Missing Adults

Facts and Myths

• Thousands of Americans are reported missing each year in the United States. There are many myths that you have to wait up to 72 hours to report a missing person. The fact is, there is no waiting period to report a person missing to the police. However, statistically, the vast majority of reported missing persons are located or voluntarily return home within 48-72 hours after being reported.
• There are many reasons why a person voluntarily disappears including mental illness, depression, substance abuse, abusive relationships, mental discord and “foul play”. The fact is that being a voluntary missing person is not a crime. Any adult can simply walk away, and choose to ignore family, friends, associates and employers. Because this behavior is not a crime, law enforcement is limited on how they conduct these types of investigations. When facts and circumstances indicate a strong possibility of foul play or the disappearance is the result of a criminal act, such as domestic violence or a robbery, police will investigate as such.

How can I file a missing persons report with KCPD?

• You can go to any KCPD Police station or contact the KCPD non-emergency phone number, (816) 234-5111, to have Officers dispatched to your home address. Be prepared to give information on the missing person to include date of birth, physical descriptors such as height/weight, tattoos or scars and piercings, and last known clothing description. Also be prepared to provide any known medical information to include medical diagnosis and medications. Police will also need to know the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the last location where the missing person was known to be. Be prepared to provide known family and friend’s phone numbers and addresses and employment/school information. You can also check with area hospitals, medical clinics, or adult detention centers to see if the missing person is at one of these facilities. Local homeless shelters can also be contacted. Phone numbers are provided below.
• When an adult missing person has been reported missing to police, he or she is entered into the local law enforcement system, known as MULES, alerting any law enforcement who may come in contact with them that they have been reported missing.

The Investigation By Police

• Because being a missing person is not a crime, police are given a very limited role while conducting these types of investigations. As a general rule, all people have the right to be left alone, and police intrusion into their lives must be minimal. However, in cases where “foul play” exists, police can investigate just like any other criminal act. Also, in cases where the missing person is “endangered” due to medical problems, or life-threatening situations, police will investigate.
• Once the missing person is found by police, the department will notify the person who made the report. However, unless the reporting person has court-appointed guardianship, police cannot disclose the location or whereabouts of the missing person without their consent.

What should I do if the missing person calls me or returns?

If the Missing Person returns on his or her own or contact is made with them...

• There is the strong possibility the missing person will return on his or her own or contact family and friends.
• If this occurs, you must notify the police as soon as possible. You can call the Missing Persons Unit anytime at (816) 234-5043.
• Remember, the missing person may choose not to disclose his or her whereabouts to you, or the circumstances of his or her disappearance. If the person chooses to do so, listen carefully, show concern, and offer to seek professional assistance if they show signs of depression or need medical attention. Many people who voluntarily disappear do so because of stress or substance abuse. There may be a need for professional help or family counseling.

What if they never return?

The Prolonged Investigation ...

• Most missing persons cases are solved within a few days or weeks. However, there are times when cases go several months or even years. You may want to enlist the services of a private investigator to assist you in your search.
• You may want to consider the use of posters to aid in the search, however, please contact the detective assigned to the case before creating your own. Detectives will request an up-to-date, usable photo that clearly shows the missing person's face. The department has a list of shelters and other agencies that will assist in distributing the posters. You can email the photo at any time to [email protected] while including the Case Report Number and reported missing person's name in the subject line.
• If you should change addresses or telephone numbers, please notify the detective assigned to your case.

What can I do?

You have several alternatives...

• If you have a Social Security Number for the person you are looking for, you may write a letter to the missing person, put it in an envelope with his or her name on it. Write another letter to the Social Security Administration Office explaining that you are looking for this person. Be sure to include the Social Security Number of the missing person in this letter. Place both letters in an envelope to the Social Security Administration Office and ask that the enclosed letter be forwarded to the person's last known address.
• Contact all local detention centers and hospitals, the resources below may be helpful in your search.