When a friend or loved one goes missing, it can be a terrifying and confusing experience. It’s important to act quickly and provide as much information as possible to law enforcement to aid in the search. In this page, we’ll provide an overview of the steps to take and the information to provide if a loved one goes missing.

Steps to Take:

Contact Law Enforcement: The first step is to contact law enforcement immediately and report the missing person. Provide as much information as possible, including the person’s name, age, physical description, last known location, and any details about the last known sighting or the nature of their disappearance.

Compile a List of Contacts: Create a list of anyone the missing person may have been in contact with in the days leading up to their disappearance. This includes friends, family members, coworkers, and acquaintances.

Check Social Media and Phone Records: Check the missing person’s social media and phone records for any clues about their whereabouts or recent activity. If possible, persevere these data points via screenshots or photos.

Contact Local Hospitals and Shelters: Reach out to local hospitals and shelters to see if the missing person has been admitted or has sought refuge.

Notify Organizations like Night Owl Reconnaissance: Non-profit organizations may be able to provide additional assistance and support in the search for the missing person.

Information to Provide:

When reporting a missing person to law enforcement, it’s important to provide as much information as possible. Here’s a list of some of the key information to compile and provide:

• Name, age, and physical description of the missing person
• Last known location and the date and time they were last seen
• Information about the missing person’s clothing or personal belongings they may have had with them
• Any relevant medical or mental health conditions the missing person may have
• Any recent changes in behavior or circumstances that may have led to the disappearance
• List of potential contacts the missing person may have had in the days leading up to their disappearance

Recognizing red flags is an important step in preventing a loved one from going missing. Look out for sudden changes in behavior, history of mental health issues, strained relationships, substance abuse, and financial issues. If you notice any of these red flags, take action by talking to the individual, seeking professional help, creating a safety plan, and contacting law enforcement if necessary. By working together to prevent individuals from going missing, we can help keep our communities safe.