Missing Persons

Question 1

Missing Person (def)

Answer 1

Any person who is reported missing to police
AND
Whose whereabouts are unknown
AND
There are fears for the safety, or concerns for the welfare, of that person

Question 2

Whereabouts unknown

Answer 2

Whereabouts unknown could include a person who has recently been in his or her usual home and has left that home without warning or explanation.

You must then establish if there are fears for the safety or concern for the welfare of that person before deciding on an appropriate course of action.

Question 3

Missing Persons four categories:

Answer 3

1. voluntary
2. involuntary
3. lost due to event
4. missing overseas.

Question 4

Voluntary

Answer 4

This category includes someone who has control over their actions and has decided upon a course of action:

• runaways; for example, children and young persons who have run away from home or a welfare home, and people who have escaped from penal institutions when placed there by the courts
• people who have removed themselves from a situation for personal reasons; for example, spousal desertion or debt avoidance
• people who are unaware that they have been reported missing; for example, they are unaware that family members are concerned for their safety

Question 5

Involuntary

Answer 5

This category includes someone who is missing against their will:
• people who have been abducted for criminal purposes, such as murder or kidnapping

• children abducted in custody disputes
• children abducted for criminal purposes
• people suffering from dementia, mental health or an intellectual disability.

Question 6

Lost

Answer 6

This category includes people who are temporarily disorientated and want to be found:
• lost at sea
• lost in the bush
• lost in car accidents.

Usually subject to a search and rescue (SAR) operation.

Question 7

Missing overseas

Answer 7

This category includes:
• people missing overseas, who have been reported by people in New Zealand.
• foreign Nationals missing in New Zealand, who have been reported missing from outside New Zealand.

Question 8

Information required

Answer 8

Obtain information on the missing person, including his or her full details and:
• physical appearance
• state of health - physical and mental
• doctor and dentist
• bank accounts
• passport and IRD numbers
• occupation.

Question 9

Case management

Answer 9

• Data entry of Pol 62 (Parts A and Ai).
• Enter File, and alert in NIA.
• Scan relevant documents and photograph into electronic file
• Consider file assignment.
• Record all file activity - job sheets, reviews.

Question 10

Review File

Answer 10

Complete reviews on Pol 62 Part B
1. Update occurrence narrative directly, or scan and attach review to occurrence

2. 3 Day review:
   − Discuss file with NCO and complete further enquiries.
3. 14 Day review:
   − Review the file. Update occurrence narrative and scan
   Pol 62 Part B into occurrence.
   − Discuss case with O/C CIB
4. 30 Day Review:
   − Review the file. Update occurrence narrative and scan
   Pol 62 Part B into occurrence
   − O/C CIB reviews the file.
5. 90 Day Review:
   − Review the file. Update occurrence narrative and scan
   Pol 62 Part B into occurrence
6. 1 Year Review:

− O/C CIB reviews the file.
− Ensure forensic specimens have been collected
− Submit report to the Coroner
− Inactivate file at District File Management Centre.