My name is John Lordan and I've been working in true crime social media for over a decade, with Missing Person's cases being one of my primary focuses. In that time I've met with numerous family members and was often hearing the phrase "there's no guide or book for having a family member go missing." I wanted to change that, so several years ago I built this page, and over the years updated it to include the latest approaches.
I've been thanked by numerous families that have used information here to find their loved ones, and some of them have shared additional information that I've included here for you. It's the closest thing you are going to find to a comprehensive "how-to" guide for dealing with your missing persons case over the first minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even years if needed.
Don't give up. You've got this.
-John
Updated March 2025
If this is a child, call the police immediately. IMMEDIATELY.
Law enforcement reacts to different cases in different ways. Generally the younger the child, the faster and larger their response. A missing teenager will usually get a pretty minimalized response unless there was some imminent danger or abduction witnessed.
Ask people in the immediate area where the child went missing for help. Give them a brief description (hair and eye color, height, weight, memorable clothing or items they may have).
Target any potential danger zones and focus the search on those. Large bodies of water, cliffs, construction sites, nearby roads and highways. If abduction is a possibility check parking lots in the area.
Keep this search effort going until law enforcement arrives. If it seems like too much time has passed, call law enforcement AGAIN.
Timing is critical, and building your search and support team quickly is paramount.
Grab an empty notebook and start tracking EVERYTHING.
Keep it on your nightstand when you sleep, and with you at all times during the day. You may get ideas for next steps or other areas to check at unexpected times.
Start with a quick brainstorming session of people and places where your loved one might be. After you have that list, break it up to categories that you can hand off to other helpers so you can call different people and places at the same time.
Call ALL of their phone numbers (cell, office, home, etc) and see if they have an updated message or anything that might indicate where they went.
If their cell phone is ringing, call it regularly. You will be create a “ping trail” that could be helpful in longer investigations.
Check their social media for any mentions of trips or plans.
Check their home.
If you do not live in the area of the home, try asking a neighbor or friend in that area to go to the home for you. Or contact the police in that area and ask them to perform a "well being check."
If the home shows signs of forced entry or violence call the police immediately and do not enter the premises.
Ask to speak to one or more of their coworkers that sat near them or even their supervisor. Did they overhear anything or know about any travel plans? When did they last see the missing person? What were they wearing?
Record the time and context of the calls in your notebook, and encourage people to call you back if they find out more information from another source.
Call all personal contacts of the missing person. Start with the people that they associate with most frequently. Don't worry about embarrassment, be clear that you are calling because your family member can't be found, and it's not a normal occurrence.
BE SURE to ask for them to call you back if they get any information or see the missing person.
Call locations that your family member is known to regularly visit. Work, school, businesses they frequent.
Leave contact information so they can call you back if the missing person is seen.
If your loved one’s car is also missing, check with local towing yards and impound lots within a 50 - mile radius. Also, check the department of motor vehicle to see if tags have been turned in, any moving violations have occurred, and if the car is under a suspension.
Determine if they are truly missing. Sometimes a suspected missing adult is discovered to be in hiding. You will frequently hear from law enforcment that adults have the right to disappear. It might be true, but ask yourself and others, is the missing person’s lack of communications a behavior that is new or has it been done in the past? Is the possibility of them running away truly a reasonable outcome? Are there risk factors that complicate their disappearance, like medical conditions, substance abuse issues, or interpersonal conflicts. Of course even if they are in hiding, it doesn't mean that you stop looking, but it might change the attention and resources that you put into this effort.
If you determine NO and your gut tells you, ”something is wrong” , then you want to start a process of eliminating possibilities and look for any sort of event or communication that corroborates your suspicions and enhances your plea for help.
It's been an hour, and you still don't know where they are. You have no leads from friends or locations you've checked with. It's time to call law enforcement.
Tell them you are filing a missing persons report. You may hear that there is some waiting period needed (typically 24-48 hours). In almost all cases, that is not true. If you hear that excuse, ask to speak to a superior officer.
