California law classifies M/P reports as “non-criminal”; however, they take investigative precedence over crimes involving property, thus establishing a “due diligence” responsibility on the part of the adult MPU.
70% of all reported missing persons are found or voluntarily return within 48 to 72 hours.
The LAPD Division on Human Trafficking outlines the facts of missing persons statistics, and clarifies the misunderstanding of when a missing person report can be filed. "federal law prohibits the observance of a waiting period before ACCEPTING a Missing Persons report."
34 U.S. Code § 41308 - State requirements for reporting missing children
Human Trafficking Section - LAPD Online
- LAPD Missing Persons Unit (MPU) investigates approximately 3,200 adult Missing Person (M/P) reports annually, or 250 to 300 reports per month.
- Not all adult missing persons are the victims of kidnapping, murders, or some other criminal act.
- Reasons why a person voluntarily disappears include
- Mental illness
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Credit problems
- Abusive relationships
- Marital discord
FAQs, from LAPD Online - Missing Persons, including these:
- What should I do if the missing person calls me or returns?
- It is highly likely the missing person will return on his or her own, or contact family and friends.
- If this occurs, you must notify the police as soon as possible.
- WHAT CAN I DO…..?
- You may want to consider the use of posters to aid in the search. If you have posters made up, please advise the detective assigned to your case.
- Another option would be to contact the Salvation Army, which has a Missing Persons Locator Program
- Engage the services of a “reputable” private investigator. The majority of missing person cases are solved within a few days or weeks. However, there are times when investigations may go on for several months or even years. In such situations, you may want to enlist the services of a private investigator to assist in your search.
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