Criminal Justice 2011
by Michael D. Lyman
Copyright 2011

CHAPTER SUMMARY
12.1 Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.
12.2 Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.
12.3 Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons.
12.4 List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.
12.5 Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.
12.6 Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons and abduction cases.
12.7 Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.

Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.1
Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.

12.1
Missing Persons
797,500 children go missing each year
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12.1
Missing Persons
203,900 children were the victims of family abductions
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12.1
Missing Persons
58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions
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12.1
Missing Persons
115 children were the victims of stereotypical abductions
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12.1
Missing Persons
Internet Abductions
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Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.2
Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.

12.2
Investigative Tools
Amber Alerts Code Adam

12.2
Missing Children
Four Different Types of Cases
Non-Family
Family
Abduction
Runaway Lost

12.2
Investigative Steps
Step One:
Interview
Reporters
Step Two:
Verify the child
Is missing
Step Three:
Verify the child’s status
Step Four:
ID what happened
Step Five:
Determined when last seen
Step Six:
Interview last contact
Step Seven:
ID safety zone
Step Eight:
ID type of case

12.2
Investigative Steps (continued)
Step Nine:
Get all
Descriptions
Step Ten:
Relay info to
EOC
Step Eleven:
ID and talk to all persons available
Step Twelve:
Update
Dispatch and
Others
Step Thirteen:
Search house
Step Fourteen:
Secure crime
Scene
Step Fifteen:
Obtain photos
Or video of
Suspects
Step Sixteen:
Write reports
And notify parties

Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.3
Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons

12.3
The Investigator's Role
Obtain a detailed briefing
Verify descriptions
Obtain history of family dynamics
Explore conflicting information

12.3
The Investigator's Role (continued)
Evaluate all information
Develop an investigative plan
Access additional resources
Execute investigation

12.3
Collect Evidence
Interview Victim
Interview Witness(es)

12.3
Obtain medical records/opinions
Coordinate with social services and prosecutor
Interview suspect(s)

12.3
Amber Alert
Abducted children system using media
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12.3
Code Adam
Abducted and missing children in malls, stores, and other public buildings
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12.3
Trends in Sexual Assault

Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.4
List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.

12.4
Missing Children
Complex investigation
Dangerous
The first few hours are critical

12.4
Missing Children
Usually involves divorce or separation
May flee to another state or country
Also are very complex cases

12.4
Missing Children
Investigation should include motives
Dangerous if the child is young or immature
Most common missing child case

12.4
Missing Children
Requires quick actions by police
Could involve large crowds
Special needs children sometimes “wander” off

Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.5
Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.

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Supervisor’s Role:
1. Ensure that the details of the case have been reported to the NCMEC.
2. Prepare and update bulletins for local law enforcement agencies, state missing children’s clearinghouses, FBI, and other appropriate agencies.
3. Prepare a flyer or bulletin with the child’s and suspected abductor’s photographs and descriptive information. Distribute it in appropriate geographical regions.

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Supervisor’s Role:
4. Secure the child’s latest medical and dental records.
These may be necessary to positively identify the child.
5. Establish a telephone hotline to receive tips and leads from the public.
6. Establish a leads management system to prioritize leads and ensure that each one undergoes a review and follow-up.

Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.6
Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons and abduction cases.

12.6
Interviewing Suspects
After a suspect has been identified, the investigator must carefully plan an interview to gain as much information as possible without violating the suspect’s constitutional rights
During the interview, treat the subject with consideration but be firm.
As the interview progresses, the effective investigator may obtain more answers by being a good listener —letting the subject talk, not trying to manipulate what the subject is saying
If necessary, the investigator should be empathetic.
Be patient

Learning Objectives
After this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome
12.7
Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.

12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Obtain a detailed briefing from the first responding officer and other on-scene personnel

12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Verify the accuracy of all descriptive information.

12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Obtain a brief recent history of family dynamics.

12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Explore the basis for conflicting information.

12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Review and evaluate all available information and evidence.

12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Develop an investigative plan for follow-up.

12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Determine what additional resources and specialized services are required.

12.7
The Investigator’s Role
Execute an investigative follow-up plan.

CHAPTER Review
12.1 Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.
12.2 Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.
12.3 Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons.
12.4 List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.
12.5 Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.
12.6 Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons and abduction cases.
12.7 Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.