.  Don't let yourself hold back on making a report or calling to request a welfare check, out of worry that you are over-reacting.  The worst thing that can come of that is someone being mad that you were looking for them.  It is a whole lot better than waiting too long and losing any kind of trail they might have left.

2.  Make a report.  The police HAVE to take a missing persons report.  If there is any kind of waiting period, use that time to call hospitals, friends, gas stations and jails in the area your loved one went missing.

3.  Make a list of items that the person may have left behind that they would usually have with them.  Also try to obtain their license number if their vehicle is also missing.

3.  Take to social media. You can also make a page for your loved one to keep everyone informed.  This is especially helpful if you don't share all of the same mutual friends.  Anyone can join a page and that can increase the amount of people that can share the story, ask questions and distribute pictures.

4.  Keep notebooks around the house.  These will prove invaluable if your loved one goes missing for an extensive period of time.

5.  When the report has been accepted by the local law enforcement, make sure you get the case number.  In any communications with law enforcement, it is helpful to always include the case number.  It provides a much quicker reference for them to be able to look up the case.

6.  Ask the LE (law enforcement) to enter the case into NCIC and get that number as well.

7.  Ask the LE to enter the case in to NAMUS.

8.  There are many organizations that can help you create a missing person flyer.   If you create your own, be  careful to resist putting suspects names on the flyer.  In the midst of your tragedy, the last thing you need is a defamation case against you. Also, refrain (and I know how hard this is) from putting your own personal information out there on flyers.  There are predators that will take advantage of your personal information.

9.  If your loved one is missing in Oregon we can setup flyer distribution events and vigils.  Just let us know.  You can find us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OregonsMissingPersonsBlog and let us know when and where you'd like the event to happen. Or if you have an event that you have created, please post it on the page.

10.  Setup a facebook page.  I know a lot of people resist social media, but the truth is, it is a huge asset when you are trying to find a loved one.

11.  Try to keep as positive as an outlook as possible.  It may seem hard, but focus on your loved one alive and well.  It may not change the outcome, but it does wonders to soothe your heart while you are waiting.

Most of all, do not assume that law enforcement will do all of this for you.  They won't.  They don't have the time or man power and you will most likely need to put more into this than you previously thought.  They will do their best, but honestly it won't be enough.

If a month or more goes by and your loved one is still missing:

11.  As the case goes on (and hopefully it won't) try to keep as much correspondence and tips via email.  It is convenient to be able to go back and find information if you didn't write it in a notebook and you can refer back if someone tells you something. You can also forward important information to your detective.

12.  Insist on the detective (if it hasn't already been done) getting DNA taken from an immediate family member, collecting fingerprints and dental records.  David Van Norman of the San Bernardino County Coroners Department has a more in depth list of what to do and you can find it here:  http://onlineathens.com/multimedia/pdfs/110308missing_student.pdf

or copy and paste:

 http://onlineathens.com/multimedia/pdfs/110308missing_student.pdf

13.  If you are under extreme duress (and no one would blame you if you are) you can always appoint a trusted family friend to be the voice of the family.

14.  If LE haven't already, contact the media to let them know that you are still searching.  Even if they don't run a story, they will always know.  Eventually they will run one if you bug them enough.  Oregonlive is really wonderful about running stories on the Missing.

15.  Check our additional resources page for more help with your missing loved one.  The page is under construction, but you can always email me and I will help you get more help.

You are not alone in your search, and although it may feel like it, just know that there are people who will give you support and help you through this time.

Physical Searches

If you choose to do a physical search here are some guidelines from my own personal experience.  

1.  Hydrate.  Please take more than normal care of yourself on the few days before your physical search.  Drink as much water as you can stomach and get your body prepared for a lot of hydration and movement.  

2. Stretch.  I know it sounds small but you will be very grateful for doing even minimal stretching before you head out. 

3. Assign someone or yourself the Person of Direction.  This is a person that can mediate between volunteers and the Search Coordinator.  

4.  Assign someone or yourself the Search Coordinator or Search Commander. 

5.  Call your police department and find out if there is any protocol for citizens doing physical searches. 

6.  Invite the detective on your loved one's case but be understanding if they can't make it.  

7.  Documentation.  This should have been number one, but I wanted to be in chronological order.  Technology is our best friend when it comes to searches.  

a.  Try to keep communications with all parties pre-search via email or a Facebook page.Not only will this help in getting a lot of information out to a large group all at once, it will help keep a physical documentation that you can print out and keep in a file for the detective and for yourself. 

b.  Use a Facebook Event to keep people informed and up to date.  Create an itinerary and be prompt. Include stuff such as, What time to meet, where to meet, when to meet, who to look for when you get there.  Have the Search Coordinator and Person of Direction wear something specific, like a Bright Pink T shirt and a Blue ball cap... you get the idea.  Include this information on the itinerary so that they are easy to locate in a crowd.

c.  Compile a list of items that each person should bring and where each group will be searching.  All persons should provide for themselves the following:  Water, sun protection, medical devices and medications, emergency contact information somewhere accessible on self, sturdy shoes, cell phone (one with gps is best), snacks, and any other pertinent survival gear.  Add or delete whatever you choose and print out the list as well as distribute it via social media.  This will ensure you have been clear with everyone what is expected. As a sidenote, it would be really wonderful if you could provide water on the day of the search and be very generous with the appreciation.  It goes a long way.

d.  On the day of the search, compile a list or file of names and phone numbers of each volunteer.  Take pictures of each person on your phone and make a special album for this purpose. Get their permission first please and explain that it is for their safety as well as a way for you to remember who to thank when it is all over.  Have them hold a piece of paper with  their name and phone number on it.  Keep the papers in a binder in case you lose your phone or battery power. 

e.  Encourage the use of video collection on searches.  Focus on the landscape, not what people are saying.  Also, please don't record anyone at all without their permission.  GoPro's, drones and cell phones are all very good ways of documenting your experience.  Also the different perspectives may be very helpful in finding a clue.  Create a gmail.com address or email server of your choice for all of the videos to be sent to for review. 

I like the idea of the use of personal drones for physical searches in remote areas. Having a group of them spanning a large area can save a lot of footwork. If you have access to one, please utilize it for missing person's searches.  You can probably reach out to your community and ask for donations of their time and their drones for searches.  I have seen them used for real estate videos and sports too.  It's just a suggestion but I get excited just thinking about the time and energy saved by using these awesome pieces of technology.