Report a missing person

When a person is identified as missing, and it is an emergency, always dial 999.

For all non-emergency cases, contact us on 101.

 

What we need from you

When you call 999 or 101 to report someone as a missing person we will;

• ask you for details of the missing person.
• assess whether the person is at low, medium or high risk (see below).
• begin enquiries straight away where a person is considered at high or medium risk.
• ask for your consent to use publicity.
• keep you informed of the progress of the enquiry.
• speak to the missing person when found to try to reduce the chances of them going missing again.

 

Risk levels

When a person is reported missing we will assess whether the person is at low, medium or high risk:

• Low Risk suggests there is no apparent threat of danger to either the missing person or the public.
• Medium Risk means it is possible that the missing person is in danger or is a threat to him/herself or others.
• High Risk means we believe there is a real and immediate danger to the safety of the missing person or to the public.

 

How we assess the level of risk

We will assess the level of risk by building up as accurate a picture of the person and their personal circumstances as possible.

To do this we will take in to account such things as;

• the person’s age.
• whether they need essential medication or treatment.
• whether they are on the Child Protection Register.

We will also consider the circumstances of the disappearance, such as whether;

• the disappearance is out of character.
• there is a suspicion of murder.
• the missing person has financial, employment or relationship problems.