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Understanding Missing Persons Cases: A Training module on Data Collection and Analysis

dionusis
dionusis 26/02/2025

In the complex and sensitive scenarios of missing persons, the ability to effectively collect and analyse information is of fundamental importance. These situations present unique challenges that require a methodical and empathetic approach. To best address these complexities, the LOST2 project, funded by the European Union, has developed a specific training module.

Named “Data Collection and Risk Assessment”, this course was designed by APCDV, specifically for professionals working in the field, such as law enforcement officers, social workers, members of search and rescue teams, and volunteers.

The primary objectives of the course, as covered in this module, are to empower participants to collect and analyse crucial information about a missing person’s family, social circles, and environmental context, and to perform valid risk assessments for both involuntary and voluntary disappearances. By the end, participants should be able to manage relevant information to build comprehensive profiles, deliver accurate risk assessments, and employ updated methodologies for investigations.

A foundational concept is understanding the types of disappearances, broadly categorized as involuntary (often involving criminal activity like abduction, kidnapping, human trafficking, or foul play) and voluntary (due to personal reasons like running away, escaping violence, or mental health issues). Involuntary disappearances are characterized by a lack of consent, criminal elements, immediate danger, and require urgent law enforcement response.

The module stresses the importance of clear definitions and terminology related to missing persons, including terms like “missing person,” “abduction,” and “runaway”. Different classifications, such as endangered, critical, and long-term, are used to prioritize efforts. A specific term defined is “Catastrophic Missing,” which refers to a child or adult reported missing and assumed to be a victim of some type of disaster, such as a fire, flood, earthquake, or terrorist act. The source also defines other categories like Dependent Adult, Lost, Parent/Family Abduction, Runaway, and Stranger Abduction.

Understanding the legal framework is also crucial. While disappearance isn’t inherently a crime, investigations are carried out, and national laws should include fundamental elements like a clear definition of a missing person, recognition of families’ right to information, criminalization of related international law violations, and establishment of investigative mechanisms. International conventions, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and various treaties addressing human rights and humanitarian law, provide a global context and promote measures to prevent disappearances.

The process begins with collecting initial information. First responders must gather relevant data about the missing person and their family with sensitivity, as reporting parties often experience helplessness and anxiety. A common myth that a specific time frame (like 24 hours) must pass before reporting is incorrect, and reports should be accepted immediately regardless of jurisdiction. Priority should be given to missing persons cases, especially those involving children or individuals with physical or mental limitations, as they are at greater risk. Initial information includes personal data, family dynamics and history, social networks and relationships, and environmental context.

A key element of the process is preparing a risk assessment. The level of risk assessed guides the nature and extent of the police response. Risk assessment is an ongoing process that should be based on current information and not solely on previous assumptions. It requires asking specific questions to understand the circumstances and potential dangers, such as why the person is worried, whether the disappearance is out of character, if the person has specific medical needs, or if they are at risk of harm, exploitation, or self-harm. Risk levels are typically classified as Very Low, Low, Medium, or High.

High-risk situations involve permanent and immediate danger to life or physical integrity, requiring immediate deployment of all available resources and potentially activating public alert systems like AMBER Alert (or “Alerta Rapto de Menores” in Portugal).

The module also covers techniques for summarizing and evaluating gathered information. This involves identifying key information, structuring reports clearly (using standardized formats and potentially digital tools), and evaluating data accuracy and reliability through methods like cross-verification from multiple sources. Assessing relevance and significance is vital to prioritize data points that have the highest potential impact on the investigation. Effective reporting and presentation of findings are crucial for coordinating efforts and informing stakeholders.

A dedicated section addresses Missing Children cases, highlighting their unique characteristics, such as vulnerability, high emotional impact, and urgency. Common types include non-family abductions, family abductions, runaways, and lost or injured children, as well as unaccompanied migrant children. Causes can include family conflicts, abuse, mental health issues, social issues like bullying or online exploitation, and factors related to being in care. Investigative techniques for missing children emphasize prompt initial response and assessment, immediate actions like initiating search and rescue, issuing public alerts, and coordinating with various agencies. Ongoing strategic planning involves disseminating information, utilizing databases, conducting interviews, analysing digital records, contacting relevant institutions, and carrying out search actions.

Ultimately, the module aims to provide professionals with the structured approach and specific techniques needed to navigate the complex challenges of missing person investigations effectively and with confidence.

