NCJ Number
185829
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 69 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2000 Pages: 1-7
Date Published
November 2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Police who are the first responders in cases of missing children should conduct a careful assessment to determine whether the disappearance is voluntary or involuntary, because the responding police officers’ initial assessment will have a major impact on the outcome of the case.
Abstract
Some cases have clear indicators of being an abduction or a runaway. However, decision-making is often difficult in cases that fall between the extremes. Therefore, responding officers must explore the missing child’s lifestyle and behaviors. They must have the motivation and resources needed to take the extra time to determine whether a voluntary departure is consistent with the child’s behavior patterns. It is also crucial to interview parents separately from other family members and reporting persons. Investigators must also understand the missing child’s last known activities, habits, interests, normal activity patterns, recent changes in behavior or activity patterns, family dynamics, comfort zones, and school and peer group associations. In addition, scene assessment should include an analysis of the child’s residence for evidence or lack of evidence for preparation for a departure. Moreover, they should consider the child’s access to resources such as money and transportation. Furthermore, they should consider time factors, including how long a runaway child typically stays away from home and how the passage of time influences the classification of a missing child case. Overall, investigators should make every attempt to assess the situation accurately in an effort to classify the missing child appropriately. Case example, checklists, and reference notes