Interesting that her vehicle was found in Alabama yet the missing person poster says that the Marysville police in Ohio are handling the case. Wouldn’t you expect law enforcement in Alabama to be handling the case?
Most people think that, however, without evidence of a crime being committed in another state
, the law enforcement agency where the person was last seen or lives, to whom the initial missing persons report was formally made normally heads up the investigation. In this case it was the Ohio Police, where Wendy lives, that received the formal missing persons report. It's a pretty detailed process: LE should (based on standard police protocols which obviously can vary slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction):
After obtaining a detailed description of the missing person and any available recent photographs or videos LE should:
1. Secure the premises or area where the person was last seen as a crime scene.
2.Conduct a full search of the place the missing person was last seen as soon as reasonably possible to verify that the person is missing. If a thorough search of the location is unproductive, the search area should be expanded( consent or a search warrant may be necessary to search each location.
3. Look for signs of foul play and check for indications of missing personal belongings, especially valuables such as cellphones or other forms of technology.
4.Determine if any cameras exist in the area, such as those related to home or business surveillance, and/or traffic cameras. If yes, recordings should be obtained.
5. Review social media and/or networking (missing person’s internet activity) Collect such information as email addresses, social media presence, and screen names. Review the missing person’s cellphone or other communication device, when available.
6. Collect as much information as possible regarding the individual’s demeanor, routine, potential reactions, potential presence of a disability and habits.
7. Conduct interviews with: a. The individual(s) who made the initial report; b. Those who last saw the person; c. Individuals who have the closest personal relationships with the missing person (this may not always be a family member) and d. Anyone at the scene of the disappearance.
8.. Coordinating with local media and other resources to distribute information regarding the missing person and potential persons of interest. Agencies should identify who has the authority to release information related to the case.
9.
Providing identification and related information to the responding agency, appropriate missing persons authorities, and neighboring law enforcement agencies, including those in a multi state investigation.
10. Document a record of actions taken and information obtained and provide continuous updates to communications as new information is obtained. More information on reporting and follow up on missing persons here (DOJ source):
Report and Identify Missing Persons
