Tutorial on how to find a missing person

[Unshrouder]

I wrote this article to help families and friends of missing people:

How to Find a Missing Person

I've conducted missing person searches, and I know what it's like. The article is quite long, and provides tons of ideas and advice. I really hope it helps. Any feedback, positive or negative, is welcome.

-Unshrouder

 

[Lilibet]

Welcome! This is an excellent compilation that should be posted on every missing person thread, especially ones where friends and family are looking for help on WS.

I’ve participated in many threads, and I’m intrigued by the varied reactions of family. Some will run with every suggestion they are given and others either become paralyzed or are reluctant to get involved. In one case, Websleuthers actually handled publicity until the family was ready to step up several months later.

In contrast, the amazing and proactive father of a teen who disappeared from my town posted messages to her almost every day on the Facebook page he set up. After three months she contacted him and came home.

I’ve often posted this older article by David Van Norman as a motivator, which makes it clear that you can’t expect LE to do it all.
Everything You Need to Know When Your Loved One Goes Missing | Justice In Miami #Justice4Lily

Your article provides an excellent blueprint that any family or group of friends should be able to follow. Thanks!

P.S. I was glad you didn’t include starting a fund-raising page. Although it may have its place at some point, it’s far from the first order of business and can be a little off-putting.

 

[Unshrouder]

Thank you for the warm welcome Lilibet.

I just added a section to the article called "Follow Up With The Authorities" with your advice. Thank you.

I agree with you about starting a fund-raising page. It's a double edged sword.

 

[Sillybilly]

This is a link to California's "Missing Persons Investigations Guidelines & Curriculum". It is lengthy and very detailed and although it is from a police perspective, it gives a good overview of what LE's management of the case may involve, and will give ideas as to what family members may ask detectives about what is being done in their investigation.

 

[betrbiz]

I wrote this article to help families and friends of missing people:

How to Find a Missing Person

I've conducted missing person searches, and I know what it's like. The article is quite long, and provides tons of ideas and advice. I really hope it helps. Any feedback, positive or negative, is welcome.

-Unshrouder

Fantastic article! Had a few I hadn't even thought of . Thanks!