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Administration ] [
Personnel ] [
General Operations ] [
Field
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Criminal Investigations ] |
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Applicable To: Sworn employees and communications employees |
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Approval
Authority: Chief Richard J.
Pennington |
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Signature: Signed by RJP |
Date Signed: 8/18/09 |
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4.5 Dissemination of Information 4.7 Child Abductions (AMBER ALERT) 4.8 Recovery of Missing Adults 4.9 Involuntary Custody (OCGA 37-3-42) |
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The purpose of this SOP is to establish the policy and procedures for handling reports of missing adults and missing children.
The Atlanta Police Department will investigate all reports of missing persons thoroughly, to include the careful recording and investigation of the factual circumstances surrounding the disappearance, and give particular attention in cases involving: missing children; persons who may be mentally and/or physically impaired; persons who are incapable of caring for themselves; and/or children or adults who are either unidentified or unidentifiable to determine if they are classified as missing.
Files on wanted, missing and unidentified persons are available through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). When investigating cases of missing, abducted or unidentified children, officers will find the following NCIC resources to be of particular value: Wanted Person File (WPF), Missing Person File (MPF), Unidentified Person File (UPF) and the Off-Life Search Procedure.
3.1 The Communications Section call taker will collect and disseminate necessary information upon receiving a missing person call. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.6e)
3.2 The responding field officers will assess the situation, notify a supervisor and begin efforts to locate the missing person. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.6e)
3.3 Field supervisors will ensure that the appropriate personnel are responding to the call for the level of response that the circumstances dictate. They will personally respond to the scene when required. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.6e)
3.4 School Detectives will investigate children missing from public schools.
3.5 Investigators will assist field officers and personally respond to the scene in certain situations. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.6e)
4.1 Reporting and Classification
4.1.1 Missing person reports involve individuals who voluntarily leave home for personal reasons; disappear for unexplained reasons or who may be considered at risk. The role of the initial responding officer is critical in identifying the circumstances surrounding missing persons and in identifying those cases when an individual may be in jeopardy.
4.1.2 There is no waiting period for reporting a missing person.
4.1.3 An individual may be declared “missing” when his/her whereabouts is 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.
4.1.4 Officers should be aware that they might encounter several types of missing-child cases, each with their own unique response requirements. They include:
1. The non-family abduction in which a child is taken by an unknown individual, through force or persuasion, usually in furtherance of additional victimization.
2. The family abduction in which, a non-custodial family member flees with a child, usually in direct violation of a court-ordered custody arrangement.
3. The runaway child, most often a teenager, who leaves home voluntarily for a variety of reasons.
4. The lost or otherwise missing child, who becomes separated from parents or caretakers under circumstances not indicating the likelihood of an abduction or voluntary absence.
5. The thrown-away whose caretaker makes no effort to recover the child who has run away or who has been abandoned or deserted.
4.1.5 An officer will notify his or her supervisor of reports that satisfy one or more of the following criteria: (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.6b)
1. Information that the missing person may be the victim of foul play.
2. Because of age (juvenile or elderly), the person may be unable to properly safeguard or care for him/herself.
3. The person suffers from diminished mental capacity or medical conditions that are potentially life threatening if left untreated or unattended
4. The person is a patient at a mental institution and is considered potentially dangerous to himself / herself or others.
5. The person has demonstrated the potential for suicide.
6. Reports of juveniles who have voluntarily left home (e.g., “runaways”) should be classified as such only after thorough investigation.
4.1.6 911 call takers should attempt to obtain as much information as possible regarding the missing person with special attention to the above criteria. The call taker should obtain a complete physical description, including clothing the missing person was last seen wearing and broadcast a lookout on all radio frequencies. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.5f)
4.2.1 Officers will immediately give the description of the adult and other pertinent information to communications for dissemination to all radio frequencies.
4.2.2 Officers will obtain as much information as possible concerning the whereabouts and description of the adult, including the circumstances surrounding the events related to the person’s missing status. This information should be included in detail in the Incident Report.
4.2.3 Officers will immediately fax a copy of the report to the Homicide Unit and Central Records for entry into GCIC/NCIC system.
4.2.4 If a missing adult is suspected of being the victim of foul play or has some mental impairment or physical disability, the responding officer will immediately:
1. Notify a supervisor.
2. Request assistance for a canvass of the area or possible locations where the adult might be.
3. Notify Homicide investigators.
4. Identify any witnesses who may have knowledge of the adult’s whereabouts.
5. Complete an incident report in detail.
6. Obtain a photo of the adult, and forward it to the Homicide Unit along with a copy of the incident report.
7. Advise the reporting person the phone number for the Homicide Unit (404-546-4235) so they can contact the Missing Person Investigator if they receive additional information.
