Chapter 33 - Missing Person

Chapter 33 - Missing Person

• Procedure Guidelines: This chapter outlines the procedure for handling missing person reports, including entering information into the computer system and canceling reports.

• Bexar County Sheriff's Office Responsibilities: The Sheriff's Office is legally required to investigate all missing person reports within Bexar County. This includes investigating possible violations of Texas Penal Code and Family Code.

• Assisting Lost Persons: The Sheriff's Office also assists people who are temporarily lost, such as motorists who get disoriented.

• Definitions:

  • "Lost Person": A person temporarily separated from their relatives.
  • "Missing Person": A person 18 or older whose disappearance is possibly not voluntary.
  • "Missing Child": A child under 18 whose whereabouts are unknown, and whose absence indicates involuntary separation from their legal custodian, without consent or intent to return, or by violation of a court order. Missing persons or children also includes those with mental disabilities, those in dangerous situations, or those who aren't emancipated.

• Missing Person Report Procedure:

  • Call takers immediately accept missing person reports and begin an investigation.
  • Officers contact the reporting party and attempt to locate the missing person.
  • If additional assistance is needed, supervisory officers may be contacted or other BCSO divisions may assist with a more thorough search.
  • Reports involving children or those with mental health issues necessitate notifying supervisory staff immediately.
  • Missing person reports are documented on a designated Bexar County Sheriff's Office Offense Report Form and an additional report is made for the Department of Public Safety.
  • A medical release form must be completed for missing person or missing child reports.
  • The officer must get information about the missing person such as from a parent, legal guardian, spouse, adult child, or other relevant sources (if possible).
  • Obtain and document medical records if necessary
  • Officers must document whether the missing person has access to a computer.
  • The information gathered is entered into NCIC/TCIC (National Crime Information Center/Texas Crime Information Center).
  • The reports will be processed before the officer's shift ends.
  • Follow-up action is taken after a report is filed.
  • The investigating officer must maintain ongoing contact with the reporting party until the missing person is found.
  • If foul play is suspected, the Criminal Investigations Division is contacted immediately.
  • If requested, officer must provide updates on a missing child investigation to the related individuals within 14 days.

• Locating Missing Persons: The officer will check databases (NCIC/TCIC) to see if the missing person is already documented The officer documents additional information from the reporting party until the missing person is found, or all possible leads are exhausted

• Missing Child Reports/Determining Location: Officers are empowered to take custody of a missing child (without active court jurisdiction) and provide arrangements or delivery to the entitled person if needed.

• Cancelling Missing Person Reports:

  • For adults, cancellation occurs when the reporting person requests it or the person is found by law enforcement.
  • For children, cancellation occurs when the child is in the custody of law enforcement or a relative.
  • The information in NCIC/TCIC and other relevant databases are updated and removed appropriately on cancelling the report.
  • For missing persons from a mental health facility, the officer notifies the facility if found and provides transport as needed.

• Computer Examinations: If missing individuals used a computer, the officer requests permission to have it examined by the computer crime unit. The examination information may be used only to help locate the missing person.

This quiz covers Chapter 33, focusing on the procedures for handling missing person reports as outlined by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Participants will learn about the responsibilities of the office, definitions related to missing and lost persons, and the required legal investigations. Test your knowledge on these important protocols and definitions.