1 – When a person is missing, the first responder must collect the relevant information about the missing and his family, which includes personal data such as names, phone numbers, addresses, car plates, social media profiles, personal habits, health issues, closest friends and all the information that can help the police doing the first risk assessment within the first hour. The best practices include having a checklist form that has all the items that are important to the case investigation in the first moment of the disappearance.
We can determine guidelines to this first operation using this steps:
- Officers, dispatchers, or other designated personnel who take the initial call, by phone, in person, or by electronic media, should determine if the call is a missing person case according to the definition of a missing person;
- Reporting parties and families of missing persons often experience feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Dispatchers, officers, or other designated personnel dealing with these persons should be sensitive to those feelings and respond appropriately.
- It is the duty of all law enforcement agencies to immediately assist any person who is attempting to make a report of a missing person or runaway.
- A report shall be accepted regardless of jurisdiction.
- When dealing with missing person jurisdictional issues, it is not uncommon for multiple agencies to be involved in the same case. It is essential that agencies work closely together in order to enhance, and not impede, the investigation of the case.
- Dispatchers, officers, or other designated personnel shall give priority to the handling of missing persons cases, including runaways, over reports relating to crimes involving property.
- Special attention should be given to reports of missing children or for persons with physical or mental limitations. These persons are at greater risk of harm.
- A common myth that 24 hours (or any other time frame) must pass before law enforcement will accept a missing person report is incorrect. A delay in reporting may indicate the existence of neglect or abuse within the family.
2 – Officer’s initial contact: making an assessment at the scene
In general, officers all around the world or other designated personnel should interview, with sensitivity, the reporting party and any witnesses to determine:
- That this is a missing person case.
- If the person may be at risk – or existence of any suspicious circumstances.
- If there is any potential crime scene area and/or potential witnesses.
- Officers should utilize the Standard Missing Person Reporting Form for the initial contact with the reporting party. Portuguese Police have proper forms to this end.
- Many times, parents or guardians are anxious to assist law enforcement in the initial phase of the investigation and they will want to provide additional documents to assist in the location of their loved one. Besides obtaining a photograph of the missing person, additional items such as dental records,items containing DNA samples of the missing person, or other related documents may be offered voluntarily by the family. It is recommended that responding officers accept these items and properly document their collection in their reports.
In Portugal, all relevant information must be collected in the first communication form, from the participants and everyone who belongs to the personal circle of the missing person, so that it is possible to know their personal characteristics, lifestyle habits, their recent or later past, and circumstances related to social, economic, educational, professional aspects, physical and mental health, leisure, “addictions”, religious, partisan or other convictions, criminal or police records, or other judicial events or civil, in order to find out your “life story”, which may not be easy, as often, those close to you do not “truly” know you.
The form the police uses to communicate a person disappearance must include:
- Name
- Age
- Household
- Updated photography
- Place of disappearance
- Places where he was last seen
- Personal characteristics
- Private signals
- Dental formula
- Blood group
- Life habits
- Clothing description
- Social aspects
- Close friends
- Economic situation
- Academic degree
- Professional situation
- State of physical and mental health
- Existence of a criminal record
- Recurrences of disappearances
- Circumstances of disappearance
- Disappearance vs. personality of the missing person
- Cars or other vehicles used by the missing person
- Assessment of the person making the communication
- Motivation of the communicator in searching for the missing person
- Name, address and telephone number of the communicator
Family Information
Family information as explained above is crucial for the investigation, mainly the family dynamics.
Family Dynamics
Understanding family dynamics is crucial as they can provide insights into potential reasons for a disappearance. This involves examining relationships within the family, conflicts, and patterns of behavior that might suggest voluntary or involuntary disappearance.
The relationships within a family can offer significant insights into the reasons behind a disappearance. For example, conflicts, domestic violence, or strained relationships might suggest reasons for a voluntary disappearance or provide clues about potential foul play in an involuntary disappearance.
Key Points:
- Relationships: Analyze the relationships between family members, looking for signs of conflict, abuse, or estrangement.
- Behavior Patterns: Observe patterns of behavior that might indicate underlying issues, such as frequent arguments or secretive behavior.
- Historical Context: Consider the history of the family, including past incidents of running away or involvement with social services.
Significant Family History
Reviewing significant family history helps identify previous incidents that might be relevant to the current case. This can include history of domestic violence, previous disappearances, or mental health issues within the family.
Key Points:
- Previous Incidents: Document any prior disappearances or incidents of leaving home.
- Domestic Violence: Investigate any history of domestic violence that could be a factor in the current disappearance.
- Mental Health: Consider any mental health issues within the family that could impact the individual’s decision to leave or their current well-being.
References:
- European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) Reports
- National Missing Persons Framework (UK)
Social Information
Social information gives the case the elements about the missing social habits and relations.
Social Networks and Relationships
Analyzing the social networks and relationships of the missing person can uncover critical leads. This includes understanding friendships, romantic relationships, and other social connections.
Understanding the social networks and relationships of the missing person can provide vital clues. Friends, romantic partners, and acquaintances might offer insights into the individual’s state of mind, potential threats, or places they might have gone.
Key Points:
- Social Circles: Map out the individual’s social circles, including close friends, romantic partners, and casual acquaintances.
- Social media: Analyse social media interactions for any signs of distress, plans to leave, or interactions with unknown individuals.
- Influences: Identify any significant influences or pressures from peers that might have contributed to the disappearance.
