"No person is without worth, without identity, or without a name. If any one of us were to go missing, the world should feel its impact"

• In the unfortunate event that someone who is dear to you suddenly disappears, it is of utmost importance to act promptly. The first 48 hours are extremely crucial for gathering crucial information and evidence to help find them. Make sure to contact the law enforcement agency immediately and insist that they file a report as soon as possible. Request the missing persons report case number and contact information of the officer who files the report. 
• It is important to note that there is no waiting period to file a report, so it's best to act quickly. If there is any criminal activity, danger, injury, or risk of death, especially for individuals with cognitive disabilities or during severe weather conditions, it is advisable to call 911 immediately.

•  When someone goes missing, it can be complicated for many reasons. Some factors that may contribute to a person's disappearance include mental health challenges, domestic violence, and becoming a victim of crime. If you suspect someone is missing against their will, contact 911 or local law enforcement immediately.

Important Factors:

• Mental/cognitive impairment?
• History of going missing?
• Relationship problems?
• Financial problems?
• Necessary prescriptions taken?
• Missing personal belongings?
• Recent loss or anniversary?
• Missing car?
• Missing wallet?
• Emptied bank account?
• Feeling discouraged/depressed?
• Work/school difficulties?

• If you believe that someone you know or care about is missing, it is important to take action. Consider performing a wellness check at their home or visiting places they frequently go. You may also reach out to a friend or neighbor to check on their home. Alternatively, you could request a "well-check" from the police department for their safety. 

• In the event that you notice signs of violence or forced entry, do not proceed and call the police immediately. If there is suspicion that the person has been abducted or foul play is involved, request fingerprinting and preserve any personal belongings for DNA collection. It's crucial to gather as much information as possible to help law enforcement in their efforts to locate the individual.

• When searching for a missing person, it's important to reach out to anyone who has had recent or regular contact with them. This list may include family members, close friends, acquaintances, landlords, employers, coworkers, neighbors, doctors, or pastors. They may have valuable information about the missing person's whereabouts, the people they were with, or their state of mind during their last contact.

Some useful questions could include:

• When was the last time you saw or spoke with them?
• Can you provide any details about their behavior or state of mind during your last contact?
• Do you know of any places or individuals the missing person may have visited?
• Have you noticed any changes in their behavior or routine before they went missing?
• It is also important to keep track of any information obtained, including their contact information. This can help in building a comprehensive picture of the missing person's situation and coordinate efforts with law enforcement agencies or other organizations that may be involved in the search.

• Department Of Justice, Missing Persons This resource page provides information on how to report a missing person and other helpful links.

• National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS). Their system allows law enforcement, NamUs specialists, and the general public to access a database containing details of missing persons. 

• If a minor is missing, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

• Missing and Murdered Indigenous People The Missing and Murdered Unit within the Office of Justice Services focuses on analyzing and solving missing and murdered cases involving American Indians and Alaska Natives.

• Missing Person Organizations Reach out to organizations specializing in missing person cases. They have experience and can offer valuable guidance. By working closely with the community, these organizations can often quickly and effectively spread the word about your missing loved one.

Tips for creating missing person flyers:

• Select the most recent photo available of the missing person. Recent photos are more likely to reflect their current appearance.
• Provide a brief description of the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. Include a detailed description of their clothing and distinctive features. Mention physical characteristics, such as tattoos, piercings, or unique hairstyles or colors. These details will help people identify the missing person.
• To avoid potential identity theft issues, list their age or birth year instead of their actual birth date. 
• Once the flyers are ready, gather a team of volunteers to help hang them up in areas where the missing person was last seen or is likely to go. Focus on shopping centers, restaurants, bus stops, convenience stores, grocery stores, parks, and gyms.
• Contact local businesses; some may offer discounts or print free flyers for your missing loved one. This approach will help you get more flyers and increase the chances of finding the missing person.

Create and Download Flyers with a free Canva account.

• Social media has been proven to be a valuable tool in locating missing individuals and spreading awareness about their disappearance. The platform's vast reach and ability to quickly disseminate information make it an effective tool for sharing about missing persons. However, it's important to be mindful of certain considerations when sharing information about a missing individual online.

• When sharing information about a missing person, prioritize their privacy and be mindful of the sensitivity of the information. To protect their privacy, sharing the law enforcement agency's non-emergency phone number or tip line rather than personal contact information is recommended.

• Many online groups, pages, and websites are specifically dedicated to helping find missing persons. These resources can be very beneficial in spreading the word about your loved one's disappearance. By contacting these groups and asking them to share information about the missing individual, you can increase awareness and potentially generate leads that may help you locate them. 

• If you are searching for a property, it is important to first obtain permission from the landowner. Additionally, it is recommended that you confirm with law enforcement if any ongoing searches are being conducted in the area to avoid potential contamination of evidence. 

• Obtain the names and contact details of all volunteers for your records.

• Divide your map or area into grids and assign small groups of searchers to those areas.

• Walk slowly, maintain an arm's length distance between each other, and carefully scan your surroundings.

• If you discover anything suspicious, mark it with a brightly-colored flag, stake, or tape. Avoid handling anything that could be evidence or provide DNA.

• Take clear photographs or video and record your location or coordinates.

• For safety reasons, it is highly advised that children under 18 should not participate in a search for a missing person.

• The process of searching for a missing loved one can be emotionally challenging, and you may experience various symptoms of stress and anxiety, such as sweating, migraines, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, and anxiousness. If you're having trouble eating or drinking, it's advisable to consult your primary care provider.

Consider the following:

• Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for keeping your body and mind functioning properly.

• Getting enough rest and sleep is crucial for emotional well-being. Be sure to get enough rest and sleep to help you stay positive and energized.

• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help you reduce stress and anxiety.

• Stay connected: Talking to your loved ones can help you feel supported and reduce feelings of isolation. Reach out to your family and friends, and don't hesitate to ask for help or support.