Part of Crisis supports

Report a missing person

If someone is missing, report it to your local police or RCMP detachment.

If a person is under 12, elderly or has significant mental or developmental disabilities, call 911.

Overview

The impact of missing persons can be life changing for families, friends and communities.

You should report missing persons  to the police:

  • there’s no limit to the number of reports that can be made for the same person – report each time that person goes missing
  • You don’t have to wait 24 hours to report someone as missing.
  • You can report someone as missing even if they aren’t related to you, or if they live in a different area than you.
  • you can file a missing person report no matter how long the person has been missing, cases are only closed when the person is found. 

How to report a missing person

Step 1. Before you report

  • check with friends, acquaintances and family members
  • check area hospitals
  • check with the person’s school or employer
  • check places where the person goes often
  • check social media sites for any mention of the person

Step 2. File  a missing person report with your local police service

Details required for  the missing person report.

Describe the missing person

When you call to report a missing person, you’ll be asked questions to help clearly identify the person. Here are some questions you may be asked:

Physical description (provide a photograph)

  • What does the person look like?
  • What is the person’s age?
  • Do they have any identifying features?

Health

  • Is the person on medication?
  • Are there any immediate health concerns?
  • Is the person suicidal?

Lifestyle

  • Is this behaviour out of character for the person?
  • Is the person involved with gangs, drugs or the sex-trade? (answering this question will not get your loved one in trouble)

Circumstances

  • What circumstances may have caused them to go missing? (such as: job loss, troubles at home)
  • When did you last see them?
  • Where have you looked?
  • Who else have you contacted?
  • Who saw them last?

After you report

Keep detailed notes of your conversations with the police. These notes will help you keep track of what was discussed as the investigation progresses.

The primary investigator assigned to your case will be your main contact with the police. They can advise you on actions you can take while the investigation is underway.

Victim services units

Victim services units can help you:

  • communicate with police
  • decide on actions you can take
  • cope with the impact of a missing person on your family or community

Support for family and friends

Resources are available to help you cope with a missing person in your family or community.

Related