NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
GENERAL ORDER # 064
EFFECTIVE DATE:
SUBJECT: MISSING PERSONS (ADULT)
ISSUED BY:
# OF PAGES: 12
DISTRIBUTION:
REVIEW DATE:
LAST REVISED:
41.2.5
ACCREDITATION STANDARDS:
The written directives developed by the Police Department are for internal use only, and do not
enlarge an officer’s civil or criminal liability in any way. They should not be construed as the
creation of a higher standard of safety or care in an evidentiary sense, with respect to third
party claims. Violations of written directives can only be the basis of a complaint by this
department, and then only in an administrative disciplinary setting.
PURPOSE:
To establish a procedure and timeline for the initiation of investigative efforts designed to provide
for the comprehensive collection of data involving investigations of missing and unidentified
persons that is in compliance with the legislation detailed under “Patricia’s Law.”
POLICY:
Police officers called upon to investigate missing and unidentified persons cases are often
confronted with a case that lacks significant investigative leads. The timely collection and
dissemination of available information is of paramount importance in the successful resolution of
these cases. All available law enforcement resources shall be employed in the pursuit of
successfully locating and positively identifying missing and unidentified persons. The investigation
shall be guided by the provisions detailed in “Patricia’s Law.”
PROCEDURE:
I.
Definitions
A.
Standard
41.2.5.f
“High Risk Missing Person:” A person whose whereabouts are not currently known and
the circumstances of the person’s disappearance suggest that the person may be at
imminent or likely risk of injury or death. The circumstances that indicate a person is a
high risk missing person shall include, but not be limited to the:
1.
The person is missing as a result of a confirmed abduction
2.
The person is missing under suspicious or under other circumstances that indicate
that the person’s disappearance was not voluntary
3.
The person is missing under unknown circumstances
4.
The person is missing under dangerous circumstances
5.
The person is missing more than 30 days
6.
The person has already been designated as a high-risk missing person by another
law enforcement agency
7.
There is evidence that the person is at risk because:
 The person missing is in need of medical attention or prescription
medication such that it will have serious adverse effect on he person’s
health if he or she does not receive the needed care or medication
 The person missing does not have a pattern of running away or
disappearing
 The person may have been abducted by a non-custodial parent
 The person missing is mentally impaired
 The person missing is a person over the age of 13 and under the age of
21 years and any other risk factors is known or
 The person missing has been subject of past threats or acts of violence
and
 Any other factor that may indicate, in the judgment of the lead law
enforcement agency that the missing person may be at risk
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
B.
II.
Standard
41.2.5.f
“Lead Law Enforcement Agency”: The law enforcement agency with the primary
responsibility for investigating a missing person’s case. The law enforcement agency that
the missing person’s report is filed through.
Jurisdiction
A.
Whenever a person is reported missing and the report is filed with the Police Department,
this agency will assume the role as the Lead Law Enforcement Agency and shall continue
in that capacity unless another law enforcement agency assumes primary responsibility
over the investigation.
B.
The Police Department shall accept without delay any report of a missing person.
Jurisdictional issues are not a factor, the report will be accepted and promptly investigated.
C.
No officer of this agency shall refuse a missing person report on the basis that:
1.
This missing person is an adult
2.
The circumstances do not indicate foul play
3.
The person missing has been missing for a short period of time
4.
The person missing has been missing for a long period of time
5.
There is no indication that the missing person was in the jurisdiction served by the
law enforcement agency at the time of the disappearance
6.
The circumstances suggest that the disappearance may be voluntary
7.
The reporting person does not have personal knowledge of the facts
8.
The reporting person cannot provide all of the information requested by the law
enforcement agency
9.
The reporting person lacks a familial or other relationship with the missing person
or
10.
For any other reason, except in cases where the law enforcement agency has
direct knowledge that the person is, in fact, not missing and the exact
whereabouts and welfare of the suspected missing person are known to the
agency at the time the report is being made.
D.
When an officer is confronted with a reported missing person’s case, the officer shall file a
missing person’s report and shall commence an investigation, without delay, in all cases
other than if the exact whereabouts and welfare of the reported missing person is know at
the time of the report.
E.
The lead law enforcement agency shall be entitled to the cooperation of any other law
enforcement agency in the State. Likewise, this agency shall cooperate fully with all other
law enforcement agencies that are conducting a missing person’s investigation.
