Filling out a missing person report
Before filling out a missing person report, please check that the missing person is not with relatives or friends or at the summerhouse or any other likely place. If the person has gone missing before, check the place where he/she was found on that occasion. Also check areas near the home and call local hospitals and health centres, although they may refuse to divulge any information on the grounds of patient confidentiality.
Fill out a missing person report in person at a police station. Take with you a recent photograph of the missing person. The police will also want to know his/her personal data and a full description of the person and of any means of transport he/she may be using. It will also help the search if the police are given any other relevant background information on the missing person, his/her state of mind, any plans he/she may have had and financial and other resources and equipment.
The police must also be told if any searches have already been made, specifically their location and extent. Avoid disturbing the area where the missing person was last seen.
If the missing person is found or returns home, the police must be notified at once.
Information to help identify the person:
Personal data: name, social security number, address and phone number.
Description: age, height, weight, build, hair (colour, length, style, any balding), eye colour, glasses, special features (dentures, hearing aid, missing limb, other invalidity, tattoos, a limp or other walking characteristic).
Clothing: style, brand name and colour of clothes, any rips or patches, footwear, bags or briefcases.
Means of transport: make, colour and model of bicycle; make, colour, model and registration number of moped, motorcycle or car, and any additional details of the vehicle (year, special features); in the case of a boat, the model, registration number and any special features.
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