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 [1] is able to refer anyone to additional resources if required.
More information about missing person investigations in BC: