MISSING IN CALIFORNIA: An FAQ for Native American Tribes and Tribal Citizens

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Introduction

Why the FAQ Was Developed:

Assembly Bill 3099 (Ramos, 2020) (AB 3099) created the Tribal Assistance Program within the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA). AB 3099 entrusted the DOJ to address issues involving missing and murdered Native Americans in California. During ONAA’s outreach to Native American communities and tribal governments in California, it became evident that there was a significant amount of misinformation and a general lack of understanding about missing person’s investigations in California. The Missing in California: An FAQ for Native American Tribes and Tribal Citizens aims to provide Native American Tribes, tribal citizens, tribal communities and tribal organizations with critical information and resources to assist in navigating the incredibly stressful experience of what to do when a loved one and/or tribal citizen goes missing.

How to Use the FAQ:

The Missing in California: An FAQ for Native American Tribes and Tribal Citizens is organized by six (6) categories of questions that were frequency asked by Native American community members and representatives of tribal governments:

  1. Who may be reported missing and when?
  2. What can you expect when reporting someone missing?
  3. What happens after someone is reported missing?
  4. What happens when local law enforcement locates the missing person or if the missing person returns on their own?
  5. What are missing persons databases and how does DNA play a role in locating/identifying someone?
  6. How can you help?

As you will see from the Table of Contents, represented in each of those identified categories of questions in the FAQ are more specific inquiries to assist the user. To access the information being asked, please click on the question (there is a hyperlink embedded in the question), and you will be taken to the appropriate category-question and answer you are interested in learning more about. At the end of the FAQ, you will find a directory and/or list of all of the important resources discussed throughout the FAQ.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive FAQ on missing persons questions and answers. If you would like to recommend changes to the FAQ, or if you have any concerns you would like to share with ONAA regarding a missing person case, please do not hesitate to contact us as ContactONAA@doj.ca.gov and we will do our best to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A. WHO MAY BE REPORTED MISSING AND WHEN?

To report a missing person in California, please do one of the following:

  • Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency (LEA) or the LEA that has jurisdiction over the missing person’s last known location or address. This includes your county sheriff’s department or your local police department.
  • You can also report the missing person to a LEA in person, by email, or by U.S. mail.
  • Note: The initial investigating agency will be the law enforcement agency that takes the initial report, regardless of jurisdiction.

If the missing person is under the age of 17 or if suspicious circumstances or foul play is suspected, call 911 IMMEDIATELY.

As soon as you believe someone has gone missing, you should alert local law enforcement. Contrary to what many believe, there is no waiting period to report a missing person in California. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT 24 HOURS.

A missing person does not need to be of a certain age. In California, a missing person includes, but is not limited to, the following:

All local police and sheriff's departments are required by state law to report all missing person cases, including voluntary missing juveniles. (See California Penal Code 14211.)

Yes. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) can take the report of a missing person. They will also provide you with the name and telephone number of the local police or sheriff's department where the missing person lives and/or where they were last seen if you prefer to file a report directly with local law enforcement. (See California Penal Code 14211.)

No. You do not need to be related to the missing person in order to report them missing. Anyone can report a missing person. It is important to encourage and support community members to come forward and report any information or suspicions they may have regarding a missing person.

Yes. If you report a missing person to a law enforcement agency outside the residence of the missing person or their last known location, that agency is required to notify and forward a copy of the report to the local law enforcement agency within the missing person's residence or the place where they were last seen. (See California Penal Code 14211.)

If the missing person is a tribal citizen living and/or last seen in California, particularly on a reservation or rancheria, you should do the following:

  • Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency (LEA) or the LEA that has jurisdiction over the missing person's last known location or residential address, including your county sheriff's department or local police department.
  • You can also report the missing person to a LEA in person, by email, or by U.S. mail. The initial investigating agency will be the LEA that takes the initial report, regardless of jurisdiction.
  • Call the tribal government and/or tribal law enforcement agency. Federally recognized tribal governments are sovereign nations and each will have their own policies and procedures relating to missing tribal citizens.

If the missing person is under the age of 17 or if foul play is suspected, call 911 IMMEDIATELY.

