Criminal Justice 2011

Chapter 12:Missing and Abducted Persons

Criminal InvestigationThe Art and the Science

by Michael D. LymanCopyright 2011

12.1 Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.12.2 Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.12.3 Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons.12.4 List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.12.5 Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.12.6 Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons andabduction cases.12.7 Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.

CHAPTER SUMMARY

Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

12.1

Missing Persons12.1

797,500 children go missing each year

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Missing Persons12.1

203,900 children were the victims of family abductions

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Missing Persons12.1

58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions

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Missing Persons12.1

115 children were the victims of stereotypical abductions

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Missing Persons12.1

Internet Abductions

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Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

12.2

Investigative Tools12.2

Amber Alerts Code Adam

Missing Children 12.2

Lost Runaway Family

Abduction

Non-Family

Four Different Types of Cases

Step Five: Determined

when last seen

Step Six: Interview last

contact

Step Eight:ID type of

case

Step Seven:ID safety zone

Investigative Steps 12.2

Step Four: ID what

happened

Step Two:Verify the child

Is missing

Step One: Interview Reporters

Step Three: Verify the child’s

status

Step Thirteen: Search house

Step Fourteen: Secure crime

Scene

Step Sixteen:Write reportsAnd notify

parties

Step Fifteen:Obtain photos

Or video of Suspects

Investigative Steps (continued) 12.2

Step Twelve:Update

Dispatch and Others

Step Ten:Relay info to

EOC

Step Nine: Get all

Descriptions

Step Eleven:ID and talk to

all personsavailable

Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

12.3

The Investigator's Role 12.3

Obtain a detailed briefing

Verify descriptions

Obtain history of family dynamics

Explore conflicting information

The Investigator's Role (continued) 12.3

Evaluate all information

Develop an investigative plan

Access additional resources

Execute investigation

Crimes Against Children Investigations12.3

Investigatoror

Patrol Collect Evidence

Interview Victim

Interview Witness(es)

Crimes Against Children Investigations12.3

Follow-up Investigatio

nObtain medical records/opinions

Coordinate with social services and prosecutor

Interview suspect(s)

Amber Alert12.3

Abducted children system using media

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Code Adam 12.3

Abducted and missing children in malls, stores, and other public buildings

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Trends in Sexual Assault 12.3

List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

12.4

Missing Children 12.4

Non-Family Abductions

Complex investigation

Dangerous

The first few hours are critical

Missing Children 12.4

Family Abductions

Usually involves divorce or separation

May flee to another state or country

Also are very complex cases

Missing Children 12.4

Runaways

Investigation should include motives

Dangerous if the child is young or immature

Most common missing child case

Missing Children 12.4

Lost Children

Requires quick actions by police

Could involve large crowds

Special needs children sometimes “wander” off

Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

12.5

Supervisor’s Role:

1. Ensure that the details of the case have been reported to the NCMEC.

2. Prepare and update bulletins for local law enforcement agencies, state missing children’s clearinghouses, FBI, and other appropriate agencies.

3. Prepare a flyer or bulletin with the child’s and suspected abductor’s photographs and descriptive information. Distribute it in appropriate geographical regions.

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Supervisor’s Role:

4. Secure the child’s latest medical and dental records. These may be necessary to positively identify the child.

5. Establish a telephone hotline to receive tips and leads from the public.

6. Establish a leads management system to prioritize leads and ensure that each one undergoes a review and follow-up.

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Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons andabduction cases.

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

12.6

Interviewing Suspects 12.6

After a suspect has been identified, the investigator must carefully plan an interviewto gain as much information as possible without violating the suspect’s constitutional rights

During the interview, treat the subject with consideration but be firm.

As the interview progresses, the effective investigator may obtain moreanswers by being a good listener—letting the subject talk, not trying to manipulate what the subject is saying

If necessary, the investigator should be empathetic.Be patient

Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lecture, you should be able to complete the following Learning Outcome

12.7

The Investigator’s Role12.7

Step 1

Obtain a detailed briefing from the first responding officerand other on-scene personnel

The Investigator’s Role12.7

Verify the accuracy of all descriptive information.

Step 2:

The Investigator’s Role12.7

Obtain a brief recent history of family dynamics.

Step 3:

The Investigator’s Role12.7

Explore the basis for conflicting information.

Step 4:

The Investigator’s Role12.7

Review and evaluate all available information and evidence.

Step 5:

The Investigator’s Role12.7

Develop an investigative plan for follow-up.

Step 6:

The Investigator’s Role12.7

Determine what additional resources and specialized services are required.

Step 7:

The Investigator’s Role12.7

Execute an investigative follow-up plan.

Step 8:

12.1 Understand the complexity of the nation’s missing persons problem.12.2 Discuss the first responder’s role in missing persons cases.12.3 Identify the steps in investigating missing and abducted persons.12.4 List and discuss the different categories of missing and abducted persons.12.5 Explain police supervisor responsibilities in missing persons cases.12.6 Identify guidelines for interviewing suspects in missing persons andabduction cases.12.7 Understand the investigator’s role in missing and abducted persons cases.

CHAPTER Review