Consider having the case escalated to the FBI IF you suspect that your loved one has been abducted and possibly taken across state lines.
If the missing person is a child, ask about issuing an AMBER ALERT, but be aware there are specific conditions that will have to be met for them to be able to do this.
If your elderly loved one has gone missing, many states now offer the assistance of a Silver Alert. It is very similar to a child Amber Alert, and also has specific conditions.
After you have reported your child missing to law enforcement, call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, NCMEC on their toll-free telephone number: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
WARNING: You're going to hear some comments that offend you, or seem insensitive. You don't have time to be offended. Keep the conversations on track to get what you need. If an officer says "they'll probably show up tomorrow" you stress how that's not acceptable and press for the next step that can be done today. Note any medical issues or medications that the missing person may need, or other potential reasons why they are in danger.
Be clear about what you are asking for from law enforcement. Officers come in all types, some will be helpful, some won't want to be bothered. Remember you can always ask to speak to a supervisor if you feel like you are not being heard.
For adults the police will most likely try to pass it off as there is nothing wrong and may not want to investigate. If you do not agree with the police, you need others to support suspicions or have some “evidence” to persuade them. With children, especially preteens, that sentiment goes away as children typically do not have the independence or means to disappear on their own.
When you call law enforcement, provide missing persons name, any known nicknames or aliases, their date of birth, height, weight, hair color, eye color and any other unique identifiers such as eyeglasses, braces, scars, tattoos and any medical conditions you are aware of. Also tell them about any notable jewelry (wedding ring, bracelets, earrings, necklaces) or other objects they may be carrying (cell phone, purse). Tell them when the person was noticed to be missing, when they were last seen and what clothing he or she was wearing if known.
Give the police THREE recent photos of the missing person.
MAKE COPIES of everything you hand over to the police. There’s a very good chance you’ll never get it back.
Also communicate with police in a traceable way. Recount what you were told by them in a phone call or in person by texting them the information and keep note of this communication as well.
When speaking to LE it is important to be completely honest regarding the circumstances involving your loved one’s disappearance. If your loved one was involved in illegal activities, drugs, etc., it is very important that detectives be made aware.
Make sure you obtain a case number for your missing person's report. Write down the name and badge number of the police officer who took your report, as well as a telephone number where you can reach the department.
If you suspect the person was abducted from their home or car INSIST ON FINGER PRINTING THE HOUSE or car. They may try to tell you that since you and or others have been in the house that finger printing would be a waste of time. INSIST that they do it, or immediately find and pay a private detective with police connections to do it for you.
STEP UP YOUR INVESTIGATION
If law enforcement does not search the missing person's home, you will need to. Proceed with CAUTION and enter the home: DO NOT touch anything or move items. Use your thumb and index finger to open the door rather than grasping the whole knob, and don’t touch the interior side of the door. The police might be able to get a finger print.
Keep track of what you did touch and your observations in your notebook.
Secure a DNA sample! Toothbrush, hair brush, make up brushes, even a bathrobe.
Look for calendars or notes and any other item that might confirm where your missing loved one might be.
Try to find recent photos of them if you don’t already have some.
Note any found info on their friends or acquaintances and reach out to them (leave messages, send texts). Do they know when the missing person was last seen, what were they wearing, and did they mention additional plans for that day or night?
Call hospitals, other police stations, coroners offices and check usual transportation methods (cab companies, trains, etc.) Possibly also reach out to local psychiatric units, and homeless shelters if appropriate.
Using your notebook, put a timeline together on their last known activities and communication.
Start a written list of the missing person’s friends and enemies with notes about each one. How long they have known each other, why they are enemies, contact info, etc.
Check their social media to see who they were talking to and what they were talking about leading up to their disappearance. Print out correspondence and activity that seems as though it could lead to the missing person's location.
Look at photos that contain the missing persons possessions in the back ground. Are the items still there? Ask other relatives to help determine what might be missing.
Do look at records and recent receipts for items purchased and are those items still there?
Know that an astounding number of these cases will essentially "solve themselves" in the first 72 hours. If yours is going longer than that, you need to expand your team. You might need to expand your search area, and in all cases you will need to raise more awareness.
MAKE A POSTER
You've now collected all the info you need for a poster. Be sure to include a recent, clear photograph of the missing person. Include the person's age, a physical description, and the date he or she went missing.
Some organizations will help you create a poster for free, like Missing Persons In America. You can contact them here: https://www.facebook.com/MissingPeopleInAmerica/
Include contact information as well, but DO NOT put your personal contact information (phone/home address) on the flyer. This could put you in a vulnerable situation, and will certainly make you a target for scammers.
If you successfully got the missing person report filed, include the police departments number and the case number they gave you on the poster.
If you need to put your own number on there, you can start a Google Voice phone number for free. More info can be found here: https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115061
Sometimes a local printer or copy shop will give you a discount or even free copies if they know it's for a local missing persons case. Hang your fliers in prominent locations. Gas stations, grocery stores, post offices, banks, drug stores, local libraries, churches, hospitals, homeless shelters, parks and hiking trails will all work well.
E-mail the flyer to everyone in your email address book. Ask friends and family to post and email the flyer as well.
BUILD THE TEAM
Decide who is the point person for the investigation. Typically your assigned investigator will only interact with one family member. Think about who would be the best person to handle this communication. The point person should be detail oriented, able to listen even while facing strong emotions, and be capable of holding a schedule. There is a very likely chance they will need to be a "squeaky wheel" at times, making regular phone calls prompting actions or asking for updates from the investigator. If the person you pick is not able to be detail oriented, not comfortable with being direct, or is too emotional to listen and take notes during these conversations, they are probably NOT the correct choice.
You might need other members of the team, for example one person to handle sending releases to local press. Maybe someone to help with fundraising efforts and social media campaigns. A "street team" to go out and put up flyers. Use another sheet in that notebook and brainstorm the best possible team you can put together based on tasks, don't worry about the people yet. Just let it flow with the maximum team that could help you. Once you have that, then think about the people that can fill those roles. If you need more resources, you will need to engage your community to find those. Churches and other community groups can be VERY helpful on this front, and of course reaching out to find help from people on social media can also work.
NOTE: Private Investigators aka PI - Some PIs really want to help, others simply want billable hours. There are reputable firms and there are less ethical firms. Ask the police for recommendations, check references, check the Better Business Bureau. Ask about the fees and be sure that you and the PI have a written understanding of the services to be provided and the associated cost. Also realize that PIs are better in some situations than others. If your loved one went missing on a hike in the woods, a PI is probably not a great use of your time and resources.
KEEP UP WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
Ask the police what their plans are and how you can help? Do your best to keep this relationship healthy, and effective. Be helpful and consistent, but do not be a hindrance. You are likely to be in this together for a prolonged period of time, and you may need their help further if remains are discovered. This is a tough relationship to manage, but you can find the right balance of keeping informed and passing info to them that can really benefit the case.
If law enforcement suspects foul play, they will come looking for suspects. There is a chance that first suspect could be you, family members, or other persons who knew them closely. Statistically speaking most cases of foul play are committed by a family member or someone close, so be ready. Lie detector test and interrogation techniques can be very unsettling, but it is necessary. You want them to clear your name off the list so they can move the investigation forward.
You may find yourself in a position where you have to go against the wishes of Law Enforcement, particularly with handling the media. You will likely have family members with differing opinions on how to proceed. You have to decide if it's the right step. Has it been far too long with little movement on the investigation? You might decide to do interviews or share new info to get exposure going and hopefully elicit new tips.
Ask if they have other departments or agencies assisting. Press them hard to get as many agencies to help as you can.
Ask for regular updates and be respectful. Do not tell the police how to do their job.
Be clear with the police about what you know to be a fact verses what is an opinion or hunch.
SEARCHES
Organize Volunteers and searches - Try to get help from friends, family, etc. There are also organizations that might be able to help you. Again get someone you know to help you with finding volunteers and help.