F.
On scene investigation, shall consider the below:
1.
If the person being reported missing is a disabled or suicidal adult, and due to
their age, disability or state of mind, the physical safety of the person is believed
to be in jeopardy, the officer shall immediately summon a supervisor and begin
the collection of pertinent data.
2.
If there is a likelihood that the missing person is still in the area, the responding
supervisor shall organize and coordinate a search of the area, and summon
additional resources as needed.
3.
Contact shall be initiated with the agency having law enforcement jurisdiction over
the missing person’s residence in an attempt to collect intelligence and facilitate a
physical check of their home address.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
III.
IV.
Initial Report
A.
A preliminary investigation shall be commenced immediately upon receipt of a report that
a juvenile or adult is missing, to the extent that factors such as the residential jurisdiction
of the missing person and signs of foul play within this jurisdiction shall not be considered.
The investigation shall commence upon receipt of the reported missing person. An
individual shall be classified as missing when his/her 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 subject’s behavior patterns, plans or routines.
The factors detailed on pages 1 and 2 of this policy shall be employed to determine if the
missing person warrants the high risk missing person classification.
B.
The officer who is given the assignment shall meet with the reporting person, if within the
township boundary, to collect the required data and/or initiate a search of the area.
C.
If the reporting party is not within the township’s geographical boundaries, the information
may be taken over the telephone. If possible, the reporting party should subsequently
respond to police headquarters. No matter the physical location of the reporting person
the missing persons investigation shall commence without delay.
Reporting and Investigative Requirements for Patrol Officers
A.
Standard
41.2.5.a
Upon receipt of a report of a missing person the responding officer shall:
1.
Determine if the subject qualifies as a High Risk Missing Person. In the event that
the determination is made that this missing person is not a high risk missing
person, this does not preclude a later determination, based on further
investigation or the discovery of additional information, that the missing person is
high risk.
2.
Conduct a comprehensive interview with the reporting party and obtain details
regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. This includes the following
mandatory information:
 Name of the missing person, including any aliases,
 Date of birth and age
 Identifying marks, such as birthmarks, moles, tattoos and scars
 Height and weight
 Gender
 Race
 Current hair color and true or natural hair color
 Eye color
 Prosthetics, surgical implants, or cosmetic implants
 Physical anomalies
 Blood type, if known
 Any medications the missing person is taking or needs to take
 Driver’s License number, if known
 Social security number, if known
 A recent photograph of the missing person, if available
 A description of the clothing the missing person was believed to be
wearing at the time of the disappearance
 A description of notable items that the missing person may be carrying or
wearing
 Information regarding the missing person’s electronic communications
devises, such as cellular telephone numbers or email addresses
 The reason the reporting person believes that the person is missing
 The name and location of the missing person’s school or employer, if
known
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES







Standard
41.2.5.a
The name and location of the missing person’s dentist and primary care
physician, if known
Any circumstances that indicate that the disappearance was not voluntary
Any circumstances that indicate that the missing person may be at risk of
injury or death
A description of the possible means of transportation of the missing
person, such as make, model, color, license and Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) of a motor vehicle
Any identifying information about a known or possible abductor or the
person last seen with the missing person including:
o Name
o Physical description
o Date of birth
o Identifying marks
o The description of a possible means of transportation, such as
make, model, color, license and Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) of a motor vehicle
o Known associates
Any other information that can aid in the physical location of the missing
person
Date of last contact
B.
Other factors to consider during the investigation of the missing person
1.
Time and place of last known location and the identity of anyone accompanying
the subject.
2.
The extent of any search for the subject.
3.
Whether the subject has been missing on prior occasions and the degree to which
the absence departs from established behavior patterns, habits or plans.
4.
Whether the individual has been involved recently in domestic incidents; suffered
emotional trauma or life crises; demonstrated unusual, uncharacteristic or bizarre
behavior; is dependent on drugs or alcohol or has a history of mental illness.
5.
The current physical condition of the subject and whether or not the subject is on
prescription drugs.
6.
Description of the subject and the relationship of the reporting party to the
missing
Person.
C.
Make every reasonable effort to put family officers at ease and to reassure them a
thorough investigation will be conducted.
D.
Begin the collection of data to facilitate the reporting requirements. Officers should work
with the parent, guardian or reporting person to:
1.
