04-05 Missing Persons

Question 1

What defines a missing person?

Answer 1

A missing person is defined as someone whose whereabouts are unknown, and either has not been in contact with likely contacts or there is reasonable fear for their safety due to circumstances surrounding their absence.

This definition includes the inability of police to locate the person after reasonable efforts.

Question 2

What is the protocol when someone is reported missing?

Answer 2

A full missing person eReport must be taken and completed in accordance with the procedure.

If there is uncertainty about the preliminary information, a supervisor should contact the Homicide – Missing Persons Unit (MPU) for consultation.

Question 3

What constitutes a major case in missing persons investigations?

Answer 3

Cases where there is a strong possibility of homicide, assault causing serious bodily harm, abduction, or kidnapping, or where the missing person’s life or safety may be at serious risk are considered major cases.

An accredited Major Case Manager must lead the investigation.

Question 4

What is the time frame for a missing person case to be deemed a major case?

Answer 4

A missing person case shall be deemed a major case if the individual remains unaccounted for thirty (30) days after being reported missing.

This is for the purpose of utilizing the Ministry approved software (PowerCase).

Question 5

What is the purpose of the National Missing Persons DNA Program (NMPDP)?

Answer 5

The NMPDP is designed as an additional resource for ongoing missing person investigations and is a joint effort of NCMPUR and NDDB.

It helps in identifying missing persons’ remains or blood at crime scenes.

Question 6

What must be obtained to utilize a missing person’s DNA in investigations?

Answer 6

Written consent from the missing person’s family is required to utilize their DNA as an investigative tool.

DNA can be collected from personal items that contain saliva, blood, skin cells, or sweat.

Question 7

What types of resources should be listed by Divisional Unit Commanders for missing person searches?

Answer 7

Resources may include:
* community centres
* places of worship
* schools
* shopping malls
* transportation facilities
* hospitals
* private security agencies

This list assists personnel assigned to missing person searches.

Question 8

What is a BOLO request?

Answer 8

A Be On the LookOut (BOLO) request is generated when a missing person eReport is created.

Records Management Services – Operations (RMS – Ops) is responsible for posting the BOLO.

Question 9

What criteria must be met for an AMBER Alert to be activated?

Answer 9

The investigator must believe:
* a child under eighteen has been abducted
* the child is in danger
* there is descriptive information about the child, abductor, or vehicle.

An AMBER Alert is considered in all missing children investigations.

Question 10

When should officers utilize the Missing Person Phone-In process?

Answer 10

Officers shall utilize the process when a person has been reported missing to generate the required missing person eReport.

This ensures immediate entry onto the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).

Question 11

What is the age under which a Child Apprehension Warrant may be applied for a missing person?

Answer 11

Sixteen (16) years.

Police officers must advise the relevant guardians about applying for an apprehension warrant under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

Question 12

What is the responsibility of the Detective Sergeant in missing person investigations?

Answer 12

The Detective Sergeant ensures the appropriate investigative response, assigns personnel, and maintains communication with involved divisions.

They also ensure all eReports are completed.

Question 13

In exigent circumstances, what must a divisional investigator do regarding urgent demands for records?

Answer 13

Consult with the MPU, complete the required forms, and provide notice to any person whose information was accessed.

This includes describing the accessed information and providing contact details for the requesting officer.

Question 14

What actions should a Supervisory Officer take upon a Level 3 search notification?

Answer 14

They must ensure forms are completed, assess risk levels, generate the required eReport, and commence a strategic search if necessary.

Details of the search, if not conducted, should be recorded in the original eReport.

Question 15

What is the role of the Officer in Charge during a Level 2 search?

Answer 15

Ensure a supervisory officer takes charge, detectives are assigned, adequate resources are obtained, and relevant notifications are made

Includes notifying the Unit Commander and Duty Inspector, completing necessary eReports, and ensuring all pertinent information is shared with emergency services.

Question 16

What must the Officer in Charge do if a missing person is under sixteen years of age?

Answer 16

Notify all members involved in the search and contact the school principal as soon as practicable

This ensures that all relevant parties are informed and can assist in the search.

Question 17

When should a Major Case Manager be assigned?

Answer 17

When there is a strong possibility of the missing person being victimized by crime

This follows compliance with the Ontario Major Case Management Manual.

Question 18

What does the Duty Inspector ensure during a missing person investigation?

Answer 18

Sufficient resources are available, and the Deputy Chief of Police is advised

They also determine whether to escalate or de-escalate physical search operations.

Question 19

What is the purpose of the Divisional Search Box?

Answer 19

Contains necessary items essential to the supervisory officer at the scene of a Level 1 or Level 2 search

Items are determined by Procedure 04–05 and should be easily accessible.

Question 20

Define ‘Missing Person.’

Answer 20

A person whose whereabouts are unknown and has not been in contact with likely contacts, or there is reasonable fear for their safety

This aligns with the Missing Person Act, 2018.

Question 21

What does an AMBER Alert signify?

Answer 21

A cooperative effort between police, media, and the Ministry of Transportation to notify the public of an abducted person under eighteen

The alert is activated when there is a belief that the person is in danger and sufficient descriptive information is available.

Question 22

What is the definition of ‘Last Known Place’?

Answer 22

The last substantiated position that the missing person was known to be

This information may change as new evidence emerges during the investigation.

Question 23

What is included in the responsibilities of a Major Case Manager?

Answer 23

Effective governance and management of major case investigations, and must have completed the Ontario Major Case Management Course

They utilize minister-approved software for managing investigations.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The MPU is responsible for maintaining a consistent process for all occurrences of persons missing in the City of Toronto and includes both newly reported and ________ cases.

Answer 24

historic

This highlights the comprehensive nature of the MPU’s responsibilities.

Question 25

What does ‘Place Last Seen (PLS)’ refer to?

Answer 25

The location where the missing person was actually seen by a witness

The PLS may shift throughout the investigation as new information is discovered.

Question 26

What is a Level 3 Missing Person Search?

Answer 26

Implemented when a person is reported missing with minimal concerns about victimization by crime or the person’s limitations

This level indicates a lower urgency in the search process.

Question 27

What is the role of the Search Manager?

Answer 27

Responsible for coordinating the search for the missing person and establishing a Command Post

The Search Manager leads the search management team and maintains liaison with the Incident Commander.

Question 28

What happens if a missing person is not located within thirty days?

Answer 28

Consultation takes place between the assigned investigator and the MPU, and the status of the original eReport remains open

This includes maintaining regular investigative follow-up until a conclusion is reached.

Question 29

True or False: The Missing Persons Unit (MPU) is available twenty-four hours a day.

Answer 29

True

The MPU is contacted in specific situations involving missing persons.

Question 30

What is the function of the Primary Investigator?

Answer 30

Assigned by the Major Case Manager to perform the primary investigation functions

This investigator must have completed the Ontario Major Case Management Course.

Question 31

What does ‘Non-Parental Abduction’ mean?

Answer 31

The unlawful removal of a child by a person other than a parent or guardian

This is a critical distinction in cases involving missing or abducted children.

Question 32

What is the purpose of the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR)?

Answer 32

To compile data on missing persons and unidentified remains

The center is supported by the RCMP and encourages collaboration from local police forces.

Question 33

Fill in the blank: The Major Case Manager shall have successfully completed the Ontario Major Case Management Course or equivalent and shall have the resources to manage investigations through the minister-approved software, currently known as _______.

Answer 33

PowerCase

This software is vital for managing major case investigations effectively.