Missing Persons Investigations

Did You Know: Wandering (YouTube Video)

A missing person case can be one of the most difficult investigations law enforcement encounters. Public safety personnel are challenged with locating a person(s) as quickly and safely as possible, while balancing legal and emotional issues. Such cases can include, but are not limited to, elderly persons with dementia or people with autism who wander, runaways, and child abduction. Each case requires a unique response and a variety of resources.

Pursuant to Penal Code 13519.07(e), the POST Missing Persons Guidelines were last updated November 2024.

Recent legislation has identified wandering’s unique challenges and expectations. Pursuant to Penal Code 13515.40, the POST Wandering Guidelines were published November 2025.

These two guidelines include a variety of resources including definitions, procedures, and recommendations for dispatchers, officers, and field supervisors who need to successfully investigate these cases.

References to internal and external sources are provided.

Documents

• POST Missing Persons Investigations - Guidelines and Curriculum 2024 (pdf)
• POST Wandering Guideline 2025 (pdf)

Forms

• Authorization to Release Dental/Skeletal X-Rays/Treatment Notes/Photograph of Missing Juvenile (pdf)
• Authorization to Release Dental/Skeletal X-Rays/Photograph of Missing Adult or Juvenile - Spanish (pdf)
• Child Abduction First Responding Officer Quick Reference Guide (pdf)
• Investigative Checklist for First Responders (pdf)
• Declaration of Authority for Seizure of Dental/Medical Records (doc)
• Emergency School Notification Missing or Abducted Child Alert (pdf)
• Missing/Endangered Child (pdf)
• Missing Persons Categories (pdf)
• Missing Person Report (pdf)
• Sample Child Abduction/Missing Child Report Worksheet (pdf)

The Commission intends these manuals not only as a guide for investigation, but also as a resource for developing additional training curriculum. The manuals are also intended to be used as a basis for creating departmental policies.