Attempt to locate a note.
2.
Check wastebaskets, schoolbooks, etc. for clues.
3.
Compile a list of close friends and associates.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Obtain a recent photograph.
Compile a list of possible destinations and locations frequented.
Check for recent bank account activity and record the information.
Instruct the reporting party to contact the department immediately upon receipt of
new information or the subject’s safe return.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
E.
Notify central communications by telephone of the description of the missing person along
with any additional pertinent information. Request an immediate broadcast of the
information if the missing person is a juvenile under the age of twelve (12). In all other
cases the information shall be broadcast in a reasonable period of time.
F.
Request a supervisor if necessary. Supervisors shall be summoned in cases where:
1.
The missing person is under twelve (12) years of age.
2.
The missing person is disabled.
3.
The missing person is suicidal.
4.
There is a possibility or indication of criminal activity.
5.
Any other unusual circumstance warranting notification.
G.
If necessary conduct a thorough search of the residence, paying particular attention to
those areas where a person the size of the missing person may secret themselves and the
motive, if any, for the disappearance. (NOTE: The responding officer shall personally
conduct this search along with an member of the household. DO NOT accept someone’s
word that a thorough search has already been conducted.)
H.
Initiate
1.
2.
3.
4.
I.
Interview friends and associates of the missing person, to include:
1.
Neighbors
2.
Relatives
3.
Friends
4.
Employers
5.
Co-workers
J.
The following report forms shall be completed:
1.
Uniform Investigation Report
2.
New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Report/ Written Documentation Form
3.
Missing Persons Report for NCIC Record Entry
4.
The Missing Persons Investigation Packet entitled “Missing Persons File, Data
Collection Entry Guide” shall be used to organize data collection and to obtain
additional information from the family of the missing person and other appropriate
information sources during a missing person’s investigation.
K.
The investigating officer shall contact other law enforcement agencies as deemed
appropriate for routine assistance in locating any missing person. These contacts should
result from the comprehensive interview conducted with the reporting person and the
subsequent investigative leads obtained.
L.
If the circumstances surrounding the disappearance are considered suspicious or criminal
activity is suspected, the watch supervisor shall request immediate investigative assistance
from investigative bureau personnel. The responding personnel from the investigative
bureau may request additional assistance as needed, including but not limited to:
 Additional investigative bureau personnel.
 The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit.
 The New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit.
 The New Jersey State Police Computer Crimes Unit
Standard
41.2.5.b
Standard
41.2.5.f
Standard
41.2.5.f
a search of the general area, to include:
The common route to and from school.
The school building and grounds.
Neighborhood and local parks.
Route to and from work.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
M.
Until such time as an investigation is assigned to personnel from the investigative bureau,
patrol officers investigating missing person’s cases shall diligently pursue all investigative
leads in an attempt to locate the missing individual.
N.
If, in the opinion of the patrol supervisor, an immediate comprehensive follow-up
investigation is required, the supervisor shall:
1.
Contact the investigative bureau supervisor if on duty.
2.
Contact any investigative bureau personnel if on-duty.
3.
Have the duty detective notified if no one is scheduled for duty.
O.
Assigned investigative bureau personnel shall also refer the family of the missing person to
the Victim Witness Unit of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office for additional support
services in the appropriate circumstances.
P.
The investigative officer shall utilize the two clearinghouses for missing person’s
information.
The investigative officer shall provide these clearinghouses with the
information related to the missing person.
1.
Missing persons who are 17 years of age and under shall be filed with the National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children,
2.
Missing person who are 18 years of age or older shall be filed with the National
Center for Missing Adults.
Q.
Upon determination that a missing person investigation involves a person who is classified
as high risk missing person, the investigating officer shall make notification to the New
Jersey State Police Missing Person Unit. This notification shall be made immediately upon
classification is determined. The investigative officer shall provide the Missing Person Unit
with the information that is most likely to aid in the location and safe return of the high
risk missing person.
Standard
41.2.5.b
Standard
41.2.5.e
V.
Follow-up Searches – (See the written directive governing Search Procedures for
Missing and Wanted Persons)
VI.
CJIS System/Teletype Messages
A.
Standard
41.2.5.c
Upon receipt of a missing persons report, the investigating officer shall direct that the
following messages and computer entries are made:
1.
