Microsoft Word - PI 21-13

KANSAS CITY MISSOURI POLICE DEPARTMENT

PROCEDURAL INSTRUCTION

DATE OF ISSUE

EFFECTIVE DATE

NO.

12/2/2021 12/2/2021 21-13

SUBJECT

AMENDS

Adult Missing Persons and Missing/Runaway Juveniles

REFERENCE

RESCINDS

PI - Call Prioritization

PI - Juvenile Procedures

PI 16-06

*I. INTRODUCTION

This written directive establishes procedures for the investigation of adult missing

persons and missing/runaway juveniles. Members will contact the Missing

Persons/Cold Case Section (MPCC) for procedures regarding the reporting or

investigation of missing adults and missing/runaway juveniles (under the age of

eighteen).

II. PROCEDURE

A. Adult Missing Persons

1. A person may be declared "missing" when their whereabouts are

unknown and unexplainable for a period of time that is regarded by

knowledgeable parties as highly unusual or suspicious in

consideration of the person’s behavior patterns, plans, or routines.

There is not a minimum amount of time that must pass to report a

missing person.

a. The dispatcher will send at least one (1) officer. If available,

a supervisor will also be sent to the call.

b. A missing person report will be completed when the

preliminary investigation determines the person was last seen

in Kansas City, Missouri and one or more of the following

circumstances exist:

(1) The missing person is under the care of a medical

doctor for life threatening physical ailments requiring

immediate treatment or medication.

(2) The missing person is under the care of a

psychologist/psychiatrist for mental health issues.

(3) The missing person has threatened suicide in the past

or is at risk of harming themselves.

(4) The missing person suffers from diminished mental

capacity or medical conditions that if left

untreated/unattended are potentially life threatening.

(5) The missing person suffers from dementia or

Alzheimer’s disease.

(6) There is a strong indication of foul play being involved

in the disappearance (e.g., the missing person has

been the subject of past threats, acts of violence or

involved in recent domestic disputes).

*2. If the criteria have been met, the member will complete the

appropriate report in the Records Management System (RMS).

*a. The following information will be entered in the RMS:

(1) Name, age, address, and physical description of the

person and relationship of the reporting party to the

missing person.

(2) Time and place of last known location and the identity

of anyone accompanying the missing person.

(3) The length of time the person has been missing.

(4) Vehicle information.

(5) Cell phone information.

*b. The following information will be included in the RMS report

narrative, if available:

(1) The extent of any search for the missing person (i.e.,

addresses of any homes, businesses, or parks that

were checked).

(2) Whether the missing person has been missing on prior

occasions and the degree to which the absence

departs from established behavior patterns, habits or

plans.

(3) Whether the missing person has recently:

(a) Been involved in any domestic disputes;

(b) Been involved in an emotional trauma or life

crises;

bizarre behavior; or

(d) Been dependent on drugs or alcohol or has a

history of mental illness.

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(4) The physical condition of the missing person and

whether the missing person is currently on prescription

medication.

3. If available, the member will obtain a recent photo of the missing

person and email it or hand deliver it to the detective who was notified

of the disappearance.

*4. If available, the member will obtain and check any social media

accounts, for possible information on the missing person. If time

does not allow for checking social media accounts the member will

advise and provide the information to the detective who was notified

of the disappearance.

5. Any questions regarding ongoing adult missing person investigations

should be referred to MPCC.

6. Members who are dispatched to a mental health facility on a reported

walk-away/missing person will follow the guidelines in the written

directive entitled, “Persons with Mental Health Disorder, Alcohol

Abuse, and/or Drug Abuse.”

B. Missing/Runaway Juveniles

1. Missing/Runaway juvenile recordkeeping is performed by the MPCC.

A missing/runaway juvenile is a status offense, not a criminal

offense.

2. Citizens will be advised that a runaway juvenile, from the local

metropolitan area, located by law enforcement will not be

transported to a juvenile detention facility. Per Division of Family

Services guidelines, they will be returned to the custody of a

parent/guardian/adult responsible party.

a. Members should keep in mind that a runaway juvenile is not

a criminal offense so jurisdictional boundaries do not apply.

*b. Field supervisors will determine when a missing/runaway

juvenile, reported in Kansas City, Missouri, will be transported

to a local metropolitan area in Kansas to be returned to the

custody of the parent/guardian.

