Missing Persons

Question 1

What is the definition of a missing person?

Answer 1

Anyone who is reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown, and there are fears
for the safety or concern for the welfare of that prson
*
Includes anyone missing from any institution not escapees
*
Must be genuine concern for safety/wellbeing of person

Question 2

What is the responsibility of an officer taking a missing persons report?

Answer 2

• Confirm the ID if the PR and MP
• Utilise MP Checklist to establish relevant details:
  Circumstances, last seen, description, life circumstances (e.g. drugs, mental health, financial, medication, behaviour), risk assessment questions, phone/computer, opal card, bank accounts, crime scenes?
• Notify supervisor
• Assess need for specialist resources for search
• Obtain and record permission to search area where incident took place
• Obtain photo of MP and authority to publish
• Evaluate and photograph MP room
• Consider seizing items for DNA/FP
• Obtain MP doctor/dentist details
• Broadcast KLO4
• CCTV canvass
• COPS event immediately with warnings
• SITREP/NEMESIS
• Iasks signs of life check
• COPS enquiries

Question 3

What are the risk categories of MP’s?

Answer 3

High Risk - poses is immediate and substantial grounds for believing
the person is in danger. Answers yes to red flag questions. Requires
immediate notification to Supervisor/DO. Ensure crime scene
response if criminality involved. Immediate consideration to
investigative tools to locate.

Medium - Potentially poses a risk to themselves or others. Requires
an active and ongoing response in order to locate. Investigative tools
should be considered to locate.

Limited (Low)- No indication of a threat or danger to themselves or others.
Requires active and ongoing response until located.

Question 4

What are the 5 red flag Questions?

Answer 4

If the answer to any of the following five questions is yes, this would
indicate the need for an immediate high level police response.

1. Is there evidence to suggest the MP is suicidal?
2. Is there evidence of a homicide? Are the circumstances of the
   disappearance suspicious?
3. Did the MP leave with a child in their care?
4. Is the MP particularly vulnerable due to age/disability?
5. Is the MP missing in weather conditions or in a geographical area
   that would seriously increase the risk of health/safety?

Question 5

Questions regarding MP vulnerabilities?

Answer 5

1. Does the MP need essential medication or treatment?
2. Does the MP have a MH diagnosis?
3. Is there history of addiction (drugs/alcohol/gambling etc)?
4. Was the MP recently exhibiting behaviour out of character?
5. Is the MP in youth/ forster car, special accommodation, aged care or
   other care facility?

Question 6

Situational/Context Questions?

Answer 6

1. Did the MP fail to complete their last known intended
   appointment/action?
2. Has the MP left personal belongings required for period of absence?
3. Is there history of serious family conflict/abuse?
4. Other recent issues of significance?
5. Has the MP been involved in altercation?
6. Involved in court matter?
7. Are they overseas tourist/visitor who has gone without notice?
8. Sighted at a point of departure?
9. New friends recently?
10. Are they a sex worker?
11. Likely to raise media/political interest?

Question 7

Maximum timeframes for OIC?

Answer 7

Immediately: Take report immediately if MP definition met

1 week: Potential DNA/Fingerprint samples, obtained as exhibits or volunteer DNA from family. Obtain doctor/dental details

2 weeks: Iasks for recent activity (Banking, phone, opal), enquiries with doctor/dental records

4 weeks: Case to be transferred to experienced investigator

6 weeks: EagleI

3 months: Signs of life checks (IASKS), Liaise with MP registry

6 months: Reconduct signs of life checks

9 months: Coronial brief to MP registry for checking

12 months: Coronial brief to coroner

Question 8

What is an amber alert?

Answer 8

Process that involves the urgent broadcast of relevant information through the media and other means to the public to facilitate the search for, location and recovery of an abducted child or high risk missing child or young person aged 16 years and younger