Missing Persons

Question 1

What is the purpose of the policy?

Answer 1

This policy provides guidance for handling missing person investigations.

Question 2

Define ‘At risk’ in the context of missing person investigations.

Answer 2

Includes:
* A victim of a crime or foul play
* A person missing and in need of medical attention
* A missing person with no pattern of running away
* A missing person who may be a victim of parental abduction
* A mentally impaired missing person
* A minor missing under certain circumstances.

Question 3

What constitutes a ‘Missing person’?

Answer 3

Any person reported missing to law enforcement when the person’s location is unknown.

Question 4

What are ‘Missing person networks’?

Answer 4

Databases or computer networks available to law enforcement for obtaining information related to missing persons investigations.

Question 5

What priority does the Stockton Police Department give to missing person cases?

Answer 5

Missing person cases are given priority over property-related cases.

Question 6

What forms and kits are required for missing person investigations?

Answer 6

Includes:
* Department report template
* Missing person investigation checklist
* Authorization for Release of Medical Information form
* California DOJ missing person forms
* Biological sample collection kits.

Question 7

True or False: A missing person report shall be accepted regardless of jurisdiction.

Answer 7

True.

Question 8

What is the initial action for officers when responding to a missing person report?

Answer 8

Interview the reporting party and any witnesses.

Question 9

What should be done if a missing person is a child 12 years or younger?

Answer 9

Notify the Watch Commander if not located in a reasonable amount of time.

Question 10

What is a ‘Be on the Look-Out’ (BOLO) bulletin?

Answer 10

A broadcast alert for missing persons under 21 years of age or at risk.

Question 11

What is the timeline for entering a missing person into networks if they are at risk?

Answer 11

Immediately.

Question 12

What should be collected during the initial investigation?

Answer 12

Includes:
* A photograph of the missing person
* Any relevant documents
* Evidence such as personal electronic devices.

Question 13

What is the role of the Family Crimes Unit in missing person cases?

Answer 13

Coordinate searches for at-risk missing persons.

Question 14

What should be included in missing person reports regarding parental abductions?

Answer 14

Two reports: a crime report and a missing person’s report.

Question 15

What are the supervisor’s responsibilities in missing person cases?

Answer 15

Includes:
* Reviewing and approving reports
* Ensuring resource deployment
* Initiating a command post
* Making notifications and public alerts.

Question 16

What should be done when a missing person is found?

Answer 16

Notify the Operations Desk and document the location.

Question 17

What is the responsibility of members investigating unidentified persons?

Answer 17

Obtain a complete description and enter it into the NCIC Unidentified Person File.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: A missing person case may be closed when the person is confirmed _______.

Answer 18

[returned].

Question 19

What topics should training for missing person investigations cover?

Answer 19

Includes:
* Initial investigation procedures
* Assessments and interviews
* Use of resources
* Evaluating the need for heightened response.