Tasks
In addition to searching for the missing person, you may perform the tasks below. Think about the timing when you perform these tasks. Putting up a flyer an hour after going missing might be too hasty.
1. Comprehensive environmental check
We recommend that you now keep a list of who you spoke with and, in brief, what was said.
There may be information on here that you are not aware of. Have you already done this? Look again because content on social media changes and renews rapidly. If necessary, ask people to start following the person so that it stands out when he or she posts something. Also check social media of friends of the missing person.
See when the person was last online. Send him or her a message and see if it was received.
Sometimes you can figure out a location via Follow my friends or Find my Iphone, Snapchat, Facebook or Instagram, for example..
If so, more information can be found on this. Do you think it’s a farewell letter? If so, contact the police about this immediately.
If you want to do this, always discuss it with the police first. Always keep the privacy of the missing person in mind. Don’t do this lightly!
If there is access to this source of information, review financial statements of the missing person whenever possible and check Internet browsing habits. This may provide information about the reason for the missing person or it may lead to more information about the missing person’s location.
Note!
2. Distribute flyers
Determine if it is already the right time to distribute flyers. Also, always think carefully about the information you put on the flyer. It is in the best interest of the missing person not to share certain information about the missing person. Read
here
more tips on message content.
Keep track of where flyers are hung. That way you can easily find them again later. It is not pleasant for the missing person if these “keep wandering around.
Hang the case with the “open” side down so that water cannot run into it when it rains.
Does the person have a relevant tip? Please let the coordinator know. The tip can then be incorporated into the corresponding form.
You can print out this flyer and distribute it in the area. Optionally, you may choose to distribute the flyer via social media. Then be aware of the
effect of social media
.
3. Camera images
Camera footage can provide new information. Thinking about collecting camera footage? It is in the interest of the missing person that this be done in a careful manner.
This person does not go looking for camera images but ensures that all relevant images are collected in a central location. Search groups can search for cameras in relevant locations and ask to see the images.
- Get permission from the owner to view the camera footage (e.g., security camera or video doorbell). Note that no one is obligated to show images.
- Explain why you want to view the images.
- Review the images with the owner.
- Take a picture or video of important images with your cell phone. Agree not to use the images for other purposes.
- Forward your captured images to the point of contact.
- Ask the owner to save (secure) the original images. Do not have the images secured in your presence. This could have a (negative) impact on a possible follow-up police investigation.
- Record and/or pinpoint the location of the camera, via WhatsApp or Google Maps, for example, and share this with the point of contact.
- Upon return, give the completed form, or forms, to the point of contact.
What are relevant images?
Secure relevant images!
Always ask the owner if relevant images can be stored (secure), even if you are not allowed to view the images. The police can (possibly) collect the original footage at a later date. Discuss relevant footage with the police and determine any follow-up steps with your police contact.