»»» Go to the Course 4. Data Collection and analysis: https://lost.team/courses/course-4-data-collection-and-analysis/

Categories: news
2022-1-IT01-KA220-VET-000087044

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

© 2022 – LOST2 Project
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Massimo Pici

SIULP

Massimo Pici is the Provincial General Secretary of SIULP (Italian Unitary Police Workers Union) of Perugia. During his trade union career, Pici has distinguished himself for his commitment to various issues related to the safety and protection of the rights of police workers. He has promoted training initiatives, such as courses for the search for missing persons, and has actively participated in debates on issues of social relevance, such as the proposal to establish a register for imams in Italy. Pici participated in the European project LOST 2, contributing, for the SIULP partner, to the development of the units of competence necessary for this new professional figure, underlining the importance of a European approach to the phenomenon of missing persons and the need to support the families involved.

Chara Stassinopoulou

p-consulting.gr

Chara Stassinopoulou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management of Cultural Resources from the University of Patras, with further certification in Informatics and Computer Science. She serves as EU Projects Manager at p-consulting.gr, where she coordinates Erasmus+ projects across adult, VET, and school education, with a focus on inclusive, community-driven innovation and education.

Francisco Jiménez Navarro

SOS Desaparecidos (ES)

Francisco Jiménez Navarro is the General Coordinator of sosdesaparecidos and professional emergency medical technician. International aid worker and has participated in two armed conflicts in missions of identification of bodies of missing persons and humanitarian aid.

Barbara Coccetta

OMNIS

Barbara Coccetta, has a long experience in the the design and coordination of VET project (“Leonardo Da Vinci”, “Lifelong Learning Programme”, Erasmus Plus”) . A researcher in the VET context, she has been involved in European project management and coordination for 20 years. She is an European policy expert after a bachelor’s degree at the College of Europe in Bruges (BE) and a professional qualification professional qualification at the “Human Resources Development and EU Social Studies”. She is the reference person behalf of OMNIS Organisation for the technical coordination of the training activities providing her specific skills, her strong experience in this field and the deep knowledge acquired over the years in ECVET and EQAVET frameworks. OMNIS has provided other partner organisations with the support on the application of the over mentioned methodology based on a competence model, which takes also into account the European and national instructions in the field of the competencies framework for the definition and testing of the innovative professional in relation to the Missing People phenomenon.

Sara Sechi

Don Bosco International

Sara Sechi is the Executive Secretary of Don Bosco International – DBI. She holds a master’s degree in Law and an advanced-master in International Public Affairs. She has direct experience in non-formal education, training, intercultural learning, youth participation, inclusive leadership, and EU advocacy. She speaks Italian, English and French.

Nel Broothaerts

Child Focus Belgium

Nel Broothaerts graduated as Master in Pedagogical Sciences at the University of Ghent. In 2002, she was responsible for the development of an educational program for young children in Guatemala. After her return to Belgium, she worked within the education system for children with special needs, where she was responsible for the development of pedagogical tools for teachers. Between 2005 and 2007, Nel worked within the Youth Service as a home counsellor / parenting advisor for families in problematic parenting situations. In May 2007, she joined Child Focus and as project manager was responsible for the policy and development of prevention initiatives around e-safety. In September 2013, she became coordinator of the project team. In October 2017, she became Chief Prevention and Development Officer, responsible for all prevention initiatives, through tools, materials, education or training, and new developments in the Foundation. Since October 2022, she combines this position with the role of Deputy CEO of Child Focus.

Patrícia Cipriano

APCDV – Ass. Portuguese Association of Missing and Vulnerable Children

Patrícia de Sousa Cipriano is a lawyer and Honorary President of the Portuguese Association of Missing and Vulnerable Children (APCDV), with a career of more than 17 years dedicated to defending the rights of missing and vulnerable children. Graduated in Law from the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra (pre bologna), with specialization in International Family Law, she currently works as Of Counsel at the prestigious law firm LEGALWORKS – Gomes da Silva & Associados. She is a member of the Lawyers in Europe against Parental Abduction network and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Amber Alert Europe Foundation, contributing with her experience to the strengthening of legal and police cooperation at European level. She was also co-founder of the Portuguese Children’s Association (APCDV), together with Margarida Barroso, the late wife of the former President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso. As President of APCDV, she has led several initiatives to raise awareness, research and support families, with emphasis on her intervention in emblematic cases such as the disappearance of Rui Pedro. She also participated in the Netflix documentary on the Madeleine McCann case, reinforcing her commitment to the international visibility of the cause.

