7 things you should know in case of a missing person

by Constable Linda Nethercott

I’m Constable Linda Nethercott and I work in the Missing Persons Section at Ottawa Police Service.

Missing persons cases can be understandably emotional; families and friends are worried about their loved one and concerned for their safety and well-being.

What is involved in an investigation? First of all, I want to clarify, you do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing.

It should also be noted that not all missing persons cases are made public for various reasons, including the protection and privacy of the individual. Investigative leads are often followed up before we seek public assistance.

It is police and the family who work together to determine if/when we need help from the public in any missing persons investigation. At that point, a news release is sent out and information shared across all of our social media channels.

While each case is taken seriously, there are several factors that can make a missing persons case more urgent: 

• Weather conditions
• State of dress as it pertains to weather conditions
• Mental state of mind
• If medications are required
• Information to indicate a missing person’s safety is at risk
• Age of the missing person

In 2018, 42.5% of missing persons files involved subjects under 18 years.

Missing Children

When dealing with missing kids, the more information that can be provided, the better chance we have to bring a missing child home safely.

I often get asked by parents and guardians, what can I do to help you find my missing youth? And When is an Amber Alert issued?

Gathering information at the time of the disappearance can be stressful, emotional and time-consuming for parents and guardians. Police recommend maintaining an up to date list with the following information to assist with the search should your child go missing.

1. Know what your child’s favourite places are in the community. Do they like to spend time at a specific mall, recreation centre, park or restaurant?
2. Always have available a clear, updated photo and description of your child;
3. Prepare a list of updated medical conditions and prescribed medication for your child so that police are aware if your child is at a higher risk;
4. Find out who your child likes to spend time with. Create a list of names, phone numbers and addresses of friends and associates.  Missing youth will often reach out to their friends when they are not at home.
5. Prepare a list of family members and other adults that your child might reach out to in a time of need.
6. Find out what social media accounts your child is using. Obtain user names, profiles and passwords. Be aware that kids will often have more than one account for the same social media platform.
7. If your child has access to a bank account, collect that information including account numbers.

There may be something going on in your child’s life that makes them more vulnerable or prone to run away. Runaway kids are often feeling overwhelmed and having someone to reach out to can help. There are resources that can assist them if they are going through a difficult time. 

Know and share with your kids the resources in your community that provide them support such as those listed below.

-        Kids’ Help Phone  https://kidshelpphone.ca/

-        YSB 24hr Crisis Line  https://www.ysb.ca/services/ysb-mental-health/24-7-crisis-line/ 

Amber Alerts

The Ontario AMBER Alert Program is a voluntary, co-operative plan between radio and television stations, the Ministry of Community and Correctional Services, Ministry of Transportation, Ontario law enforcement agencies and other partners. Find out more about the guidelines and how the program works on the OPP website.

For more information on missing kids visit https://missingkids.ca and our Crime Prevention information for parents.