Law-Forums.org

[sebastiano]

I need to know a general outline of what law enforcement does when receiving a missing persons call. Educated answers please. I know they all differ but general outline is fine. I'm assuming first call then find information from caller. Send cars n put alert out to local police to look out. Then talk to people by branching out from family first...then?

[francisco]

Missing persons cases vary widely, and the response also varies widely. Unless the person missing is endangered, such as mentally challenged or very old, there is no reponse. It is not against the law to go missing.

If my wife doesn't come home, and I have no reason to believe she has been kidnapped or other criminal activity is involved... the police will do no more than take the information and make an NCIC entry. They will not actively investigate or look for her. There would be a local BOLO (be on the lookout) for her, and that would be the end of it. If she were to have contact with a police agency, they would see the NCIC missing person entry. They would advise her that she has been reported missing, and request that she contact me. That's all they can do.. if she doesn't want to contact me or come home, there is nothing they can do about it.

Now, if the person is unable to care for themselves, or suicidal, or elderly and confused, they would actively search for that person. At least for a little while.

[tanishia]

Missing persons cases vary widely, and the response also varies widely. Unless the person missing is endangered, such as mentally challenged or very old, there is no reponse. It is not against the law to go missing.

If my wife doesn't come home, and I have no reason to believe she has been kidnapped or other criminal activity is involved... the police will do no more than take the information and make an NCIC entry. They will not actively investigate or look for her. There would be a local BOLO (be on the lookout) for her, and that would be the end of it. If she were to have contact with a police agency, they would see the NCIC missing person entry. They would advise her that she has been reported missing, and request that she contact me. That's all they can do.. if she doesn't want to contact me or come home, there is nothing they can do about it.

Now, if the person is unable to care for themselves, or suicidal, or elderly and confused, they would actively search for that person. At least for a little while.

The procedures varies per state. if they are under the age of 16 or eighteen in some states they are considered an minor and treated more serious from adults. Knowing the state and age will help to answer the question better. A missing person's can be filled and alerts are issued to locate the person. They can also issue a silver alert for the elderly. when this is issue the if located they will notify the person that filed the report. No they do not go begin a search and rescue unless they suspect foul play.