How We Do It

 Immediate Action

• Assess the Situation: Determine if the person is truly missing. Check with friends, family, and places they frequent to ensure they are not simply out of touch.
• Gather Information: Collect detailed information about the missing person, including recent photos, physical description (height, weight, hair color, eye color, etc.), clothing they were last seen wearing, and any identifying marks (tattoos, scars).

Contact Law Enforcement

• Call 911 or Local Police: Report the missing person to local law enforcement as soon as possible. Provide all gathered information.
• File a Report: Visit the police station if required and fill out a missing persons report form. Some jurisdictions may allow this to be done online or over the phone.
• Provide Additional Details: Share any relevant details such as recent changes in behavior, medical conditions, or any circumstances that may have contributed to their disappearance.

National and Local Databases

• National Crime Information Center (NCIC): Ensure the missing person's information is entered into the NCIC database by the law enforcement agency.
• State and Local Databases: Confirm that the missing person is also listed in state and local missing persons databases.

Media and Public Alerts

• Amber Alert (for minors): If the missing person is a minor and meets certain criteria, law enforcement can issue an Amber Alert to rapidly disseminate information through media and public channels.
• Social Media: Use social media platforms to spread the word. Share photos and details, and encourage others to share the post.
• Flyers and Posters: Create and distribute flyers and posters with the missing person’s information. Place them in high-traffic areas such as community centers, schools, hospitals, and public transportation hubs.

Online Resources and Organizations

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): For missing children, contact NCMEC for additional support and resources.
• Missing Persons Websites: Submit the missing person's information to websites dedicated to locating missing individuals, such as NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) and other relevant organizations.

Community and Media Involvement

• Community Alerts: Inform the community through neighborhood associations, local businesses, and community organizations.
• Press Release: Issue a press release to local media outlets with all pertinent information about the missing person.
• Press Conferences: Organize press conferences if necessary, to reach a broader audience and keep the case in the public eye.

Continuous Follow-Up

• Regular Updates: Provide regular updates to law enforcement, media, and the public as new information becomes available.
• Stay in Contact: Maintain regular contact with law enforcement to stay updated on the progress of the investigation.
• Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of all communications, sightings, and any other relevant information.

Support and Advocacy

• Emotional Support: Seek support from family, friends, and professional counselors to help cope with the stress and emotional toll.
• Advocacy Groups: Connect with advocacy groups that specialize in missing persons cases for additional support and resources.