Missing Persons

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FOX CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Effective Date
01-01-2008
Policy Number
Policy 10-10
Reevaluation Date
2011
No. of Pages
8
Subject
MISSING PERSONS
Special Instructions:
Replaces current policy Section II, Chapter VII, dated 06-01-03

  1. PURPOSE

    The purpose of this policy is to establish responsibilities and procedures for the investigation of missing persons.

  2. POLICY

    It is the policy of the Fox City Police Department to give full consideration and attention to all reports of missing persons. This will include careful recording and investigation of factual circumstances surrounding the missing person in accordance with this policy. The Fox City Police Department will exercise particular care in instances involving missing children, those who may be mentally or physically impaired, and others who are insufficiently prepared to take care of themselves.

  3. PROCEDURES

    1. Classification of Missing Persons

      1. There is no waiting period for reporting a person missing. Reports of missing persons will be taken in conformance with the criteria of this policy and the seriousness of the incident.

      2. Persons are “missing” when their whereabouts are unknown and unexplainable for a period of time that knowledgeable parties regard as highly unusual or suspicious considering their behavior patterns, plans, or routines.

      3. Persons are “missing-critical” who meet any of the following criteria or circumstances:
        1. May be the subject of foul play.
        2. Because of age (young or old) may be unable to properly safeguard or care for themselves.
        3. Person suffers from diminished mental capacity or medical conditions that would place the person in danger if left untreated/unattended.
        4. Person is a patient of a mental institution, and potentially dangerous to themselves or others.
        5. Person is potentially suicidal.
        6. Person may have been involved in a sporting accident, boating, swimming, or a natural disaster.


      5. Abducted Children
        In cases of child abduction where the officer believes all of the following, refer to the Amber Alert procedures (Section D):
        1. The child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
        2. There is enough descriptive information about the child.
        3. There is enough descriptive information about the suspect(s) and/or the suspect’s vehicle(s).
        4. An immediate broadcast alert will help locate the child.


      7. Runaways
        For juveniles who have voluntarily left home and whose whereabouts are unknown, refer to Runaway Procedures policy.

    3. Initial Report Taking

      The call taker and initial responding officer are critical in identifying the circumstances surrounding missing persons and in identifying those persons at risk. Due to the seriousness of the incident, an officer will conduct the initial investigation. Due to geographical restrictions (for example, a complainant calling from out of state about a person in Fox City), an officer may take the initial complaint of a missing person over the phone.

      1. The initial call taker will gather as much pertinent information as possible on a missing person in order to initiate the proper response and for proper classification of the person.
        1. Name, age, and physical description of missing person
        2. Relationship of reporting party to missing person
        3. Time and place of last known location, and the identity of anyone accompanying the subject
        4. The extent of any search for the subject
        5. Whether the subject has been missing on prior occasions and the degree to which the absence departs from established behavior patterns, habits, or plans
        6. Whether the subject has been recently involved in a traumatic experience or has displayed uncharacteristic behavior
        7. Current physical condition of subject, if currently on prescription medication and the reason for the subject taking the medication


      3. If missing person is a child
        1. Is the child with any adult who could cause the child harm?
        2. Is the child the subject of a parental abduction?
        3. Has the child previously run away from home, threatened to do so, or have a history of explainable or unexplainable absences for extended periods? If the belief is the child is a runaway, then refer to the Runaway Policy.


      5. The result of these inquiries will form the basis for the potential danger to the missing person and the urgency of the police response.


    5. Preliminary Investigation-First Responding Officer

      Dispatch an officer to conduct a preliminary investigation to aid in the search and location of the subject. This includes gathering the following types of information and materials:

      1. Complete description of the subject and a recent photograph.

      2. Details of any physical or emotional problems.

      3. Identify and interview the last person(s) to have seen the subject as well as friends, relatives, coworkers, or associates who were or may have been in contact with the subject before the disappearance.

      4. Plans, habits, routines and personal interests of the subject; include places frequented or locations of particular personal significance.

