No circumstance has a more devastating effect on a family than the unknown whereabouts of a loved one. Immediately making identification information available to the public has proven effective in helping to locate missing children as well as missing adults. The majority of law enforcement officials consider photographs to be the most important tool in a missing person search.

There is no required waiting period to report a missing person. Law enforcement agencies should be contacted without delay. This is extremely important in cases involving a possible abduction, suspected foul play or an at-risk situation.