Where do you start??

[docwho3]

docwho, I do see your point, but then the question becomes...run away from whom? from where? . . .

I often use the term "runaway" in place of "willfuly missing." People (adults) evidently have the legal right to not tell others where they went. And yet I understand when family might feel the need to know that the person left behind is not a victim of foul play and is not injured.

. . .If an adult decides to move and not tell an old boyfriend who got a little creepy or some acquaintances who were annoying enough that "let's keep in touch" is just a polite brush off...if they are escaping an abusive situation or one that feels like it's headed down that path...who decides if they really ran away? . . .

Not sure I understand your question here or I would try to better explain my thoughts.

Until then, I suppose a person is known to be willfully missing or "runaway" when they are found alive and the full story is known. L.E. keeps stats on the cases.

. . .If you start charging people for not leaving a forwarding address, you might as well go all the way with National ID cards and tracking devices. . .

I do not advocate leaving any forwarding address, just that people quietly let L.E. know they are dropping out of sight. Nothing more, no address or phone number where they can be reached, nothing to violate their rights to privacy. Only the bare fact that they wish to not be looked for. I figure a simple business sized card with the words "I dont want to be found" preprinted on it, with their fingerprint on it and signature should be enough. This could avoid wasting resources looking for those adults that just dont want to be found.

. . .Don't get me wrong, as my kids approach the teenage years, I'm not COMPLETELY against that :silenced: but I think there would be some political fallout. . .

This is why I say we as a society need to have this discussion and come to an agreement on what needs to be done or not done and then let lawmakers know. To move without having had the social debate first could indeed have political fallout.

. . .It's a tough thing to balance. I really don't know the answer, but I'm not terribly surprised that Zanko isn't getting the full court press from LE. And although Mary Ann may truly be missing or endangered, it's hard to blame them.

Yes it will be tough to balance the rights of privacy with the need of family to know and the resources of L.E. and the publics right to protection from violent criminals.

I too am not surprised at the lack of response in cases but, as you, I find it hard to blame L.E. in most cases given the current way laws and resources are set up.

 

[ella's mom]

Smith and Jones. Hopefully at this point, you can understand where many of the posters are coming from. We have seen way too many Missing Person cases turn out bad.

I do understand where your concern is coming from based on the information you have provided.

Like many others have said you should try to file a missing person report. If you cannot do that because you are not family, maybe you should start by trying to find some family members. They may have been out of contact with her for so long, they may not even realize she is missing. Maybe after explaining your concerns, they may be willing to help with your efforts.

You mentioned that you were the last person she contacted. How long ago was that? Was it a good conversation? How did it end? Did it sound as though you would be hearing from her again? Did she give you any indication of where whe might be headed?

Have you had any luck getting a picture from the video you have. If so you may be able to put something together to provide to Shelters with your number to contact. I am sure the shelters won't let you know if she is there, but if she is and knows you are looking for her, she will have the option to contact you.

 

[Kelly]

Which states are those? Can you tell us more about this.

CA,UT, DC, IN, WA, AND CO. You're going to need to get a case with LE. It would be easier to have a family member report her than a friend.

 

[Zanko]

...If your wife or sister or other female relative is raped would you really want to hear that the investigating officer's time available for finding the bad guy was limited because he was also out chasing down 40 missing adults who will for the most part turn out to be willful runaways? Would you want to hear that only one investigator was working your relatives rape or mugging case case because the other three officers available were all assigned to missing person cases? ...

No I would not. I'm sorry, I may not have communicated what I meant to. I do not have negative feelings towards LE. I have nothing but respect for LE and have several close family members who worked in LE in the past. Everyone I have known personally was hard working, dedicated, caring and did the best they could with the resources and system available. My question was truly a question, "When does LE get involved?" I am curious about the criteria used today to determine this. I certainly appreciate the issue of funding constraints.

I'm not terribly surprised that Zanko isn't getting the full court press from LE. And although Mary Ann may truly be missing or endangered, it's hard to blame them.

I'm confused, I'm not sure what you are referring to regarding not being surprised that I am not getting the "full court press" from LE. Maybe you have me confused with someone else???:waitasec: I am not searching for anyone (THANK GOD!) and have never personally had a problem getting information from LE. But there are several people who HAVE posted their stories in this thread, including the person who started this thread Smith and Jones.

To Smith and Jones: I am sure that you have met with resistance in your search and believe that at the majority of the resistance is based on care and concern for those that MUST disappear for their safety. Often safety measures are instilled to protect but then also create undesired effects for honest and caring people trying to help. The challenge, I believe, is to learn how to work with these "roadblocks" and to address others' concerns so that you can help your loved one in the most effective way.

I would recommend doing whatever you can to get any of her family "on the band wagon" so to speak, since this may open some doors. I do not know her relationship with her family or her friends that would have them not seeking her out but maybe there is someway to get them to respond. Feel free to send me a PM (Private Message) if you'd like to hammer out some ways to approach them.

I would also suggest a website (maybe a MY SPACE page) telling your story, providing a photo (if you can get one) and leaving LE as the sole contact for information. This should address anyone's concern about potential unscrupulous motive. You can file a missing person's report with LE on a non-relative, and it should be filed, even if no one is doing anything about it.

I wish you good luck and hope your friend is safe and well.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

I am glad I stepped out of this one. And I stand by my statement. We are not interested in finding people who are out of a relationship for whatever reason. I still feel this is the situation.

 

[Jeana (DP)]

Where do you start to look for a missing person? Where do you start on this web page? There is no place here that says start. What are you supposed to do? How do you file a missing person report? What are the best places on internet to look? Are there any tricks using internet? I thought I saw someplace on here that said don't put a person's picture up? Why is that? If you are trying to find them I would think that would be the most helpful piece of information you could have.

Here is a website for the National Center for Missing Adults:

http://www.theyaremissed.org/ncma/content.php?webid=profile_sgantbrady


Here is a website for tips on finding people:

http://www.aaronspi.com/Tips.htm

Here is a website that does skip traces to assist in finding people:

http://www.pimall.com/nais/missingm.html

Here is a website to find people, lost loves, etc.:

http://www.peoplesite.com/


As others have said, contact the local police in your area. If they are rude to you, ask to speak to their supervisor. If that doesn't work, contact Internal Affairs and make a complaint against the officer.

If we can help you, we'll be glad to do so. Please don't get rude with us as we are not in a position to come and hold your hand and lead you there!!! Best of luck.

 

[Kelly]

CA,UT, DC, IN, WA, AND CO. You're going to need to get a case with LE. It would be easier to have a family member report her than a friend.

I forgot OR.

 

[angelmom]

I'm confused, I'm not sure what you are referring to regarding not being surprised that I am not getting the "full court press" from LE. Maybe you have me confused with someone else???:waitasec: I am not searching for anyone (THANK GOD!) and have never personally had a problem getting information from LE. But there are several people who HAVE posted their stories in this thread, including the person who started this thread Smith and Jones.

Sorry...I got my names mixed up. I did, in fact, mean Smith and Jones.

Oops! :blushing: