Course 4. Data Collection and analysis

Introduction

Missing person cases present unique and complex challenges that require a methodical and empathetic approach. This training course, “Data Collection and Risk Assessment” is designed to equip professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively handle these sensitive situations. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, a social worker, a member of a search and rescue team, or a community volunteer, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques needed to improve outcomes in missing person investigations.

The primary objective of this course is to empower participants to:

Collect and Analyze Data: Learn how to gather, select, and interpret crucial information about the missing person’s family, social circles, and environmental context. This foundational skill is vital for understanding the circumstances surrounding a disappearance.

Perform Risk Assessments: Develop the ability to prepare and deliver valid risk assessments for both involuntary and voluntary disappearances. Understanding risk factors and contextual elements is key to prioritizing resources and efforts.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Collect, select, analyze, and manage relevant information to build a comprehensive profile of a missing person.
  • Prepare and deliver accurate risk assessments that guide the investigative process.
  • Employ updated methodologies and strategies to manage and lead investigative teams effectively.
  • Collect, select, analyze, and manage missing person´s personal, family, social and environmental information in order to prepare and deliver a valid risk assessment.
  • Undertake a comprehensive analysis of all the constituent elements of the disappearance, aggregate, summarize and manage the internal and external flow of information, ensuring the respective updating.
  • Obtain, enrich and summarize information in order to give a useful and competent collaboration to the justice system.
  • Use the European standards to carry out an accurate analysis, to assign and/or contribute to determine the disappearance classification and the level of risk ( low, medium, high, very high) and also to draw a strategy to cooperate with the system of justice, including the managing of public alert.

The course is structured into three main didactic units, each focusing on a critical aspect of handling missing person cases.

Each unit is broken down into detailed topics and subtopics, providing a thorough exploration of each subject area. By following this structured approach, participants will develop a robust understanding of the processes and skills required to address missing person cases effectively.

Addressing missing person cases requires a blend of analytical skills, empathy, and teamwork. This course aims to prepare learners to face these challenges with confidence and competence. We encourage you to actively participate, engage with the materials, and apply the knowledge and skills you acquire to make a meaningful impact in your role. Welcome to the journey of becoming a proficient professional in the field of missing person investigations.

Learning Outcomes

Reference unit

Data collection and analysis

Competence

  • To be able to collect and aggregate useful information from the Reports/formats used by the Institutions
  • To be able to carry out investigations in the framework of the personal relationships of missing persons (approach moulded to the specific case)
  • To be able to analyse all available data and information related to the disappearance
  • To be able to contribute to the definition of the psychological picture of the missing person

Knowledge and Skills

EQF/NQF Level: 5

Duration

  • Topic 1: 10h
  • Topic 2: 5h
  • Topic 3: 5h

Requirements

  • Native-level proficiency in the mother tongue
  • Proficiency in English language: C2 level
  • Proficiency in handling technological tools

Suggested resources for further reading

References

https://www.amberalert.eu/news/missing-children-bridging-the-gap

https://www.college.police.uk/app/risk/risk

https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child

Missing Persons Investigations Guidelines & Curriculum © California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Published April 2007 Revised May 2021

https://www.college.police.uk/app/major-investigation-and-public-protection/missing-persons/missing-persons#the-risk-assessment-table

https://post.ca.gov/Missing-Persons

MISSING PERSONS - A Handbook for Parliamentarians, ICRC,  N°17, 2009

International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children Online Glossary of Terms: icmec.org/pressroom

Luxembourg Guidelines: luxembourgguidelines.org

Machado, Armando - “A investigação criminal no desaparecimento de pessoas em Portugal” – dissertação para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Direito na Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa (Julho de 2013)

“Desaparecimento de pessoas – uniformização de estratégias de atuação na investigação” – relatório da comissão de 2008, nomeada pelo Diretor Nacional da PJ.

“Guidance on the management, recording and investigation of missing persons” – primeira edição - 2005, da Association of chief police officers – Londres.

http://www.missingkids.com/

http://www.policiajudiciaria.pt

https://www.amberalert.eu/check-think-report

Desaparecidos, IPJCC, Loures, 7 de junho de 2024, Inspetor Henrique Carlos Magueija

Not Enrolled

Course Includes

  • 3 Modules
  • 15 Topics
  • 1 Quiz
  • Course Certificate