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MISSING PERSONS

What to Do When Someone Goes Missing

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FIRST STEPS WHEN SOMEONE GOES MISSING

Attempt to contact the missing person through all types of communication possible (cell phone, social media, etc.).

Check with people close to the missing person to see if they have seen them or heard from them recently.

Notify the police (state or local department of where the missing person was last seen).

Check the surrounding area’s hospitals, correctional
facilities, coroner’s office, by name and unidentified.

Conduct or have the police conduct, a welfare check at the home or workplace of the missing person.

Ensure the County Prosecutor’s Office has been notified. Call the NJ State Police (Missing Persons Unit) directly at 1-609-882-2000 x2554 or email them at missingp@njsp.org.

Flood the surrounding areas with flyers, signs, posters, and recent photos of the missing person

Flood social media with photos and information.

Alert the media, starting with local radio & TV stations and expanding to major networks.

Organize volunteer search parties and networks.

Contact the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation’s Missing Person’s Family Assistance Unit at 732-462-5793.

Once you have sufficient reason to believe a person is in fact is missing; or if the missing person is vulnerable, under 18 years old, over 65 years of age, suffers from a physical or mental illness, is depressed/suicidal, or if the disappearance is completely out of character, contact the authorities immediately.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE 24-HOUR RULE!!

People usually do not hesitate when contacting the authorities when a child goes missing. However, there is a false adage that you must wait 24 hours before reporting an adult missing. This is far from the truth! You may file a missing person report immediately.

INFORMATION TO HAVE READY PRIOR TO CONTACTING 9-1-1

The person’s full name, any nicknames or aliases used.
When and where they were last seen.
A complete clothing description - last seen wearing, jewelry, glasses, accessories, etc.
A complete physical description - complexion/height/weight/hair color/eye color/any scars or tattoos/build
Any medical conditions or allergies.
A list of any personal items they may have with them - cell phone, car keys, purse, wallet, IDs.
A complete vehicle description
A list of anyone they may have been with recently or that they normally hang out with.
Have as many phone numbers and addresses as possible.
A list of locations they frequently visit.
A complete description of the circumstances leading up to the time they were last seen. BE AS DETAILED AS POSSIBLE!

ORGANIZING A SEARCH

Contact the local law enforcement agency to ensure there are no active searches being conducted in the same area. It is imperative to request any pertinent information they may have to help guide you to search areas: GPS, a timeline, or route of travel are each helpful.

Ask permission from landowners before you search on anyone’s private property.

Use small teams of 8 - 12 people per area with a team leader. Record all names and contact information of searchers. Persons under 18 should not be permitted to search. Ensure clear instructions are given (e.g. DO NOT touch anything found but instead take a photo of anything significant).

Prepare a plan to utilize the number of volunteers you have in predetermined areas. Obtain maps of the locations you intend to search. Use drones to scan all search areas prior to and during the search for safety reasons and to cover more ground.

Line up along the perimeter of the search area. Go slowly, walking arms’ length apart and maintain the same pace, pausing briefly every 10 to 15 feet to look forward, sweep side to side, and up and down.

Stay alert at all times and be mindful of any dangers such as animals. Ensure all searchers are dressed appropriately prior to heading out.

Utilize cell phones or two-way radios to communicate the progress of the search and to relay any findings of possible evidence.

For further assistance, contact us at 732-462-5793.

ORGANIZING A SEARCH

Ask permission from landowners before you search on anyone’s private property.

Stay alert at all times and be mindful of any dangers such as animals. Ensure all searchers are dressed appropriately prior to heading out.

Utilize cell phones or two-way radios to communicate the progress of the search and to relay any findings of possible evidence.

For further assistance, contact us at 732-462-5793.

POLICE SEARCHES

Police will usually conduct a search if they believe your loved one’s disappearance is suspicious and the State Emergency Service (SES) can only conduct searches for missing persons with approval from the police. You may need to consider conducting your own search. Appeal to able-bodied and trusted friends, family, and community members to assist. Every case is different. Use your discretion to judge what is and is not appropriate. Unfortunately, all missing person circumstances are different, making it impossible for non-professionals to follow a set standard of procedure. However, there are instances where volunteer searchers will play a vital role in assisting the authorities in covering large areas.