OF 16 Missing Persons

Question 1

what is definition of a missing person?

Answer 1

Any person who is reported missing to police
AND
Whose whereabouts are unknown
AND
There are fears for their safety, or concerns for the welfare, of that person

Question 2

What are the considerations for “Fears for Safety”?

Answer 2

ZAC

Age:
in cases of children, elderly fears may arise immediately

Zones of Safety: fears arise when person is outside their usual surroundings and is unable to cope eg have mental/physical disability

Circumstances: Fears arise if they have gone missing in circumstances that are unusal, dangerous or suspicious

Question 3

What are the considerations for “Concerns for Welfare”?

Answer 3

CIA

Age:
elderly people living alone or teenage runaways

Circumstances:
recently suffered some trauma or life facing problem; relationship breakdown or loss of job

Influences: drugs, gangs, alcohol

Question 4

categories of missing people

Answer 4

Voluntary:
someone who has control over their actions

Involuntary:
missing against their will (abduction, custody disputes)

Lost due to an event:
those temporarily disorientated and want to be found (sea/bush/car crashes/lost children)

Missing overseas:
NZér overseas reported missing by someone at home or foreign nationals who have been reported missing from their home country

Question 5

what forms are used?

Answer 5

Pol 61 risk assessment form

Pol 62 Missing Persons Report form

Pol 64 Missing Person Acknowledged form

Question 6

procedure when starting enquiry

Answer 6

gather all relevant information

pay attention to detail

assess possible risks to person