A missing person must be reported as soon as possible to the local law enforcement agency where the person went missing from.
Myth Buster: There is NOT a 24-hour waiting period to file a missing persons report. As soon as a person is suspected missing, call and file a missing persons report.
When filing a report, only a law enforcement officer can take a missing persons report. If there is no law enforcement in your community, contact the nearest Alaska State Trooper post. Village Public Safety Officers are also able to file missing persons reports.
When filing a missing persons report, the more information that you can give the better.
It is helpful to provide:
- Name and Date of Birth
- When/Where they were last seen, and who seen them last
- Who were the people they last spoken to (in person, phone, on social media)
- What they were last seen wearing
- Any scars, marks tattoos, etc.
- Why you believe they are missing (circumstances)
- Places frequented, hobbies, recent trips (local and state)
- A list of known associates/friends
- Where they work or attend school
- What their cell phone number is
- All social media accounts
- A recent photo
- Is this behavior normal (youth runaway, absences, or lack of contact)?
- If they are a vulnerable adult and/or have post-traumatic stress disorder/mental health issues
- Any health conditions or medications they are required to take regularly
- If they have drug and alcohol abuse
Please keep in mind, you do not have to know all of this information to report a missing person. The sooner the information can be given to law enforcement, the quicker they can assist with locating the missing person.
In the Fairbanks area, TCC Village Public Safety Officer Program has received a special designation from the State of Alaska Department of Public Safety, authorizing VPSOs to initiate and conduct searches immediately, upon receiving a report, on any tribal member that is suspected of going missing.
At any time, you feel law enforcement does not immediately respond to a missing persons report, please contact Darrell Hildebrand, Public Safety Manager. Ext. 3269 darrell.hildebrand@tananachiefs.org