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Canada Post Strike

Due to the Canada Post strike, some of our services are temporarily unavailable. Fingerprints sent to and from the RCMP in Ottawa by mail cannot be processed or delivered during the strike. Thank you for your understanding.

Non-Emergency 604-525-5411

Emergency 9-1-1

New Westminster Police

Missing persons investigations

MISSING PERSONS INVESTIGATIONS

General Information:

  • Missing persons investigations are taken very seriously by the NWPD.
  • Anyone can report a missing person to the police.
  • There is no waiting period to report a missing person to the police.
  • A police file will be created to document the missing persons complaint.
  • A police officer will be assigned to investigate the missing persons complaint immediately.

How to report a missing person:

  • Call the NWPD Non-Emergency line 604-525-5411.
  • If there is a concern with someone’s immediate safety, call 9-1-1.
  • Attend the NWPD front counter and report in person.

The NWPD investigator will:

  • ask questions to ensure we have the information they need.
  • conduct a thorough investigation, including a risk assessment, focused on the safety and well-being of the missing person.
  • keep you informed, offer information about supports or resources that may be available, and designate a contact person within the NWPD to ease communication.
  • consult with the family or reportee before releasing information or photographs of the missing person to the media — unless to do so would jeopardize the missing person or the investigation.
  • when a missing person has been found, go to the location in person to confirm their identity and well-being (or have this conducted by an approved person to respect privacy concerns).
  • not close a file until the missing person has been located, their identity has been verified and their well-being has been assessed.
  • not share information about the location of a found missing adult without their permission.

What you can do to assist when reporting a missing person:

  • Be prepared to answer questions, such as,
    • Physical description of the missing person.
    • When and where the missing person was last seen.
    • The missing person’s emotional state, mental health state, lifestyle.
  • Be prepared to provide information to the police.
  • Be prepared to provide items to the police (for example: photograph and/or personal item of the missing person).
  • Update the police as soon as possible if the missing person contacts you or returns home.
  • Update the police with any new information you receive that could assist in the investigation.

Support:

  • Anyone reporting a missing person or anyone impacted by the missing persons investigation are able to access the services of the NWPD Victim Assistance Unit at 604-529-2525.
  • The NWPD Victim Assistance Unit is able to refer anyone to additional resources if required.

More information about missing person investigations in BC:

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