60 N. PARKE ST | ABERDEEN | MD | 21001 (410) 272-2121 - NON EMERGENCY | 911 EMERGENCY
INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW
Myth:
If a loved one goes missing, you must wait 24 hours to file a report with the local or state police.
Truth:
The law in Maryland permits the immediate reporting of a missing person, regardless of whether they are an adult or a child.
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons (NamUS) database, which the U.S. Department of Justice funds, more than 600,000 people go missing annually.
What should you do if you believe someone you know has gone missing?
• Report your suspicions to the police - it is NEVER too soon.
• Make sure to inform the police of any special circumstances - such as whether they are a child or el elderly person, or if they are on
life-dependent medication.
• Keep a record of everyone with whom you speak regarding the missing person.
• Contact friends or family of the missing person and ask if they know their whereabouts, or com mon places they may visit.
• Make sure to leave one phone line open for incoming calls while making these calls.
• DO NOT clean the missing person's room.
• It is recommended that you not list your phone number on public posters, as to ensure no hoaxes for the reward money, or any harass ment. The number for the police department should be listed in stead.
Friend/Family Member is Missing:
• DO NOT WAIT!
Report the Missing. There is NO time requirement to wait before reporting.
• CALL LOCAL AUTHORITIES FIRST!
Initial reports must be taken by local law enforcement.
• REPORT RACE ACCURATELY!
Giving the wrong information may prevent being found.
• PHOTOS are important!
• KEEP MISSING VISIBLE!
The Aberdeen Police Department can assist with poster distribution.
• STRANGER DANGER!
Be cautious of stranger information. Report ALL tips or requests for monies to investigators.
• ACCOUNTABILITY!
Keep records of contact with investigators and tipsters.
• NEVER GIVE UP!
Missing persons have been found alive decades after being reported.
Did You Know..
There are automated systems in place that notify people when missing person reports that meet certain criteria have been filed. They are the:
• Amber Alert: an emergency message with information about the missing child that is broadcast through radio and television networks.
• Silver Alert: an emergency message with information about the missing person over the age of 60 with a cognitive impairment, that is broadcasted through radio and television networks.
• Purple Alert: an emergency message with information about the missing person involving adults 18 to 60 yrs. with a mental disorder, intellectual or developmental disability, brain injury, or emotional disability related to substance abuse also including people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who may have visual impairments, that is broadcasted through radio and television networks.
If you see suspicious activity or think you may have found a missing person, immediately call 911.
How can you help?
• Help keep family safe by being familiar with their routines and habits and taking frequent pictures.
• Report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities the first 24 hours of a missing persons investigation are crucial.
• If you know of someone experiencing a missing person situation, offer to help post flyers or join one of the search parties.
• Never hesitate or delay in reporting time is of the essence.
Maryland receives more than 10,000 missing persons reports a year.
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System
Website: https://www.namus.gov/ Toll Free: 1-(855) 626-7600
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Website: www.missingkids.org
Toll Free: 1-(800) 843-5678
1-800-THE-LOST