Yes. Even if you live outside of California or your tribal government is located outside of California, if your loved one or tribal citizen goes missing in California, you may contact the local law enforcement agency where they lived or the local law enforcement agency from the place where they went missing to report them missing.

If you believe your loved one or tribal citizen have gone missing in another state, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT the local law enforcement agency (LEA) where your loved one went missing from or resides to report them missing. If you believe they may have gone missing on or near a reservation or rancheria, it is advisable to contact the tribal government and/or tribal law enforcement agency of that reservation or rancheria.

Unfortunately, if a loved one or tribal citizen goes missing in another state, there is no standard or national protocol for how LEA responds to missing adults over the age of 18.

However, if your loved one or tribal citizen goes missing outside of California, you should take the following actions:

  1. Call the local police department or LEA in the other state to file a missing person’s report.
  2. Provide as much detailed information about the person (physical descriptions, any unique identifying characteristics (beauty marks, tattoos, etc.)), any medications they were taking, a list of nicknames, their last known activities, relationships, etc.., for example:
    • The full name, any nicknames, and any aliases of the individual who is missing.
    • Their date of birth and age.
    • Their physical description (height, weight, hair color, hair style, eye color).
    • A description of the clothes they were last wearing.
    • Did your loved one leave anything important like their ID, wallet, or daily medication?
    • Whether there is any medical information or conditions that might be relevant, such as diabetes or pregnancy.
    • The date, time and location they were last seen or heard from.
    • Who they were last seen with, or known to be with, and their relationship to that person or persons?
    • Is their vehicle missing? If so, what is the make, model, year, color, license plate number? Are there any specific stickers or license plate frames on the vehicle?
    • Their tribal affiliation.
    • Description of scars, marks, birthmarks, tattoos, etc.
    • Make a list of the places they frequent (grocery stores, work, school, restaurants, parks, etc.).
  3. Be sure to write down LEAs name, the case number for the police report and the name of the person who took the report.
  4. If the missing person is a child, after filing the missing person’s report with the LEA call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678). The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child exploitation, and prevent child victimization. NCMEC works with families, victims, law enforcement and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation.
  5. Seek out support from tribal missing person or victim coalitions, advocacy programs, and grassroots organizations, and contact local media. The Tribal Resource Tool is a searchable directory of services.
  6. For additional resources, you may want to contact the following agencies and organizations:
    • The Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA) at (202) 208-5116. The BIA, Office of Justice Services established the Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU). The MMU focusses on analyzing and solving missing and murdered and human trafficking cases involving American Indians and Alaska Natives. Investigators and other specialists work to leverage tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance the criminal justice system and address the legitimate concerns of AI/AN communities, regarding missing and murdered people – specifically missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. The MMU can be contacted at OJS_MMU@bia.gov and (833) 560-2065.
    • The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) at (406)477-3896. The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center elevates the voices of grassroots activists and provides culturally relevant resources, technical support and training, and policy development to strengthen tribal sovereignty, it offers national leadership in the fight to end violence against American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women.
    • The Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence (ATCEV) at (888) 577-0940. The Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence strives to support Tribal Coalitions and Tribal communities in order to promote Tribal sovereignty and the safety of American Indian and Alaska Native women.
    • StrongHearts Native Helpline provides culturally-appropriate, confidential support and resources for Native Americans. 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483).
    • Access the “When a Loved One Goes Missing: Resources for Families of Missing American Indian and Alaska Native Adults” developed by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of the Interior through Operation Lady Justice.
    • Contact the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center at (907) 328 3990. The Alaska Native Women's Resource Center is dedicated to strengthening local, tribal government's responses through community organizing efforts advocating for the safety of women and children in their communities and homes, especially against domestic and sexual abuse and violence.

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B. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN REPORTING SOMEONE MISSING?

After you have called 911, you will speak with a police officer who will ask you specific questions to help them understand the situation and assist in locating your loved one or tribal citizen.