4.3.1 Officers will immediately notify a supervisor of all missing juveniles and give the description of the juvenile to Communications for dissemination to all radio frequencies.
4.3.2 Officers will obtain as much information as possible concerning the whereabouts and description of the juvenile, including the circumstances surrounding the events related to the child’s missing status. This information should be included in detail in the incident report.
4.3.3 Officers should obtain a photo of the juvenile and the photo should be forwarded to the Special Victims Unit as soon as possible.
4.3.4 Officers will immediately fax a copy of the report to the Special Victims Unit and Central Records for entry in GCIC/NCIC system.
4.3.5 Anytime a juvenile is reported missing, a Special Victims Unit investigator will be notified.
4.3.6 If a missing juvenile is under the age of thirteen, or is suspected of being the victim of foul play or has some mental impairment or physical disability, the responding officer should immediately:
1. Notify a supervisor.
2. Request assistance for a canvass of the area or possible locations where the child might be.
3. Notify a Special Victims Unit investigator who will respond to the scene and assume overall responsibility for the investigation.
4. Identify any witnesses who may have knowledge of the child’s whereabouts.
5. Obtain a photo of the child.
6. Complete an incident report.
4.3.7 If a juvenile is reported missing either from school or fails to return home from school, the School Detective Unit will have the initial responsibility for the investigation. If the School Detective Investigators do not locate the child, Special Victims Unit will be contacted for assistance in the investigation.
1. If the initial investigation reveals that either the child was transported to the school or was present at the school but was not observed being transported home from school, the School Detectives will retain primary responsibility for the investigation, with assistance from the Special Victims Unit.
2. If the child was transported from the school and properly delivered (to the correct bus stop or designated location) and then becomes missing, the Special Victims Unit will have primary responsibility for the investigation with assistance from the School Detectives.
4.3.8 The reporting officer will advise the parent or legal guardian to obtain a pick up order from the juvenile court when 45 days have elapsed since the missing persons report was filed or when there is reason to believe that the child has left the state.
4.4 Investigation Procedures (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.5a)
4.4.1 The responding officer will complete an incident report during the preliminary investigation to include the following information:
1. Name, age, sex, race and physical description of the victim and relationship of the reporting party to the missing person.
2. Time, date, and place of last known location and the identity of anyone accompanying the victim prior to their disappearance.
3. Indications of missing personal belongings, particularly money and other valuables.
4. The extent of any previously conducted search or inquiries.
5. Whether the victim has been missing on prior occasions and the degree to which the absence departs from established behavior patterns, habits, or plans.
6. Whether the victim has been involved recently in domestic incidents; suffered emotional trauma or a life crisis; demonstrated unusual, uncharacteristic, or bizarre behavior; is dependent on drugs or alcohol; or has a history of mental illness.
7. The current physical condition of the victim and whether the person is currently on prescription medication.
8. Any suggestions of foul play or accident.
4.4.2 If the missing person is a juvenile, information should be obtained concerning whether the child is or may be with an adult who could cause harm; may have been the subject of a parental abduction or stranger abduction; has previously run away from home, has threatened to do so, or has a history of other absences for extended periods of time as well as signs of an abusive home environment or dysfunctional family situation; and the name and location of the school attended by the child and any persons who may be responsible for private transportation to and from the location.
4.4.3 A search will be organized and performed under the direction of the on-scene field supervisor when information is received that a victim may be in a given geographical area. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.5e)
4.4.4 Tracking dogs may be requested during a search of missing persons that are suspected to be a victim of foul play.
4.4.5 Some searches may require support from more than one public safety agency. Such operations will be coordinated between the field and CID supervisors.
4.4.6 When a small child is involved, there should always be a physical search, especially of the home and immediate area where the child lives or was last seen. The search should start at the last known location and spiral outward.
1. This search should be made even if the parent/guardian has already conducted a search.
2. Search personnel should understand that small children might hide and refuse to answer when their names are called.
4.5 Dissemination of Information
4.5.1 Once an individual is classified as missing or as a runaway, the investigating officer will immediately provide the Communications Section with the individual’s description, possible destination, vehicle data, last contact source, and other relevant information so that a “look-out” can be initiated. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.5b)
4.5.2 Detailed descriptive information is required for immediate notification of other law enforcement agencies and agencies such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), First Innocent Images, Georgia Missing Children Center, Child Abuse Investigative Support Center and the Internet Crime Against Children. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.6c)
4.5.3 Decisions to use the local media to help locate the missing person will be made by the lead investigator, in consultation with the CID Commander.
