Missing Person Documentation

Entry will serve as a positive statement that the entering agency has documentation in its possession supporting the stated conditions under which the person is declared missing. This documentation in the record will assure that the rights to privacy of the individual are not violated.

Documentation of all information entered must be maintained in the agency case file.  A missing person report filed with an agency is sufficient documentation for entering a subject as a Missing Person – Juvenile.  A record for a missing person who is over the age of 21 may be entered in the Missing Person File provided the entering agency has signed documentation in its possession supporting the stated conditions under which the person is declared missing.  This written documentation will aid in the protection of the individual’s right to privacy.  In the absence of documentation from a parent/legal guardian, next of kin, physician or other authoritative source, including friend/neighbor in unusual circumstances, or when such documentation is not reasonably attainable, a signed report by the investigating officer will suffice.

Examples of acceptable documentation are: a written statement from parent or guardian confirming that the person is missing and verifying the date of birth; a written statement from a physician (nursing home, hospital personnel) or other authoritative source corroborating the missing person’s physical/mental disability; or a written statement from parent, legal guardian, family member or other authoritative source advising that he/she is in the company of another person under circumstances indicating that his physical safety is in danger or that the missing person’s disappearance was not voluntary.