Missing or runaway

Use the following guidelines to help you assess the urgency of response to a missing person situation:

		First at the scene
		Evaluating search urgency

First at the scene (Missing or runaway)

1. Interview whoever reported the missing person to determine:
   • the facts
   • who is missing, the profile
   • has the person been missing before
   • how the person left
   • where the person might be
2. Consider interviewing the family and friends.
3. Consider investigating:
   • CPIC
   • police files
   • hospitals
   • hostels
   • social services
4. Search the house or building twice.
5. Determine the search urgency based on:
   • runaway history
   • if circumstances are different this time
   • a previous runaway might be missing this time
   • if you're concerned, trust your instincts
   • the Evaluating Search Urgency chart below
6. Notify your supervisor of the incident and your evaluation of the search urgency.
7. Arrange for search personnel as needed.

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Evaluating search urgency (Missing or runaway)

1. Use the chart to evaluate the search urgency when people are missing.
2. Consider the factors and rate each one as a 1, 2, or 3.
3. Add up all the ratings.
4. Divide by 7 (there are 7 categories).
5. The result is the level of search urgency:
   • 1 is very urgent
   • 2 is urgent
   • 3 is less urgent 

Evaluating Search Urgency Chart
Factor	Rating
	1 - Very Urgent	2 - Urgent	3 - Less Urgent