Social and other media
If you are considering using social or other media to call attention to a missing persons case, Sarea has some tips. We recommend that you read the following information carefully, in your own interest and that of the missing person..
Urgent advice
Keep in mind that this information about the missing person will often remain findable for a long time afterwards.
This will help protect the missing person’s privacy.
The police can help you prepare a suitable message, or they can publish a message themselves.
Click here for tips for making a flyer and to actually make that flyer.
Example of a message
“We are seriously worried about the disappearance of <first name only> and kindly ask everyone to look out for <first name only>. Have you seen anything out of the ordinary that may help us find <first name only>?
Let us know via 0900-8844.”
Then you can replace the police number (0900-8844) with a number where you can be contacted. Never publicize your own number. You could use an old SIM card with a different number or buy a prepaid SIM card, for instance.
Impact
Think about whether you are waiting for that. Always keep the personal background of the missing person and yourself in mind.
Be aware that this can happen and that the possibility exists that the missing person may come under great scrutiny. Make the consideration of whether this is what you and the missing person need at that time.
Be aware of this and try to shield yourself from it.
Keep in mind that many tips may come in that the missing person has been seen somewhere, including tips that are made up and not true.
Ask for tips and responses to be reported via the contact information in the call. Yet often people still respond to the (social media) message itself.
Delete all messages on the (social) media and also inform concerned media about the return.
Posting the message
You can set up a new email address for the missing persons search. You can also buy a prepaid SIM card.
On a Facebook account, for example. Go to account settings to do so.
This person can also monitor incoming responses.
Consider posting your message in this timeframe.
Use hashtags (3 – 5 max) to increase the visibility of the message. For example: #missing #missingperson #disappearance.
These groups are not linked to Sarea and have owners of their own. Take some time to think about the consequences before you use such a group. If you do, the message will be visible to a large group of people. You should therefore first determine whether the timing is appropriate and whether using a social media group is in the missing person’s interests. You should also decide whether the group in question is suitable; you may want to discuss this with the police. Groups of this kind can be found on Facebook or Instagram, for example.
Journalists
Not every disappearance draws media attention, but if you are approached by a journalist, Sarea advises as follows:
A journalist may ask to speak to a family member or someone else who is directly involved, but that person may be overwhelmed by emotions and therefore not be suitable to act as spokesperson. In that case, ask someone else to talk to journalists or consider getting external support.
Journalists may call unexpectedly. You may not be properly prepared for their questions yet. There is nothing wrong with that. In that case, take down the journalist’s contact details and ask them why they contacted you. Do not call back until you have thought about the answers you will give.
Journalists are allowed to use public information and photos in a news report.
Keep your message brief and stick to the essence. Write down clearly what you want to say. Do not answer questions about subjects you do not want to discuss.
Journalists sometimes ask questions that you cannot answer yet. Don’t speculate and don’t make anything up. It may cause miscommunication and confusion. If there’s something you don’t know, just admit it. Don’t feel obliged to answer hypothetical questions (‘What if’… ‘Suppose that…’) or suggestive questions (‘Wouldn’t you agree that…’).