Amaya Rodrigo

SOS Desaparecidos

Amaya Rodrigo is the international coordinator of SOS Desaparecidos, a nonprofit organisation that lobbies for the rights of the missing people in Spain, and aims for a European protocol and law reform that grants missing people and their families their lawful rights. SOS also provides first aid and help to the families after their loved one has gone missing, with a team of volunteer professionals, such as lawyers, therapists, criminalists, detectives. The organisation conducts extensive use of conventional and Social Media to spread awareness and to alert about individual cases.

Sarah Abel

EUROMASC

Sarah Abel is a project manager at EUROMASC and NTIM, specializing in Erasmus+ projects and European cooperation initiatives. She holds a BA (2018) and MA (2020) in political science from the University of Oslo, with a research focus on political polarization in the United States. Sarah first joined EUROMASC in 2019, contributing to various European projects through research and desk studies. She later worked as a research assistant at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence before returning to EUROMASC in 2023 as a project manager. In this role, she is responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of Erasmus+ projects, fostering strategic international partnerships, managing project activities, and ensuring alignment with EU policies and priorities. Fluent in Norwegian, English, Danish, and Swedish, with working comprehension of Italian, Sarah actively collaborates with international consortia to promote innovation and knowledge exchange within the Erasmus+ framework. She is dedicated to strengthening European cooperation in education, training, and research through high-impact projects.

Georgia Angelopoulou

The Smile of The Child

Georgia Angelopoulou is a psychologist currently working at “The Smile of the Child,” where she coordinates the Help & Support Lines Center. Her work focuses on crisis intervention, psychosocial support, and safeguarding vulnerable children and adults, including direct involvement in missing persons cases. She has extensive experience collaborating with municipalities, state authorities, and ministries in Greece, and regularly participates as a speaker in professional seminars and conferences on child protection and mental health. She is actively involved in the European project “Lost II – Research and Implementation,” which addresses missing children and adults, and she brings a systemic perspective to both prevention and response efforts. Her academic background includes a degree in Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, further training in Rorschach testing, and ongoing specialization in Systemic Psychotherapy. Through her role, Georgia provides not only direct psychological support but also contributes to the development of effective inter-agency response mechanisms. She is passionate about promoting awareness and evidence-based practices in the field of disappearances and mental health crises.

Sandrine Pépit

Missing Children Europe

Sandrine Pépit has a background in family law and psychology. She has considerable expertise in the field of international child protection. After having worked for the Central Authority of Quebec, she joined the Permanent bureau of the Hague Conference on private international law. For more than six years, she has worked for a French public agency where she conducted analyses and research on child protection and alternative care. She is the Director of ISS France, Paré programme (a national programme to combat sexual exploitation of children) and of 116000 Enfants Disparus, where she runs the hotline for missing children in France. In June 2021 she took up he role of Vice President of Missing Children Europe.

Constantino Kounas

ARLAB Basilicata

Constantino Kounas is LOST2 project coordinator on behalf of the lead partner ARLAB Basilicata.

Expert in managing European funding, specialized in vocational education and training, adult education, networking and coordination of transnational partnerships. Graduated in Economics and Business, he has a professional qualification as a business consultant expert in subsidized financing for businesses. He coordinates European projects and has collaborated with public bodies and European institutions for over 20 years.

Susana Nogueira

EfVET European Forum of Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Susana Nogueira is a Policy/Project Officer at EfVET since 2022. She has a degree in Criminal Psychology and an experience of 10 years in the coordination and management of Erasmus+ funded projects focused on an array of sectors, including Social Economy, Defence, Culture and Creative Industries, Inclusion and Technology. Moreover, as Policy Officer, Susana has been deeply involved in the development of documentation and tools aimed to advocate for the innovation and quality of Vocational Education and Training.

Susana also worked as Victims’ Support Technician, assisting victims of crimes (domestic violence and other forms of abuse) by providing them with psychological, social and legal support, and as volunteer psychologist at a local civil protection unit in Lisbon (Portugal), trained to provide psychological first aid and support to victims of accidents and catastrophes.