How To Find A Missing Person
WHAT TO DO IN MISSING PERSON CASES
1. Go to the police in the precinct where the person who is missing lives (there is NO 24/48 hour rule)
2. Speak to a detective, do not leave until you do. Insist that the uniform officer allow you to explain the situation to a detective
3. Insist that the missing person’s information is entered in the NCIC data base and an investigation is initiated
4. Bring a list of the names and phone numbers of all family and friends, job address and phone, doctor’s and dentist’s name, phone and address, proof (tapes, journals, letters . . .see #17), and any other pertinent information to give to the detective
5. Make a flyer which must include the following information: (see sample)
· Clear photograph
· Reward
· Physical description
· Circumstances
· Phone number (family)
· E-mail address or web site for missing person
· Police information
6. Distribute flyer where the missing person:
· Was last seen
· Works or attends school
· Resides
· Target the same as above with the suspect if applicable
7. Plan a vigil or some sort of media event and fax out press releases (make follow up calls)
8. Call the daily newspapers crime/police reporters directly
9. Collect all the available photos and video from family and friends
10. Call and/or Fax the following people of importance:
· Senator/representative
· Assembly person
· Mayor
· Police chief/commissioner
· City council person
· Borough presidents (NYC)
· Public Advocate
· Missing Persons Squad
· National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
· Victim’s Services
11.Call all local hospitals and hand deliver your flyer (make sure it is posted)
12.Call all missing person’s credit card companies/bank (ATM) to ascertain the last use
13. Hire a qualified private investigator or obtain recommendations,
14. Make follow up phone calls/visits to the detective squad daily
15. Keep written documentation of all contacts (both phone, personal visits, e-mails. . . ) regarding the person who went missing
16. Keep accurate and detailed notes (date, time, exact words) as to all the information given to you by family/friends or any of the above contacts
17. Give the police full access to the missing person’s property, if they take anything (journal, phone records, tapes, letters, computer hard-drive . . .) insist on getting copies for yourself first
18. Set up a web site
19. Contact a lawyer to advise as necessary and legitimize the case
20. Contact Victim’s Services and seek counseling.
21. Encourage support and recommendations from families under similar circumstances.
22. Establish a hot line or tips line
Necessary Items:
· Fax machine
· Telephone tape recorder
· Computer/internet
· Large color photo of missing person (poster size)
· Call waiting
· Cell phone/beeper