Any person who meets the below-established criteria will be entered into the
National Crime Information Center’s (NCIC) missing persons files as soon as the
required information is compiled.
 Missing person’s who are classified as High Risk Missing Persons are to be
immediately entered into the NCIC system, the delay in the NCIC entry
must not be greater than two (2) hours after the determination is made
that the person is a high risk missing person.
 A missing person’s who does not meet the High Risk Missing Persons
classification shall be immediately entered into the NCIC system, the delay
in the NCIC entry must not be greater than twenty-four (24) hours after
the missing persons report is filed with this agency.
2.
In cases of an adult, the missing person report written documentation portion of
the missing person report must be completed and signed PRIOR to entry into
NCIC.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
3.
4.
VII.
When making NCIC entries and teletype broadcasts, one of the below designators
needs to be made for proper entry. The five designators are as follows:
 INVOLUNTARY: A person of any age who is missing under
circumstances indicating that the disappearance was not voluntary, i.e.,
abduction, kidnapping, or circumstances not known.
 ENDANGERED: A person of any age who is missing under circumstances
indicating that his/her physical safety is in danger.
 JUVENILE: A person who is unemancipated in the state in which they
reside.
 DISABILITY: A person of any age who is missing under proven
physical/mental disability; or is senile, thereby subjecting himself/herself
or others to personal and immediate danger.
 DISASTER VICTIM: Victims of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires,
explosions, plane crashes, etc.
A missing persons teletype on the missing person shall be broadcast statewide and
expanded as necessary.
 In cases where the missing person is a juvenile, the teletype shall Indicate
one of the following categories that applies to the case:
o Runaway
o Parental Abduction
o Family Abduction
o Stranger abduction
o Lost, or
o Circumstances Unknown
 If the teletype is sent out indicating “circumstances unknown”, it must be
clarified by entering one of the first five (5) designators above when a
cancellation is broadcast.
Investigative Bureau Responsibilities
A.
Whenever the initial investigation of a missing persons case is unsuccessful in locating the
individual, the case will be assigned to an officer of the investigative bureau for follow-up
investigation.
B.
The investigative bureau officer (or initial investigating officer is not assigned to the
investigative bureau) shall maintain a liaison with the missing person’s family and/or the
reporting person to provide frequent updates on the progress of the investigation.
Standard
41.2.5.e
Standard
41.2.5.d
C.
Officers should utilize the VIOLENT CRIMINAL APPREHENSION PROGRAM (VICAP),
established by the Federal Bureau of Investigations as soon as practicable.
1.
VICAP is a nationwide data information center designed to collect, collate and
analyze a variety of violent crime information.
2.
VICAP provides all law enforcement agencies reporting similar patterns of violent
crimes with the information necessary to initiate coordinated multi-agency
investigations.
3.
D.
Information on the VICAP program is available from any local FBI office or by
writing to the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.
The investigating officer will locate and examine any all credit and debit accounts the
missing person had access to, as well as other banking or financial information that may
aid in the location of the missing person.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
E.
The investigating officer will locate and examine the records related to any and all cellular
telephone accounts that the missing person had access to that may aid in the location of
the missing person. Advanced technologies shall be explored, such as tracking the
physical location of the cellular telephone through GPS features on the phone or by using
tower triangulation.
F.
The investigating officer will attempt to locate DNA samples for any person who has been
missing for 30 or more days. This will include obtaining of DNA samples for family officers
of the missing person that may assist in the laboratory staff in future DNA analysis.
1.
DNA samples should be collected under written consent provided by the requested
family officers.
2.
The family officers shall be informed that the DNA samples they provide in
connection with the missing person’s investigation shall be provided on a voluntary
basis and will be used solely to aid in the locating or identifying the missing person
and shall not be used for any other purpose.
3.
All collected DNA samples obtained shall be submitted to the New Jersey State
Police Laboratory for analysis.
 In the event that the DNA is going to be submitted into a State and/or
Federal DNA Database, proper written authorization from the person
providing the sample must be obtained.
 All collected DNA samples that are authorized by the contributor will be
uploaded into all respective state and federal databases.
G.
The investigating officer will attempt to locate dental information and x-rays for any person
who has been missing for 30 days or more days.
1.
The dental information and x-rays shall be obtained through written authorization.
2.
