Search for the phone number of your local police department online. Do not touch the missing person’s things, such as their room, clothing, or car, or tamper with their social media accounts, as they may be used as evidence later by the police.
Some police departments will ask you to wait 24-72 hours to file an official report, unless the circumstances of the missing person appear dire or concerning. You can try to get the police to file the official report if you are very worried about the person or if you think they may be missing due to foul play or suspicious circumstances.
You can also offer to send the police a scanned photograph that is current of the person or drop off the photograph in person. The police can then add the photograph to the report.
Reach out to friends, family members, and community members while you wait to hear back from the police. The more people who know the person is missing, the more likely they are to be found.
You can provide a DNA sample if you are related by blood to the missing person. You will need to provide a swab from the inside of your cheek.
Find the FBI field office in your state here: https://travel. state. gov/content/travel/en/International-Parental-Child-Abduction/prevention/find-resources-in-your-state. html.
The NCIC is also a good resource if you think the missing person has been kidnapped or taken against their will.
Most of these websites are free to use and can help you circulate information about the person nationally and internationally.
Make sure you also include a clear, current photo of the person in the social media posting. Be wary of tips from strangers claiming to have seen the missing person and only pay attention to tips that seem legitimate. Report any legitimate tips to the police so they can investigate.
If you get any tips on the person’s whereabouts through the media, pass them on to the police so they can look into them further.
