1. Phrodo41

    Phrodo41 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2014
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0

    Missing persons search procedures

    Discussion in 'Research' started by Phrodo41, Feb 27, 2014.

    Hi, this is my first post.

    I am working with a premise that involves a disappearance of a student on a small college campus in the mountains of western NC, in the late 90s. He is a foreign exchange, a freshman and he disappears just before classes start, so he would barely be known by anyone other than his roommate (the protagonist) and a few team members.

    I am curious where I would look to learn what procedures would be involved.. how long until they decide he is officially 'missing', how long people would search, and how long before everyone gives up. The question of campus security vs. police jurisdiction..

    The protagonist 'chris' would be the person who reported him, but the disappearance involves mysterious paranormal circumstances, so Chris would not be entirely honest.

    I'm not sure how much of this exactly will play into my narrative but I need to know what is going on in the background as this would be a very small campus where everyone is aware of what's going on.

    Thoughts? Suggestions on where to look?
     
  2. jazzabel

    jazzabel Agent Provocateur Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2012
    Messages:
    4,255
    Likes Received:
    1,688
    Go to Google and type 'missing persons procedure'. You'll get loads of links full of relevant information. Then repeat for any other related search term. Research takes a long time, but Google is your best free resource. :)
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2014
  3. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    7,851
    Likes Received:
    3,339
    Location:
    Boston
    I can't answer all your questions, but I think adults have to be gone for 48 hours before they're officially declared missing.
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    ditto that!
     
  5. David K. Thomasson

    David K. Thomasson Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2013
    Messages:
    344
    Likes Received:
    128
    Location:
    Lynchburg, Virginia
    Since this happens at a college, you can check official procedures at a few colleges. They are required by law to have such procedures.

    Here's one. Here's another. And another. And one more for good measure.
     
  6. KeriLynn

    KeriLynn New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2014
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Texas
    Since the character is an adult the police probably would want to wait 24 hours to file a missing persons report (I have no idea if it varies state by state). They would question his roommate first. Then they'd probably question his professors to see when he was in class. He'd question the parents and his other friends/family. Any enemies he might have had etc.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice