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1. What should I do if I have a family member missing?

• Search your immediate area where missing person was last seen to include the entire house or business
• Call a friend or neighbor for support and aid
• Check with family, friends, co workers and people who know your missing person to determine if they have seen the person
• Call local law enforcement or go to your nearest sheriff or police department and file a report. Generally, a report should be filed in the jurisdiction where the person was last seen

2. How long should I wait until I report a missing person to law enforcement?

There is no waiting period before you can file a report. In fact, the first 24 hours is the most important time frame to locate a missing person, so the sooner we have a report the sooner we can work to help locate the missing person. Very few missing peoples are the victim of foul play or some other criminal act. Most missing persons are found or return home within just a few days. If any foul play is suspected the investigation escalates accordingly.

3. What will I need to provide to law enforcement for a complete and accurate police report to assist with the investigation?

It is important to provide law enforcement with information to aid in the investigation. You may be asked to provide the following information:

• Physical description of the missing person including distinguishable features and clothing description
• A recent photograph of the missing person
• A list of scars, tattoos, any artificial limbs, etc.; photographs of tattoos are helpful
• Where and when the person was last seen or heard from
• A list of places the missing person may visit and any addresses he/she may have lived in the past
• Dental records or contact information for the missing person's dentist
• A list of any medical problems or medications the person may need
• Medical records and contact information for his/her doctor
• Names and contacts of family and friends associated with the person and their addresses and contact information
• Description of travel: direction headed, the means of travel
• Vehicle description including make, model, color and registration number
• Cell phone number of the missing person
• Bank records of the missing person
• Habits and unusual behaviors of the missing person
• Romantic relationships involving the missing person
• Any suspicious persons in the area or having contact with the missing person to include physical description
• A list of articles on the person, examples include braces, headgear, jewelry, glasses, lenses, hat, belt, purse, wallet, money, ID credit cards, etc.
• A listing of items missing from the residence such as a suitcase, personal items, etc.
• A total account of the situation surrounding when the person became missing, including accurate places, times and dates
• A hairbrush, toothbrush or other personal item that may contain DNA of the missing person

4. What should I do after I file a report?

• Obtain the name and contact information of the investigating officer
• Obtain a copy of the public record report and the report number
• Contact law enforcement with any follow up information or leads you may have obtained during the course of the investigation
• Keep in contact with the investigating agency
• Assist the investigating agency throughout the investigation with all requests for information and records
• Check with the local law enforcement agency about what information can be released to the media