4.5.4 Entry of Information into GCIC/NCIC (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.5c)
1. The reporting officer will immediately hand-carry or fax the missing persons and runaway incident report that involves foul play, endangered persons, or juveniles to the Central Records Unit for entry into GCIC/NCIC.
2. In all other cases involving missing adults, the reporting officer will bring or fax the report to the GCIC/NCIC operator prior to the end of his/her assigned shift of duty and notify the Homicide Unit.
3. The GCIC/NCIC operator will distribute “be on-the-lookout” (BOLO) information as directed by the criminal investigator.
4.5.5 The “A Child is Missing” (ACIM) program is a potentially valuable resource.
1. An ACIM Alert will generate telephone calls to local residents within fifteen (15) minutes of initiation by law enforcement.
2. When the decision to use ACIM has been made, the investigator will immediately call ACIM at 1-888-875-2246 (ACIM ) or page the operator at 1-954-492-4778.
3. Suggested calling times are from 7:00AM to 10:30PM. Calls can be placed after 10:30 PM (in all time zones) if extenuating circumstances exist and only with a supervisor’s approval.
4. The investigator will provide ACIM with the Communications Section phone number, (404) 614-6525, and will also contact the Communications Section to make them aware that ACIM has been involved in the search for the juvenile.
5. If there is a confirmed sighting of the missing juvenile, the investigator will contact ACIM to update the location and any changes in appearance.
6. When the missing person is found, the investigator will call ACIM to report the recovery. A "Case Follow-Up Report" will be faxed to the investigator by ACIM. The investigator will fill out the report and fax it back to A Child Is Missing at (954-763-4569).
4.6 Follow-up Investigation
4.6.1 Once an individual is classified as “missing,” the case will be forwarded to CID for the appropriate follow-up investigation. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.6f)
4.6.2 The CID investigator that is assigned a “missing person” report will contact the reporting person immediately. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.5d).
4.6.3 The Special Victims Unit will conduct follow-up investigations concerning missing juveniles.
4.6.4 The Homicide Unit will conduct follow up investigations concerning missing adults.
4.7 Child Abductions (AMBER ALERT)
4.7.1 Levi’s Call, Georgia’s Amber Alert was established in January of 2002, as an investigative tool to assist local law enforcement agencies in the safe return of abducted children.
4.7.2 Levi’s Call is a partnership between law enforcement agencies, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and broadcasters to solicit the public’s help in locating an abducted child before any harm occurs.
4.7.3 Before Levi’s Call can be activated, the following “Alert Criteria” must be met: (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.6d)
1. There must be a confirmed child abduction.
2. The circumstances surrounding the abduction must indicate that the child is in “imminent danger” of harm or death.
3. The child must be 17 years of age or younger.
4. There must be enough descriptive information to believe that an immediate broadcast alert will help.
5. The case must be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
4.7.4 Activation will not be granted for family abductions where no danger exists to the child or for runaways. Exception may be given to juveniles with mental or physical disabilities who may be at greater risk because of their impairments. These cases should be evaluated on their own merit. Preliminary investigation must conclude whether a pattern of running away exists.
4.8 Recovery of Missing Adults
4.8.1 Competent adults, having left home for personal reasons, cannot be forced to return home. When such individuals are located, the officer will:
1. Advise them that they are the subject of a missing person’s investigation
2. Question the missing adult to establish the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, and whether criminal activity was involved.
3. Ask if they desire the reporting party or next-of-kin to be notified of their whereabouts. 4.8.2 Telephonic notification of recovered missing persons:
1. Whenever information is received telephonically that a missing person has returned to their home, the information must be verified.
2. A patrol car will be dispatched to the location of the recovered missing person to confirm the recovery, ascertain the facts/circumstances of the person’s absence, and document the case closure on a Supplemental Report form.
4.8.3 In all cases when the missing person is located:
1. Contact will be made with all agencies previously informed of the case for assistance.
2. Appropriate follow-up action will be taken, such as the initiation of a family violence investigation or the issuance of criminal charges when necessary.
