What happens after you report a missing person
We will be in touch as soon as possible to tell you what we are doing.
We will ask any extra questions we need to, and will tell you what will happen next.
Exactly what we will do depends on the level of risk and on the local police force. But for example at the start of an investigation we might:
- search the missing person’s home (even if you already have)
- search the area they were last seen
- check local hospitals
- check the missing person’s mobile phones or computers
- knock on local doors to see if anyone has any information
- look at CCTV footage
- carry out specialist searches (for example using helicopters, dogs or divers) if needed
If we do not think the case is a missing person investigation, we will:
- tell you why not
- help you find the right people to contact instead of the police
If an investigation crosses boundaries between police forces (for example if someone goes missing in one area but is potentially seen in another) police forces will work together.
The force for the place the person is missing from usually has overall responsibility, but this can change if most of the investigation is happening in a different area.
Assessing risk
After you’ve reported a missing person, our team will decide if the case is:
- high risk
- medium risk
- low risk
- no apparent risk
We take into account lots of factors including age and health when deciding risk. The risk level will help us decide what to do next. You can ask about and should be told the risk level.
The risk level is not fixed and can be reassessed during the investigation when there is new information or circumstances change.
What you can do next
If you remember some more details after you have reported someone missing, you can tell us something you have remembered online.
While you wait to hear from us, there are things you can do to help look for a missing person.
When someone has been missing for a while
Most missing people are found or return in the first few days.
If someone is missing for longer than a few days, the police investigation will change.
Find out what happens when someone has been missing for more than a few days.
Help and support
The charity Missing People can support you and help you cope when someone has gone missing.
LBT Global (formerly The Lucie Blackman Trust) helps people when someone has gone missing abroad.
Report a missing person online
If you’re still concerned for someone's welfare you can find out how we or other organisations can help.