Missing Persons Search Techniques

Questions and Answers

What action should be taken if a child has run away and there are concerns for their protection?

Immediate notification of the family

Waiting for the child to return

Acquiring assistance from social work services (correct)

Conducting a community search

What database must be updated for missing child reports according to the guidelines?

Vulnerable Persons Database (iVPD) (correct)

Child Welfare Database

National Missing Persons Database

State Child Protection Registry

Who typically submits reports for missing children who are Looked After or Accommodated?

Teachers at the child’s school

The child’s relatives

Police officers

Staff from social services (correct)

What should staff consider before reporting a child as missing?

The individual circumstances of each child Signup and view all the answers

What is the policy regarding adult missing persons that applies only under certain conditions?

Adult missing persons must have a genuine concern prior to being reported Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following children are included in the missing persons reports by social services?

Children in care homes or staying with foster parents Signup and view all the answers

Which of these situations typically does NOT require a missing person report to be filed?

A child has left for personal reasons and is expected to return shortly Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily differentiates a normal teenage behavior from being reported as missing?

Concern for the child's safety Signup and view all the answers

What initial action should be taken when someone is reported missing?

Conduct a preliminary search of the missing person's home. Signup and view all the answers

Which areas should be included in the search for a missing person?

Attics, cupboards, and any outbuildings. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an area is inaccessible during the search?

Note and report it to your supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

Who else should be considered for searching when a person goes missing?

Individuals who had recent contact with the missing person. Signup and view all the answers

What does the National Missing Persons Application (NMPA) serve as?

A live register of all missing person investigations in Police Scotland. Signup and view all the answers

How does the NMPA update related databases like PNC and LEDS?

Automatically when a missing person is traced. Signup and view all the answers

What markers are assigned to missing person reports in the NMPA?

'WANTED / MISSING' markers. Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if a missing person is found and their details are checked?

The NMPA record is updated, and the marker is removed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of carers when a young person goes missing?

To use their professional knowledge and experience to make decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is accurate?

CSE can occur even if the child appears to consent. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to gather information during the return interview of a missing child?

Information can help develop a clearer understanding of CSE risks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical misconception regarding children who frequently go missing?

They do not require further intervention if they return safely. Signup and view all the answers

What role do parents or guardians play in understanding CSE for missing children?

They may be the best source of information for professionals. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation may hinder the ability to gather information from a child after their return?

The child feels upset or angry about being returned home. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of children at risk of CSE?

They frequently go missing. Signup and view all the answers

How is Child Sexual Exploitation often misperceived by children and professionals?

It is recognized as consensual activity. Signup and view all the answers

What are the circumstances under which Section 169 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 applies?

A child needs to be kept in a specific place and absconds from it. Signup and view all the answers

What action can police take when a child has absconded as per Section 170?

Return the absconded child to the authorized person. Signup and view all the answers

What must the police establish to search premises for an absconding child?

There must be reasonable grounds to believe the child is present. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential issue when a child regularly absconds?

Potential legal consequences for the guardians. Signup and view all the answers

What role do friends or relatives play in cases of child absconding?

They may supply accommodation or assistance to the child. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, where must a child be returned to when they abscond from a control person?

The person who has control over them. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hint that there may be a hidden child protection issue when children frequently abscond?

They typically run away to a specific location. Signup and view all the answers

What is one indicator of potential child sexual exploitation (CSE) in cases of absconders?

Receiving assistance from acquaintances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing communication links with the 'Missing People' charity?

To ensure information is managed within the investigation. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for carrying out requests for assistance in missing persons investigations?

The Corporate Communications team. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following resources is NOT mentioned for further information on missing persons?

Effective Communication Skills Toolkit Signup and view all the answers

What must be demonstrated when preparing an initial missing person report?

Initial investigative considerations and additional actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which legislation is relevant to the topic of missing persons?

Legislation relating to absconding from care, hospital or prison. Signup and view all the answers

What should be conducted to assess the risk of a missing person situation?

A risk assessment process. Signup and view all the answers

What information is essential to gather for a comprehensive return interview?

Details regarding the missing person's last known whereabouts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for a comprehensive understanding of why people go missing?

Summarizing the reasons people go missing. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus of a learning log after studying missing persons?

How learned information impacts day-to-day roles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the contact email for the 'Missing People' charity?

<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Missing Persons Investigation Protocol

Conduct a preliminary search of the missing person's home or location as soon as possible to potentially locate them and avoid unnecessary enquiries.
Check attics, cupboards, outbuildings, and note any inaccessible areas like locked buildings for reporting to supervisors.
Search homes of relatives, friends, and acquaintances, especially those in recent contact with the missing person prior to their disappearance.

National Missing Persons Application (NMPA)

NMPA is a live register for all missing person investigations by Police Scotland.
Reports requiring police response are recorded in NMPA, updating PNC/LEDS/CHS with a 'WANTED/MISSING' marker.
Traced individuals will result in automatic updates to remove the marker from the systems.

Vulnerable Persons Database (iVPD)

A VPD report is mandatory for all child missing persons and adults with genuine concerns upon going missing or when traced.
Training on the iVPD will be provided, emphasizing its importance in missing person cases.

Looked After & Accommodated Children (LAAC)

Reports for missing children in care (e.g., care homes, foster care) should consider individual circumstances before labeling them as missing.
Carers need to exercise professional judgment about normal behaviors vs. genuine absences.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

CSE is a form of child abuse where minors are manipulated into sexual activities in exchange for rewards.
Consent perceived by the child does not negate the exploitative nature of the act.
Children frequently going missing are at higher risk of CSE; identifying exploitation signs is crucial.
Gathering intelligence during return interviews is vital, and caregivers may provide essential information post-incident.

Legal Framework

Section 169 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 allows police to return absconding children to care placements when the child fails to return.
Section 170 grants police the authority to retrieve children absconded from authorized persons.

Impact of Absconding

Children often receive help from friends or relatives, complicating trace efforts.
Communication with "Missing People" charity is essential for managing information and investigations.

Resources

Use provided links for additional information on missing persons protocols and CSE intelligence tools:
- Missing Persons Investigation SOP
- Child Sexual Exploitation Intelligence Toolkit

Learning Outcomes

Clear understanding of missing person definitions, reporting, investigative processes, risk assessments, and legal implications regarding absconding.
Reflection on how learning impacts daily roles in managing missing persons cases.

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Description

Learn about the crucial preliminary search techniques for locating missing persons. This quiz covers essential strategies like checking common hiding spots within the home, including attics and cupboards, and emphasizes the importance of quick action in such situations. Test your knowledge on these critical approaches to ensure effective search efforts.