The individually identifying dental records shall be entered, without delay, into the
NCIC entry for the missing person. The investigating officer shall consult with
dental and medical professionals to ensure that the dental records are correct and
accurate prior to entry into the NCIC system.
Standard
41.2.5.c
H.
The investigating officer shall obtain recent photograph of the missing person for use the
investigation, for any person who has been missing for 30 days or more days.
I.
For any person who has been missing for 30 days or more days, the investigating officer
shall obtain fingerprints for the missing person for later use in this investigation. The
individually identifying fingerprint records shall be entered, without delay, into the NCIC
entry for the missing person. The investigating officer shall consult with experts in this
field to ensure the records are correct and accurate prior to entry into the NCIC system.
J.
The investigating officer shall make contact with and forward all relevant information to
the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCap) at the
earliest possible time. The items detailed in this policy that dictate actions on the 30th day
can be enacted at any time prior to the 30 th day and are not limited to only investigations
that have reached the 30th day mark.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
VIII.
Dissemination of Information
A.
It shall be the responsibility of the investigating patrol officer to obtain a recent
photograph of the missing person to assist in the creation of a missing persons bulletin
and shall employ the TRAK computer system for this purpose. The TRAK system shall be
utilized to disseminate the missing person information throughout the state network and
shall be utilized to provide officers of our agency with the information related to the
missing person.
1.
The bulletin shall be created as soon as practical after the investigation has
commenced.
2.
The bulletin shall be created on the photo imaging system and copies printed as
needed.
3.
The bulletin shall be distributed to all patrol squads for inclusion at their next
scheduled roll call briefing.
4.
Officers may reproduce the bulletins for use as needed.
5.
One copy of the bulletin shall be posted on the missing persons clipboard in the
patrol room.
6.
The bulletins shall be distributed to other agencies as needed to assist in the
investigation.
B.
The assigned officer of the investigative bureau shall be responsible for providing updates
to the public information officer (PIO), via the chain of command, concerning the progress
of the case.
C.
The assigned officer shall make contacts with any appropriate community and civic
organizations that may be able to offer assistance or intelligence in an effort to bring the
case to an expedient resolution.
Standard
41.2.5.b
VIII.
Return or Recovery of Missing Person
A.
Whenever an officer of this department receives a report that a missing person has
returned home, the officer shall personally interview the person who was reported missing
to confirm the information.
B.
Competent adults, having left home for personal reasons, cannot be forced to return
home. Officers locating such individuals shall:
1.
Advise them that they are the subject of a missing persons investigation.
2.
Ask if they desire the reporting party or next-of-kin to be notified of their
whereabouts, and
3.
Make provisions to notify the reporting party or next-of-kin if permitted by the
missing person.
C.
In all cases, reporting parties shall be informed of the well being of located missing
persons. Unless criminal matters necessitate other action, desires of missing adults and
emancipated minors not to reveal their whereabouts shall be honored.
D.
Missing persons shall be questioned to establish the circumstances surrounding their
disappearance and whether criminal activity was involved.
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NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
IX.
E.
In cases involving juveniles, officers shall ensure that initial questioning of the juvenile
establishes the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance, any and all persons
who may be criminally responsible, and/or whether an abusive or negligent home
environment was a contributing factor.
1.
Where indicated, follow-up action shall include filing a report with the Division of
Youth and Family Services if necessary.
2.
The case report shall include as much information as possible on the whereabouts,
activities and companions of the juvenile while missing.
F.
Whenever a reported missing person is located, returned or otherwise recovered, the
assigned officer shall direct that the following computer messages are sent and the
following cancellations made:
1.
Any entries into NCIC computer files and all teletype messages shall be cancelled.
2.
A cancellation of the missing persons teletype shall be sent immediately upon the
person being located. The message will be broadcast consistent with the range of
the original message.
3.
A follow-up TRAK or AMBER ALERT bulletin shall be disseminated with in
parameters in which it was originally disseminated throughout the State. This
bulletin shall provide updated information that the reported missing person has
been located.
4.
Notifications that were made to the New Jersey State Police and the Federal
Bureau of Investigations ViCap Unit shall be followed-up and information related to
the recovery of the missing person shall be made.
G.
The assigned officer shall remove the missing person bulletin from the clipboard in the
patrol room and, after review of the investigation report; attempt to notify all law
enforcement agencies that have been providing assistance in the investigation.
H.