3. Juveniles, who are located by law enforcement that are reported as

missing/runaway persons from out of state, will be detained. Per the

Interstate Compact pertaining to juveniles, the member will call the

local family court where the juvenile was found, and arrangements

for securely detaining the juvenile will be made.

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4. When a parent/guardian reports that their child has been kidnapped,

whether by a stranger or family member, officers and a supervisor

will be dispatched to the scene. Upon investigation, if it is determined

a kidnapping has occurred, a supervisor will:

a. Contact the Juvenile Section when it is a family member

kidnapping or abduction for direction and/or a response.

b. Contact MPCC when it is a stranger kidnapping or abduction

for direction and/or a response.

*c. Request an Amber Alert as outlined in the current written

directive entitled, "Alert Notifications System."

5. All calls from parents/guardians who advise their child is missing or

has run away will be transferred to the Communications Unit call

takers. Two (2) officers will be dispatched immediately. A supervisor

will be notified and respond, if available.

a. Members will make every attempt to locate the

missing/runaway juvenile by:

(1) Thoroughly searching the residence where the

missing/runaway juvenile was last seen.

*(2) Conducting a thorough area canvass and consider

using the Department helicopter/Unmanned Aerial

Vehicle (UAV).

(3) Conducting appropriate residence checks if reporting

party has reason to believe missing/runaway juvenile

is at a specific location.

*b. A member will complete the necessary report in RMS even if

the juvenile is returned.

c. A member will contact MPCC or Juvenile Section as soon as

possible. (See section II, C for notification guidelines.)

NOTE: To adhere to Federal Guidelines, MPCC must be

notified within two (2) hours.

*d. MPCC will work with Data Entry to immediately enter the

missing/runaway pick-up in MULES, based on the information

obtained from the members on the scene.

e. When foul play is suspected, members will contact MPCC for

assistance and/or an immediate response.

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f. Members will ensure that the parent/guardian is given contact

information for MPCC for follow up if the child cannot be

located in a timely manner.

6. MPCC will maintain a file on the missing/runaway juvenile. Follow

up will be conducted by MPCC personnel.

7. When a missing/runaway juvenile return is reported, members will

be dispatched to ensure the child's safety. Members will attempt to

ascertain where the juvenile has been and complete a supplemental

report indicating the child has been located. Members will ensure

the child is returned to their parent/guardian/adult responsible party,

unless allegations of child abuse are made.

a. When allegations of child abuse are made, the member will

contact Juvenile Section for direction.

*b. If no allegations of abuse are made, the member should

contact MPCC. The MULES entry will be removed and the

missing/runaway juvenile file will be closed.

C. Notification

1. The reporting member will contact Investigations personnel during

the following times from the dispatched location:

*a. MPCC – Monday through Sunday 0700-2300 hours.

*b. Assault Squad – 2300-0700 hours, weekends and holidays.

2. Contact the MPCC on-call member if there is a need for an

immediate investigation or a field search for the missing person due

to exigent circumstances (i.e., suicidal, autism, medically

dependent, etc.). During non-duty hours, the MPCC personnel

should be contacted via the Communications Unit Supervisor.

3. Members should determine if a missing person participates in Care

Trak. Care Trak is an electronic tracking device that assists in

locating persons who may wander off or elope due to conditions such

as autism or dementia. If it is determined that the missing person

participates in Care Trak, the member should notify the on-call Care

Trak team through the Communications Unit Supervisor from the

scene regardless of time of day.

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D. MPCC or Violent Crimes Responsibilities:

1. Issue pickup and/or cancellation for the missing person in a timely

manner and complete a supplemental report under the original CRN

and note this information in the narrative of the RMS report. The

entry should be listed as “Missing/Endangered” to ensure the pickup

order remains in NCIC longer than 48 hours. This entry will remain

in the system until it is cancelled by a detective or a supervisor.

2. Issue a voice broadcast for the missing person, when applicable.

Richard C. Smith

Chief of Police

Adopted by the Board of Police Commissioners this 16

day of November, 2021.

Mark C. Tolbert

Board President

DISTRIBUTION: All Department Personnel

Public View Master Index – Internet

Department Master Index – Intranet

Policy Acknowledgement SyStem (PASS)

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