Missing Persons Unit
The Missouri State Highway Patrol recognizes the importance of providing assistance to the families of missing individuals. In 1985, the Missouri General Assembly signed into law state statute 43.402, which established the Missing Persons Unit within the Highway Patrol. Since that date, the Missing Persons Unit has served as the clearinghouse for the State of Missouri, and is an investigative unit within the Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control in Jefferson City. This unit provides technical and investigative assistance to law enforcement agencies, and serves as a point of contact for citizens and family members of missing individuals.
Through the Missing Persons Unit, information is compiled, exchanged and disseminated with the goal of helping to locate missing individuals. This unit provides technical and investigative assistance to law enforcement agencies, and serves as a point of contact for citizens and family members of missing persons.
In addition to providing investigative assistance, the Missing Persons Unit also hosts public safety programs, law enforcement training and statistical analysis as requested. Some of the services provided by the Missing Persons Unit include:
Amber Alert/Endangered Person Advisory
The Missing Persons Unit oversees the activation of the Statewide Amber Alert and the Missouri Endangered Person Advisory. Law enforcement agencies wishing to activate the Missouri Amber Alert or Endangered Person Advisory should contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop F, at (573) 751-1000.
For Amber Alert forms, information concerning Amber Alerts, or to sign up to receive Amber Alerts, click here. For Endangered Person Advisory forms, click here.
Locater Posters
The Missing Persons Unit will, upon request, create missing persons posters to assist law enforcement agencies with investigations. These posters are created using the Locater system and can be disseminated nationwide within a matter of minutes. Posters can also be created to assist families filing missing persons reports.
Interactive Public Website
The Missing Persons Unit website posts photographs and information concerning missing individuals. Citizens may review this site daily, print and disseminate posters, or call with information concerning a possible sighting. This website allows for timely posting and is continuously updated, offering the most current information about missing and unidentified persons, companions and abductors.
Child Identification Program
The Missing Persons Unit will, upon request, visit schools or youth groups to make child identification cards for safekeeping by parents. Using a mobile computer system, the Missing Persons Unit is able to print Child ID cards onsite containing a digital photograph, digital fingerprint and emergency identifying information about each child. The Child ID cards should be kept in a safe, accessible place, such as a billfold or purse. In the event of a separation, parents can immediately present the card to law enforcement for use in disseminating information concerning a missing child.
Child Safety Programs
The Missing Persons Unit is available, to visit with school groups, classes, youth groups, etc. to present safety programs on a variety of topics ranging from Internet Safety to School Bus Safety to Peer Pressure.
Parent Safety Programs
The Missing Persons Unit is available to visit with parent groups, organizations and civic groups about such topics as youth Internet safety, child abduction prevention and more.
DNA Initiative
The Missing Persons Unit will, upon request, work with law enforcement agencies and family members to submit Family DNA Reference Samples for analysis and entry into a national missing persons database. Please contact us for more information.
Toll-Free Telephone Line
The Missing Persons Unit provides a toll-free hotline for parents, law enforcement agencies or others to provide information about missing and unidentified persons. (800) 877-3452.
For more information, please contact:
Sergeant Keverne McCollum, Unit Supervisor or
Heather Elder, Juvenile and Missing Persons Liaison/Clearinghouse Manager
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Missing Persons Unit
PO Box 568
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 526-6178
Toll-Free: (800) 877-3452
piedmail@mshp.dps.mo.gov
http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DDCC/Units/MissingPersonsJuvenileUnit/