If the case is considered high profile and there is likelihood that the media will be making
an inquiry, the duty supervisor shall contact the public information officer for instructions.
Unidentified Persons
A.
In cases of an unidentified deceased person, the investigating officer shall:
1.
Immediately request a supervisor respond to the scene.
2.
Document the names of all persons present after personally inspecting their
identification.
3.
Employ established crime scene precautions and begin a crime scene entry log.
B.
The responding supervisor shall:
1.
Summon investigative bureau personnel and make notification to the Burlington
County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit.
2.
Make command staff notifications as required.
3.
Assume incident command until relieved by competent authority.
4.
Make notification to the County Medical Examiner’s Office, so the proper transfer
of the remains can be made when appropriate. All human remains must be
promptly transferred to the County Medical Examiner’s Office.
C.
As soon as practical after the necessary identifying characteristics are obtained, an entry
shall be made into the NCIC Unidentified Persons File.
1.
Notification must be made to the New Jersey State Police Missing Person Unit,
notifying them of all human remains that have been located and whose identity
cannot be established with a twenty-four (24) hour period.
2.
Notification must be made to the New Jersey State Police Missing Person Unit,
notifying them of all remains that are located and the determination of human
origin cannot be made.
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X.
D.
The County Medical Examiner’s Office shall have the following responsibilities in making
reasonable identification of recovered human remains.
1.
Photograph the human remains
2.
Conduct dental and skeletal x-rays
3.
Photograph items found with the human remains
4.
Fingerprint the human remains, if possible
5.
Obtain samples of tissue suitable for DNA typing, if possible
6.
Obtain samples of whole bone and/or hair suitable for DNA typing, if possible
7.
Process or obtain and other information that may support the identification efforts
8.
The medical examiner’s office is prohibited from cremating the human remains
E.
A File teletype message with all available, pertinent information regarding the unidentified
person shall be broadcast concurrently with the entry into NCIC. The teletype shall be
broadcast on a statewide basis and expanded as needed.
1.
Information received from the County Medical Examiner shall be entered into the
missing persons entry in NCIC. This must be entered into NCIC within twenty-four
(24) hours after receipt of the information. The information related to the
unidentified remains fingerprint and dental information must be added to the NCIC
record.
2.
The DNA profile obtained for the unidentified human remains must be entered into
the National DNA Index within five (5) business days
3.
The investigative officer must provide continual updates to the Federal Bureau of
Investigations ViCap Unit and the New Jersey State Police Missing Person’s Unit in
a time practical manner.
F.
The Unidentified Person Report for NCIC Record Entry should be utilized as the standard
document for the collection of specific information regarding an unidentified person.
G.
The Unidentified Persons Investigation Packet entitled “UNIDENTIFIED PERSON FILE,
DATA COLLECTION ENTRY GUIDE” should be used to organize data collection and to
collect additional information from other appropriate sources during the investigation.
H.
The media can be utilized for the purpose of aiding in the identification of unidentified
human remains. Photographs, descriptions and other means must take into account all
due considerations to protect the dignity and well being of the missing person and the
family of the missing person.
I.
The investigating officer must document all efforts made to locate the family of the
missing/deceased person to inform them of the death and location of the remains.
J.
Upon successful identification of a previously unidentified person, the assigned officer
shall:
1.
Cancel the NCIC Unidentified Persons File entry.
2.
Broadcast a teletype regarding the identity of the previously unidentified person.
3.
If appropriate, notify the medical examiner’s office.
Crime Prevention and Community Service
A.
The School Resource Officer and personnel assigned to the DARE Unit shall incorporate
educational programs pertaining to missing persons in the presentations delivered to
schools, community organizations and neighborhood watch groups.
B.
The School Resource Officer and personnel assigned to the DARE Unit may also be utilized
to gather intelligence from their various community contacts when a missing or
unidentified persons investigation has been commenced by any officer of the department.
General Order # 064 – Missing Persons (Adult) - Page 11 of 12
NJSACOP LEAP MODEL POLICIES
XI.
Training
A.
The Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police is responsible for the development of
training that will provide law enforcement with the best practices and protocols for
conducting missing persons investigations.
B.
This agency shall provide training access to its officers, so they can receive the required
level of training so as to provide effective investigations related to missing persons.
General Order # 064 – Missing Persons (Adult) - Page 12 of 12