21-13 Missing Persons Procedure

Adult Missing Persons

• A person can be declared "missing" when their whereabouts are unknown and unexplainable for a period of time that is regarded by knowledgeable parties as highly unusual or suspicious.
• There is no minimum amount of time that must pass to report a missing person.
• The dispatcher will send at least one officer and a supervisor (if available) to the call.
• A missing person report will be completed when the preliminary investigation determines the person was last seen in Kansas City, Missouri, and one or more of the following circumstances exist:
  • The missing person is under the care of a medical doctor for life-threatening physical ailments requiring immediate treatment or medication.
  • The missing person is under the care of a psychologist/psychiatrist for mental health issues.
  • The missing person has threatened suicide in the past or is at risk of harming themselves.
  • The missing person suffers from diminished mental capacity or medical conditions that if left untreated/unattended are potentially life-threatening.
  • The missing person suffers from dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
  • There is a strong indication of foul play being involved in the disappearance.
• The member will complete the appropriate report in the Records Management System (RMS) with the following information:
  • Name, age, address, and physical description of the person and relationship of the reporting party to the missing person.
  • Time and place of last known location and the identity of anyone accompanying the missing person.
  • The length of time the person has been missing.
  • Vehicle information.
  • Cell phone information.
• The following information will be included in the RMS report narrative, if available:
  • The extent of any search for the missing person.
  • Whether the missing person has been missing on prior occasions and the degree to which the absence departs from established behavior patterns, habits, or plans.
  • Whether the missing person has recently been involved in any domestic disputes, emotional trauma, or life crises.
  • The physical condition of the missing person and whether they are currently on prescription medication.

Missing/Runaway Juveniles

• Missing/runaway juvenile recordkeeping is performed by the MPCC.
• A missing/runaway juvenile is a status offense, not a criminal offense.
• Citizens will be advised that a runaway juvenile, from the local metropolitan area, located by law enforcement will not be transported to a juvenile detention facility.
• Field supervisors will determine when a missing/runaway juvenile, reported in Kansas City, Missouri, will be transported to a local metropolitan area in Kansas to be returned to the custody of the parent/guardian.
• Juveniles, who are located by law enforcement that are reported as missing/runaway persons from out of state, will be detained.
• When a parent/guardian reports that their child has been kidnapped, whether by a stranger or family member, officers and a supervisor will be dispatched to the scene.
• Upon investigation, if it is determined that a kidnapping has occurred, a supervisor will contact the Juvenile Section or MPCC for direction and/or a response.
• An Amber Alert will be requested as outlined in the current written directive entitled, "Alert Notifications System."
• All calls from parents/guardians who advise their child is missing or has run away will be transferred to the Communications Unit call takers.
• Two officers will be dispatched immediately, and a supervisor will be notified and respond if available.
• Members will make every attempt to locate the missing/runaway juvenile by:
  • Thoroughly searching the residence where the missing/runaway juvenile was last seen.
  • Conducting a thorough area canvass and considering using the Department helicopter/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
  • Conducting appropriate residence checks if the reporting party has reason to believe the missing/runaway juvenile is at a specific location.

Notification

• The reporting member will contact Investigations personnel during the following times from the dispatched location:
  • MPCC – Monday through Sunday 0700-2300 hours.
  • Assault Squad – 2300-0700 hours, weekends and holidays.
• Contact the MPCC on-call member if there is a need for an immediate investigation or a field search for the missing person due to exigent circumstances (i.e., suicidal, autism, medically dependent, etc.).

MPCC or Violent Crimes Responsibilities

• MPCC will issue a pickup and/or cancellation for the missing person in a timely manner and complete a supplemental report under the original CRN and note this information in the narrative of the RMS report.
• The entry should be listed as “Missing/Endangered” to ensure the pickup order remains in NCIC longer than 48 hours.
• This entry will remain in the system until it is cancelled by a detective or a supervisor.

Missing Person Protocol

• When a missing person participates in Care Trak, notify the on-call Care Trak team through the Communications Unit Supervisor.
• In cases of family member kidnapping or abduction, contact the Juvenile Section for direction and/or response.
• In cases of stranger kidnapping or abduction, contact MPCC for direction and/or response.

Initial Response

• Two officers will be dispatched immediately to locate the missing/runaway juvenile.
• A supervisor will be notified and respond if available.
• Members will:
• Thoroughly search the residence where the missing/runaway juvenile was last seen.
• Conduct a thorough area canvass and consider using the Department helicopter/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
• Conduct appropriate residence checks if the reporting party has reason to believe the missing/runaway juvenile is at a specific location.

Reporting and Notification

• A member will complete the necessary report in RMS even if the juvenile is returned.
• Contact MPCC or Juvenile Section as soon as possible.
• MPCC will work with Data Entry to immediately enter the missing/runaway pick-up in MULES.
• When foul play is suspected, members will contact MPCC for assistance and/or an immediate response.

RMS Report Narrative

• Include the following information in the RMS report narrative, if available:
• The extent of any search for the missing person.
• Whether the missing person has been missing on prior occasions and the degree to which the absence departs from established behavior patterns, habits, or plans.
• Recent involvement in domestic disputes, emotional trauma, or life crises.
• Unusual, uncharacteristic, or bizarre behavior.
• Dependence on drugs or alcohol, or history of mental illness.
• Physical condition and prescription medication.

Follow-up and Investigation

• Members will ensure that the parent/guardian is given contact information for MPCC for follow-up.
• MPCC will maintain a file on the missing/runaway juvenile and conduct follow-up.
• When a missing/runaway juvenile returns, members will:
• Dispatch to ensure the child's safety.
• Attempt to ascertain where the juvenile has been and complete a supplemental report indicating the child has been located.
• Ensure the child is returned to their parent/guardian/adult responsible party, unless allegations of child abuse are made.