NCJ Number
179758
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 47 Issue: 10 Dated: October 1999 Pages: 187-190
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Indianapolis Police Department (IPD) Missing Persons Unit and the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) Urban Search and Rescue Team have established a joint effort to find individual missing persons; this approach is unique to Indianapolis.
Abstract
Both agencies are highly trained and well equipped to carry out their independent missions. However, each agency lacks capabilities that the other can offer in searching for missing persons. Police officers are skilled in interrogative and investigative techniques, while firefighters offer more staff, knowledge of grid searches, special equipment such as high-powered lighting, and the ability to work in inclement conditions at a moment's notice. The IPD determines whether the situation is an emergency and than notifies the IFD and establishes a unified command structure. Both agencies have access to a mobile command post. Factors considered responsible for the success of the joint effort include the ability to provide a true rapid deployment team and changes in city ordinances to eliminate the 24-hour waiting rule. The teams work together to find missing persons several times per year and most often involve children, elderly people, or people with mental disabilities. Photograph and telephone numbers from which to obtain further information