Law enforcement agencies should expeditiously respond to and thoroughly investigate all reports of missing children without regard to jurisdiction, coordinate a response with the appropriate jurisdiction, and issue emergency notifications as necessary. A child who is missing should be considered “at risk” until sufficient information to the contrary is confirmed.

These documents establish responsibilities and guidelines for this agency’s response to reports of missing children.

This topic is under review by the IACP Policy Center. For more information, please email the Policy Center.