OF16:Missing Persons

Question 1

What are the three main things to remember when someone reports another person missing?

Answer 1

Gather all the relevant information
Pay attention to detail
Assess possible risks to the missing person

Question 2

What is the MPU and where are they based?

Answer 2

Missing Persons Unit, based at PNHQ

Question 3

What is meant by “Missing Person”

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Most missing people fall into these 4 categories?

Answer 4

Voluntary
Involuntary
Lost due to event
Missing overseas

Question 5

What is it meant by “Voluntary”?

Answer 5

Someone who has control over their actions and has decided upon a course of action

• Runaways
• People who have removed themselves from a particular situation
• People unaware they have been reported missing

Question 6

What is it meant by “Involuntary”?

Answer 6

Someone who is missing against their will

• People who have been abducted
• People suffering from dementia, mental health or intellectual disability

Question 7

What is it meant by “Lost”?

Answer 7

People who are temporarily disorientated and want to be found

• Lost at sea
• Lost in the bush
• Lost in car accidents

Usually the subject of a SAR operation