Buzz
Utilize online resources and local assistance to locate a missing person
Discovering that a friend or loved one is missing is a traumatic experience, but there are proactive steps you can take. Contact law enforcement, retrace their steps, and spread awareness about their disappearance. With these tips and starting points, you can feel empowered during this challenging time.
Essential Information
- Visit the local police station to file a missing person report with detailed information.
- Contact the person’s acquaintances and check local hospitals for any unidentified individuals.
- Distribute flyers and use social media to raise awareness about the missing person.
Action Steps
File a missing person report.
Visit your local police station immediately upon suspecting someone is missing. Provide detailed information to file a report, including physical description and last known whereabouts. Inform law enforcement promptly for further action.
- Verify local policies for reporting missing persons.
- Share your contact details with police for ongoing communication. If 72 hours pass, ensure law enforcement updates the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) list.
- For child abductions, law enforcement may issue an AMBER Alert for swift recovery.
- Tip: Check local jails for the missing person's status while at the police station.
Reach out to the missing person's contacts.
Contact friends, colleagues, and neighbors of the missing individual to gather information on their whereabouts. These individuals may offer valuable insights into the missing person's activities before disappearance.
Register their name with the NamUs database.
- Sign up on the NamUs website to submit the missing person case. Once reviewed and confirmed by NamUs staff, the case information becomes accessible on the database.
Inquire at local hospitals.
If the missing individual was injured and without identification, hospital staff may not have contact information. Contact nearby hospitals to inquire about any unidentified patients recently admitted.
Connect with community establishments.
Libraries, churches, and homeless shelters are potential locations where the missing person might be found. Obtain contact information for these establishments and inquire about any individuals matching the description of your loved one.
- Some places, such as domestic violence shelters, may have restrictions on disclosing resident information.
Distribute flyers featuring the individual’s photograph.
Attach two recent photos of the person to your flyer. Include their name, hometown, last seen location, physical description, vehicle details (if applicable), and a contact number for law enforcement. Post these flyers in high-traffic areas and save the file as a PDF for easy online sharing.
- Use a designated contact number when creating a flyer.
Review the person’s social media profiles.
Have they posted, commented, or interacted with any content recently? Check all their social media accounts for recent activity, as it may provide clues about their whereabouts or recent activities.
Create social media pages to increase awareness.
Create a dedicated Facebook page, Twitter/X account, or Instagram profile for the missing individual to raise awareness about their disappearance. Share a digital version of their missing person flyer containing details about their appearance, last known location, and contact information for tips.
- You might also consider creating a website as a central information hub for the missing person's case.
Track the person’s phone location.
If the missing person has an iPhone and location sharing was previously enabled, use the “Find My” app to determine their last known location. For Android users or other platforms, check the corresponding location app (e.g., Google Maps) to find out their recent whereabouts.
- If the missing person left their phone behind, consult the authorities on the next steps, as they may need to examine the device as part of their investigation.
Notify the local news outlet.
Find the email address of your local news station and inform them about the missing person. Inquire if they would be willing to cover the case on their news program and provide them with several photos to accompany the story if they decide to proceed.
- Contact your community newspaper to inquire about placing an advertisement.
- Websites like Craigslist allow you to post ads for free, although their reach may be more limited compared to traditional news outlets.
Consider hiring a private investigator.
Explore local private investigators if you prefer to handle the investigation yourself. Look for professionals with their own office space and proper state licensing. Assess their specialties and client feedback. Typically, a private investigator charges around $70 for locating someone, but prices may vary.
Search public records for a long-term missing person.
If you've had no contact with the missing person for months or even years, checking public records could provide valuable information on their whereabouts. Government websites like PACER can be helpful, although PACER charges 10 cents per page. Free alternatives like the Federal Judicial Database or GovInfo are also available.
- These resources are particularly useful if you suspect the missing person may have encountered legal issues.
- Paid online directories such as Intelius and People Finder may also contain information about individuals you haven't contacted for a long time.
Recommendations
-
Experiencing a friend or loved one going missing can be extremely distressing. Remember, you're also impacted by this situation, so don't hesitate to seek support from your network during this challenging period.
-
If you can access the missing person's phone records, identify their recent calls. Reach out to these individuals to inquire if they have any information regarding the missing person's location.
-
If you have access to the missing person's financial records (e.g., credit or debit card statements, etc.), review their transactions. Discovering their recent expenditures might provide clues about their current location.