      5. Indications of missing personal belongings, particularly money and other valuables.

      6. Suggestions of foul play or accident.

      7. In the case of missing children, officers should be particularly aware of information that may suggest the potential for parental abduction or the possibility of stranger abduction, as well as the following:
        1. Presence of behavioral problems
        2. Past incidents of running away
        3. Signs of an abusive home environment or dysfunctional family situation
        4. Name and location of the school attended by the child and persons who may be responsible for private transportation to and from the location


      9. When possible, officers should gain permission to search a missing person’s home and surrounding area, e.g., cars, sheds, et cetera. A school liaison officer may search a child’s school locker when appropriate and consistent with existing school board policies.

      10. If the officer or call taker determines the person is “missing-critical,” dispatch a supervisor. The supervisor will determine the length and scope of the search, notify the Detective Division, and consider use of further resources, e.g., canine, media release, areas to search, et cetera.

      11. The officer will request that the reporting person sign a Missing Person’s Certification form.

      12. An officer will send out a message to all local agencies requesting the officers “Be on the Lookout”

      13. Upon verification of a missing person, complete an Incident Report, Officer Narrative Victim/Witness Information and Suspect Information forms. The missing person is to be entered whether or not an affidavit has been signed.

      14. If the missing person returns during the preliminary investigation, the officer will interview the individual to determine the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

    7. Amber Alert

      1. An investigating officer who has reason to believe a child is abducted will notify the officer’s supervisor and then continue the field work of locating the child. The supervisor will follow through with the Amber Alert. Officers must document supervisor notification in their narrative.

      2. The supervisor will determine if the Amber Alert criteria has been satisfied.
        1. The missing person is a child (17 years of age or younger).
        2. The child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
        3. There is enough descriptive information about the child, the suspect(s), and/or the suspect’s vehicle(s) to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help locate the child.
        4. The Amber Alert is not to be used in runaways or family abductions unless the child’s life is in danger.


      4. If Amber Alert criteria has been satisfied, a supervisor will direct the procedures for Amber Alert.

    9. Ongoing Investigation

      Ongoing investigations of missing persons by detectives should include, but not be limited to, the following actions and activities:

      1. Request any available fingerprints and, in accordance with the National Child Search Assistance Act of 1990, request dental records of the missing person.

      2. Contact hospitals and the Coroner’s Office as appropriate for injured or deceased persons fitting the description of the missing person.

      3. Thoroughly check the last location where the missing person was seen. Conduct appropriate interviews with persons who were with the individual or who may work in or frequent the area.

      4. Conduct interviews with additional family, friends, work associates, schoolmates, teachers, school counselors and social caseworkers. Explore the potential for foul play, voluntary flight, or, in the case of juveniles, parental kidnapping or running away.

      5. Update and release any new information about the missing person. Notify the FBI and Interpol if there is a suspicion of parental kidnapping or stranger-to-stranger kidnapping.

      6. The Chief of Police or supervisor, along with the missing person’s family, will make the decision to use local media to help locate missing persons.

      7. The lead investigator will maintain routine ongoing contact with the missing person’s closest relative concerning progress of the investigation. Inform these and other relevant individuals that they must notify the lead investigator as soon as they make any contact with the missing person.

      8. Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) for photo dissemination and other case assistance.

    11. Recovery of Missing Persons and Case Closure

      1. In all cases, inform reporting parties of the wellbeing of located missing persons. Unless criminal matters necessitate other action, honor the desires of adult missing persons not to reveal their whereabouts.

      2. Missing persons should be questioned to find out the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and the possibility of criminal involvement.

      3. In cases involving juveniles, officers will ensure that:
        1. The juvenile receives medical attention, if necessary, in a timely manner.
        2. Initial questioning of the juvenile identifies the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance, any individuals who may be criminally responsible, and/or whether an abusive or negligent home environment was a contributory factor.
        3. Parents, guardians, and/or the person reporting the missing juvenile are notified in a timely manner.


      5. Upon location of a missing person, update all agencies and information systems previously contacted for assistance.

      6. Where appropriate, follow-up action will include filing a report of abuse or neglect.

      7. Document all information regarding the whereabouts, actions, and activities of the missing person.

      8. Where appropriate, file criminal charges with the prosecutor’s office.




This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge an officer’s civil or criminal liability in any way. It should not be construed as the creation of a higher standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense, with respect to third party claims. Violations of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department, and then only in a non-judicial administrative setting.