3. Notify Homicide Unit for adults and forward a copy of the recovery report.
4.8.4 Removal of information from GCIC/NCIC: The CID lead investigator or the GCIC/NCIC operator will remove any missing person information based upon receipt of written confirmation (i.e., Supplemental Report) that the individual has been located. A copy of the supplemental report will be forwarded to the Missing Person/Homicide Unit. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.5c)
4.9 Involuntary Custody (OCGA 37-3-42)
4.9.1 A missing adult may be taken into custody for involuntary medical treatment if the individual has committed any criminal offense and there is probable cause to believe the person is mentally ill. (See APD.SOP.3084 “Mentally Ill and Disabled Persons”) Under such circumstances:
1. The adult will be transported to Grady Hospital’s 13th floor for evaluation and treatment
2. Officers will complete the “Report of Peace Officer” form.
3. The officer does not have to initiate charges against the person.
4.10 Recovery of Missing Juveniles
4.10.1 Officers who locate a juvenile who they suspect may be considered missing will contact ACIC radio to determine the missing status of the juvenile and notify SVU.
4.10.2 If ACIC confirms that the juvenile has been reported missing and the juvenile resides in Fulton County the officer will transport the juvenile to his or her residence and release the juvenile to the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian is not available, the juvenile will be transported to the Fulton County Emergency Children’s Shelter.
4.10.3 Officers locating juveniles, who reside in DeKalb County, outside the City limits of Atlanta will transport the juvenile to the DeKalb County line and request that a DeKalb County officer take custody of the juvenile.
4.10.4 Officers locating juveniles who reside in other counties will contact the appropriate police agency and arrange for transportation. The juvenile will stay in the officer’s custody until transportation is arranged and the juvenile is turned over to the transporting agency or the juvenile’s parent or guardian.
4.10.5 If officers are unable to arrange for the child to be transported to another agency or a guardian, the child will be taken to the Fulton County Emergency Children’s Shelter.
4.10.6 Officers will immediately take a juvenile into protective custody when a child is located and is unable to provide information regarding their guardian’s location or residence or whenever there is reason to believe the child is in danger because of their present environment; if the child requires medical attention; and/or if the child has been a victim of any form of abuse or neglect either prior to, or during their period of absence.
4.10.7 When in protective custody, appropriate medical care will be obtained if required OR the child will be brought to the Special Victims Unit for necessary follow-up investigative action.
4.10.8 All children taken into custody that are under the age of four will be taken to Hughes Spalding Hospital for a wellness check. DFACS should be notified and requested to meet the officer at the hospital to take the child into custody. Officers should ask the DFACS Intake officer for a “One hour response.”
4.10.9 Missing juveniles (not requiring protective custody): In cases involving missing juveniles, officers will detain the child until he/she can be released to proper authorities and:
1. Make available appropriate medical attention if required.
2. Determine whether other individuals may be criminally responsible and/or whether an abusive or negligent home environment was a contributing factor.
3. Notify parents, guardians, or reporting parties (unless they are the suspected cause of the abuse or neglect).
4. In all cases, the Special Victims Unit will be notified including, runaway recovery cases.
5. DFACS will be notified in all abuse or neglect cases.
4.10.10 Removal of information from GCIC/NCIC: The CID lead investigator or the GCIC/NCIC operator will remove any missing juvenile or runaway information based upon receipt of written confirmation (i.e., Supplemental Report) that the individual has been located. A copy of the supplemental report will be forwarded to the Special Victims Unit. (CALEA 5th ed. St. 41.2.5c)
5.1 FAMILY ABDUCTION: A non-custodial family member flees with a child, usually in direct violation of a court ordered custody arrangement.
5.2 LOST or OTHERWISE MISSING: A child who becomes separated from parents or caretakers under circumstances not indicating the likelihood of an abduction or voluntary absence.
5.3 MISSING PERSON: Any person who is absent from or fails to reach his or her home, school, job, place of recreation, or some other location within a reasonable length of time, without a known or apparent reason; or any patient of a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or mental institution that leaves without the permission or knowledge of those in charge.
5.4 NON-FAMILY ABDUCTION: An unknown individual takes a child through force or persuasion, usually in furtherance of additional victimization.
5.5 RUNAWAY: Most often a teenager, who leaves home voluntarily for a variety of reasons.
5.6 THROWN-AWAY: A child whose caretaker makes no effort to recover the child who has run away, or who has been abandoned or deserted.
APD.SOP.3085 “Missing Persons”, revised
November 19, 2004.
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) 5th Ed. Standards 41.2.5 a-f and 41.2.6 a-f. |
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