Steps to Take if a Loved One Goes Missing

EVALUATE THE SITUATION

• Check the areas normally occupied by the person and leave undisturbed.

• Contact family, friends, work, and places the person is known to visit.

• Ask a friend or neighbor to help you recall information.

• Keep accurate and detailed notes of your contacts.

CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Delays can be critical. Contact the police immediately.

• Request a missing person report be filed. (If under 18, authorities are required to investigate immediately. Police may be reluctant to take a report on an adult unless foul play is evident or the person is known to be endangered.)

• If the officer refuses to take a report, ask to speak with a supervisor.

• Be prepared to provide essential information, including recent photos.

KEEP YOUR SEARCH GOING

• Appoint a family member or friend to be the primary contact with media and law enforcement.

• Talk regularly with the officer assigned to the case.

• Make reasonable requests of the police.

• Keep the public aware of your story. The police can provide guidance when contacting the news media.

1. Crawford County 911 Center, Pennsylvania State Police or Mutual Aid Services will dispatch Northwest PA K9 Search and Rescue.

2. K9 Teams and search responders will respond to the scene or base location.

3. Information and/or scent articles will be collected as necessary. 

4. Tasks will be assigned by base operations and performed by field teams.