Searches do four basic things .
1 Searches provide you with a sense of action and possible hope.
2 Searches help find the missing person(s)
3 Searches help find helpful clues
4 Even if a search that does not turn up a new clue or find the missing. The press coverage helps others to be informed and get may get others involved or at least aware of the situation.
All Search and Rescue teams are not equal. Get recommendations and look for reviews and referrals if you are hiring your own SAR or K9 search services. Also know that sometimes Law Enforcement will help with this, other times they won't. Also know that sometimes Law Enforcement may advise AGAINST searches if there is danger to the searchers. Most reputable SAR and K9 organizations will work in conjunction with Law Enforcement.
RECORDS
Go to NAMUS.GOV and create a profile for the missing person. The US Department of Justice operates this system, and info posted to it is publicly available. There is a video on this page to help you with creating a profile.
Contact your loved one’s dentist and obtain a copy of the records. Provide police with the dentist’s name and number. Verify that a copy of the dental records have been picked up.
Find out if fingerprints are available (or footprints). These may be obtained from previous ID/Safety initiatives, military records, previous arrest records, etc.
Contact your loved one’s doctors and obtain copies of x-rays and medical records. Provide police with the doctor’s name(s) and phone number(s).
If the case is more than 30 days old, the state police says you can offer up dental records or DNA. The information gathered will be entered into the CODIS databank and could be cross-referenced to prior remains found in the awful event that something more serious has happened. This info can also be shared with NAMUS.
AWARENESS
Create a Facebook page for the case. This provides one targeted place to post updated articles, search information and general updates, and is a great way to get more attention to your case. You can use the content that is created there and repost on other social media platforms you think are important, but from my experience nothing helps cases more than Facebook.
Create an action plan to keep the story in the news. Vigils and volunteer searches can help with this, as well as steadily increasing a reward. Some people opt to put time limits on larger rewards to help get tips immediately called in. You need to have one of your team members focused on developing and redeveloping this plan over time.
Sometimes reward money is needed. You may be able to have a fund raiser. If you do have a fund raiser, you will need to have a separate account set aside for the money raised and the tracking of money into and out of the account. Ask your local bank, attorney, accountant, etc for their advice.
Get the word out - Try to get the local press to run a story about your missing loved one. By press I mean the radio, paper, and TV. Call them and ask to speak to the head of the news dept for TV and radio. For the papers ask the editor. Talk to your coworkers and friends, they can help spread the word and ask them if they have any connections with the press. Leverage your relationships to help get the word out. Call stations that are not just in your immediate area. Use Email and Websites, contact blogs and YouTubers.
YOU
Be prepared as you are going to be pulled in multiple directions. Part of you will want to shut down and be left alone. Another part of you will be frustrated because it seems like you just can’t do enough. Another part of you will feel like the police and others don’t care and that they are not doing enough. Seek help from friends and professionals when you need it. You have to remember to take care of yourself in all this too!
Search the web for help. There are some good sites with tips and advice ranging from your well being to assistance with locating a missing person. However stay cautious: There are those that would prey on your vulnerability. They usually come in the form of unsolicited Private Investigators and psychics. I have covered hundreds of cases, and specifically searched for years of a story where a psychic undeniably cracked a missing persons case. It simply doesn't exist.
Money may become an issue. You will have extra expenses like, food, maybe hotel, phone, printing for flyers, gas, etc. Keep track of your expenses closely ask a tax professional or accountant for help in knowing what expenses might be deductible. Some organizations like your church, your friends, etc might be able to help with donations of various types. If you’re in need…it never hurts to ask.
Marriages, friendships, faith, trust, will all be tested and taken to extremes like never before and never again. You need to find a counselor or best friend to help you through this.
Simple little things can trigger a range of emotions in you and others. Songs, comments, pictures, may spark tears and or uncontrollable crying. Anger will flare up as your feelings of hopelessness set in. Your job performance and or school work my suffer. Let your boss and teachers know what’s going on. Try not to take on new assignments or big life changes for at least six months.
Notify LE of any address, phone or email changes if you move.
Don’t give-up – Hope the best, prepare for the worst.
How to organize a community event
Form a committee for the event. Could be as small as two people, but be realistic about how much time you can dedicate and get some form of help in organizing this. Consider adding people that may be able to help you with location needs, equipment needs, and publicizing it to bring attendees.
Benefits/Goals:
1. Raise awareness
a. Consider your audience. (Raise awareness at home AND place where they disappeared if they’re far enough apart)
2. Express and renew hope and faith
3. Collect donations for search efforts
Types of events:
· Prayer Vigil
· Candlelight Vigil
· Balloon release
· Memorial Dedication
· Walks
· Bike rides
· Races
· Poker
Best timeframes:
· Missing Person’s Birthday
· Anniversary of the date they went missing
· ANY time will work
Event Length
30 minutes to an hour is the norm for these type of events. Once you know your program, or order of events, choose a realistic timeframe and be sure that’s clear on flyers or other items that are promoting the event.
Best locations:
· Church
· Public Park
· Community Center
· Campus
· Auditoriums
· Place that was meaningful to missing person, favorite bar or restaurant
· Location tied to the case.. close to place last seen. (Works well with walks)
Consider what the weather may be like, do you need an indoors or outdoor venue. Do you need a tent available in case of rain?
Is there enough parking?
Is it easy to get to?
How many people are you expecting, make sure there’s enough room but not so much that it feels empty if it’s a smaller group expected.
Equipment needs (depending on size)
· Are you using a podium?
· Lighting (is it at night, can the attendees see and be there safely)
· Sound systems for music or microphones (is electricity available, do you need a generator)
· Projector systems for pictures or video?
· Cameras (Invite press, ask attendees to take pics and share online, consider hiring a photographer)
· Water
· Warm drinks
· Banners
· Flyers
· Candles
· Balloons
· Flowers
· Seating (elderly people, pregnant women, etc.)\
· Sign in sheet (thank them after the event, keep them updated on new efforts)
Permission
Check with the city if using public spaces, do you need a permit?
Ceremony Program and Leader
Translators? Sign Language or secondary languages.
Have a plan, just like a pageant, play or wedding.
First the parents are going to speak, then our local priest will lead a group prayer, we’ll have a moment of silence, then we launch the balloons/light the candles while listening to the missing person’s favorite song, we tell the attendees about the donation box, ask them to take flyers home and then serve refreshments.
Remember WHY you are having this event and make sure the action you are requesting from the attendees is extremely clear.
Consider making copies of the program to be handed out to attendees. Include the missing person’s image, vital information, website links, etc. If you’re planning on having people sing or pray together, have the lyrics printed in the program.
If doing a prayer vigil, BRING IN A PRO.. ask a priest in the community to handle that. Hopefully one that is familiar with the family, or at least the area. Family may be too emotional to get through it, and having a priest on hand can be helpful with the emotional aspect for family and attendees. Consider making a small donation to the priests church to thank them for their time and support.
Will the priest also emcee the rest of the event, or should you have a family friend do it? Just be sure you pick someone that can focus on the event and be a good support for others that may be experiencing tough emotions.
Publicize it
Let your local news sources know about the event (local television, newspaper, radio and even local bloggers). At a minimum send them all a press release telling them about the event, but the more direct contact you can make the better. Phone calls, email, social media, many people in the press are very easy to get a direct message to.
Ask your church and community leaders for help publicizing it.
Put up flyers about it on community bulletin boards in local churches, coffee shops, wherever you can.
Ask friends to share it on social media.
Make a facebook page for the event.
Invite your investigator!
After the event, send another round of press releases to the news agencies. Include pictures or media from the event (make sure you have permission from the photographer and let the news agencies know they can use those materials in their publication).
