Free Guide for Law Enforcement Officials

Law Enforcement Best Practices Guide: Missing Persons Investigations

Based on a comprehensive review of existing literature, guidelines, and protocols related to missing persons cases.

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When a person goes missing, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to respond quickly and effectively to increase the chances of locating the individual safely. This guide outlines the best practices that law enforcement should follow when responding to and investigating missing persons cases.

The Best Practices Guide provides information and insights related to missing persons investigations, particularly focusing on disparities based on race.

This guide:

Discusses the underreporting of missing minority individuals, especially children
Outlines various alert systems designed to aid in locating missing individuals under specific criteria
Includes best practices for law enforcement in responding to missing persons cases
Emphasizes the importance of establishing effective partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the media
Highlights the impact and initiatives of organizations like the Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI)

The guide also includes input from experts in the field of law enforcement:

I recommend that law enforcement agencies consider implementing a mandatory supervisory response for all reports of missing children and adults when a call for service is dispatched. This would ensure that these cases are prioritized right away, significantly enhancing the chances for a swift escalation and prioritization of the investigation.

— Chuck Fleeger, Retired Assistant Police Chief, College Station Police Department; Executive Director, Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley

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Praise for the Best Practices Guide:

“A well-researched guide and a much-needed resource within the law enforcement community.”

Law Enforcement Official

“Thanks so much for this invaluable resource. This guide should be at the forefront of every investigator’s approach when handling cases involving Black and Brown individuals. The practices outlined here are not just helpful – they are what we should have been doing all along. The disparities in how missing persons cases are handled have been noticed for far too long, and it’s about time we address them with the seriousness they deserve. This guide provides us with the tools and knowledge needed to finally get it right for all missing persons, ensuring that no one is overlooked or forgotten.”

Private Investigator Columbia, SC

“This comprehensive guide is a must go-to guide for all law enforcement agencies. I have worked in law enforcement for over 30 years, and I learned several things while reviewing this guide. Bringing awareness is crucial in missing person cases. This guide ensures LE (Law Enforcement) agencies, the media, and community has easy access to the same information.”

Assistant Chief of Police (Retired)

“This guide is definitely informative and goes beyond than relaying basic information about missing persons.”

Law Enforcement Official Detroit, MI

“This guide brings to the forefront hinderances that have delayed missing person efforts for far too long. All of the suggested practices can be easily implemented with little to no additional cost. Implementing these practices will increase the likelihood of missing persons being reunited with loved ones more expeditiously in a manner that is respectful and compassionate.”

Law Enforcement Official Atlanta, GA
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