SOURCES:
http://classroom.synonym.com/how-to-hold-a-prayer-vigil-12084398.html
http://www.ucc.org/refugees_how-to-organize-a-prayer
http://candles.lovetoknow.com/How_to_Organize_a_Candlelight_Vigil
Event Checklists:
http://67.199.88.109/doc/PlanPrayerVigil.pdf
http://lirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/FACTSHEETPRAYERVIGIL.pdf
Prayer Vigil Ideas:
https://www.pinterest.com/hagatesva/prayer-vigil-ideas/
Looking for candles with drip protectors or wind screens for your event?
http://www.churchsupplies.com/store/vigil-candles.shtml
http://www.churchproducts.com/candlelight-vigil-candles.html
http://www.concordiasupply.com/Church-Supplies/Candlelight-Service-Candles
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/5-white-vigil-candles-696351
Some things that seem like a good idea might actually make finding your loved one more difficult. What works in one situation may not work in another and thus the do’s and don’ts are meant to be a guidance verses a hard and fast rule.
The DON’Ts
Don’t clean – if there is a mess or things out of place, make a note of it and give those notes to the investigators. Cleaning could destroy finger prints or other evidence.
Don’t call a private investigator right away. There may come a time for them but often they can impede the investigation and they may also not have your interest at heart and feed you what you want to hear rather than the facts.
Don’t make up things – If you’re not sure about something preface your comment with “I am not 100% sure but I think …….”
Don’t allow others to make up things. Many people will sincerely want to help. But if they are not sure about something it could lead the investigation in the wrong direction and waste valuable time.
Don’t freak-out or get upset when you’re identified as a suspect.
Don’t be quick to accuse others, even if the media or the authorities accuse them. Sometimes the authorities use false accusations and information as they try to flush out the truth.
Don’t do nothing. Don’t isolate yourself. Your help is needed! Plus, for your mental health and welfare you need to stay involved.
Do not quit your job. Most employers are very understanding ask for some time off. Ask for a temporary reduction in your hours and responsibility if you need to. It is amazing how bills accumulate and you can get behind when you are in distress.
Do not make major or life altering decisions while you’re still in distress.
Do not fill the void left by the missing loved one with a poor or destructive behavior.
Do not write checks for the missing persons account without getting advice from a lawyer and/or an accountant. Do not deposit or cash the missing persons checks.
Don’t go it alone. Find a close friend to lean on, get counseling, see your minister.
Do not lose hope!!!! Keep hoping for the truth.
The Do’s
Do pray, meditate and take care of your health and well being. Start a second journal about how you’re feeling and dealing with everything.
Do ask others to pray and to tell as many others as possible. The more people that know about your missing loved one the better.
Do buy lots of tissues. Tears and emotions will hit you in waves. It’s OK. Let it out.
Do be aware that the authorities, in order to find your missing loved one, may not tell you everything they know or suspect.
Do stay busy. Not just with the activities around the missing person, stay busy with some of your normal routines.
Do make and distribute posters and flyers. Have the authorities help you with the layout of the material.
Do get some legal and financial advice if the missing loved one is an adult and the investigation begins going into weeks. Expenses will add up very quickly. Mortgage, rent, car payments, etc. will need a plan for being handled within 30 days of the persons disappearance.
Do grieve - whether it has been a day, week, or month you have experienced a loss. Grieving is a vital part of healing and keeping your life together.
Do Search the web for help. There are some good sites with tips and advice ranging from your well being to assistance with locating a missing person.
Caution: There are those that would prey on your vulnerability. Be cautious!!
Do get legal advice before signing any contracts OR posting notices with rewards. If you explain the situation you should be able to find a lawyer who will help you at a discounted rate.
Do stay connected to friends and family.
Do seek professional help if you feel depressed.
Do everything you can to hold on to hope.
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap
http://www.missingpersonshelp.org/
http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Missing-Person
http://crimefeed.com/2016/04/someone-love-goes-missing/
http://www.qcmpn.com/basic-steps-on-how-to-find-a-missing-person.html
http://nampn.org/mpchecklist.pdf
Information on this page submitted by SkeleBirdDraws, Crys Donovan, multiple family members that have faced having a missing loved one, and compiled by John Lordan.