You will be asked several questions by the police officer. It is important to answer clearly and as precisely as possible. The police officer will most likely ask you the following questions:

  • The full name, any nicknames, and any aliases of the individual who is missing.
  • Their date of birth and age.
  • Their physical description (height, weight, hair color, hair style, eye color).
  • A description of the clothes they were last wearing.
  • Did your loved one leave anything important like their ID, wallet, or daily medication?
  • Whether there is any medical information or conditions that might be relevant, such as diabetes or pregnancy.
  • The date, time and location they were last seen or heard from.
  • Who they were last seen with, or known to be with, and their relationship to that person or persons?
  • Is their vehicle missing? If so, what is the make, model, year, color, license plate number? Are there any specific stickers or license plate frames on the vehicle?
  • Their tribal affiliation.
  • Description of scars, marks, birthmarks, tattoos, etc.
  • Make a list of the places they frequent (grocery stores, work, school, restaurants, parks, etc.).

If you suspect that your loved one has been trafficked or coerced into leaving via the Internet, please share this information with law enforcement so that they may include the appropriate departments and/or special task forces in the initial investigation.

Also, be sure to write down the law enforcement officer's name, case number for the police report and the name of the person who took the report.

You will be asked several questions by the law enforcement officer. It is important to answer clearly and as precisely as possible. For instance, the officer may want to know the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s or tribal citizen’s disappearance and may also ask for the following information to assist them in their search:

  1. Their phone number(s).
  2. Their email address(es).
  3. Social media information, including their username(s)/handles.
  4. Names of their friends or associates and their contact information.
  5. A recent photograph.
  6. Where did the missing person go for their dental care?
  7. Any diagnosed mental health conditions
  8. Is the family willing to provide DNA samples?
  9. Does the family or friend know a destination or hangout location of the missing person?
  10. What is the missing person's vehicle or boat information or other transportation method?
  11. Banking information.
  12. Any information about the person(s) you suspect may be with them.
  13. Does the missing person have an addiction problem?
  14. Has the person gone missing before? If so, where were they located?
  15. Do they have a drug/alcohol/gambling addiction?
  16. Do they have a relationship outside their marriage/current relationship?
  17. Do they have financial issues?
  18. Are they or have they been involved in any type of criminal activity?
  19. Do they have a criminal history?

To help locate your loved one or tribal citizen it is important to provide ALL information, even if you think it is insignificant. You may be asked very personal questions about your missing loved one. These questions are not to invade your privacy or theirs, but rather it's to better understand the mindset of your loved one at the time they went missing.

Some questions can be:

  1. Do they have a drug/alcohol/gambling addiction?
  2. Do they have a relationship outside their marriage/current relationship?
  3. Do they have financial issues?
  4. Are they involved in any type of criminal activity?
  5. Do they have a criminal history?

If the missing person was last seen on an Indian Reservation or Rancheria, the police officer may ask additional questions to assist in the search for your loved one or tribal citizen.

  1. Is the missing person a Native American?
  2. If so, are they currently an enrolled member of a tribe? What is their tribal affiliation?
  3. Have you reached out to their tribal family/friends?
  4. Have you reached out to the tribal government?
  5. Is the missing person's spouse or significant other a tribal citizen?
  6. If so, what tribe/region?
  7. Have you reached out to them?
  8. Have you reached out to their tribal relations?
  9. Have you been in touch with any local tribal law enforcement agencies or authorities on the Indian Reservation or Rancheria?
  10. Were there any particular areas on the reservation or rancheria that they may be visiting, such as for ceremony, gathering or harvesting, hunting, or for prayer and reflection?

If you suspect that the missing person is a victim of human trafficking, please contact local law enforcement and provide them with all relevant information about the suspected trafficking immediately. Law enforcement agencies have specialized units that are trained to handle human trafficking cases and can initiate an investigation. You may also consider contacting anti-trafficking organizations to provide guidance, resources, and support in dealing with suspected trafficking cases.

Please note that there are different types of human trafficking, most common are sex and labor trafficking. Sex trafficking involves the victim being coerced for commercial sex while labor trafficking involves the victim being coerced for labor purposes (domestic or commercial). It is important to note that sex trafficking of a minor does not require coercion as minors cannot consent to sexual acts.

If you suspect a child is being trafficked, contact local law enforcement immediately. These are various resources available to assist you and provide guidance, support, and can connect you with local resources.

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C. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SOMEONE IS REPORTED MISSING?

In California, a law enforcement agency must immediately take the report of a missing person and take reasonable steps to locate the missing person. (See Section 13519.07).

If the person reported missing is under 17 years of age, or if there is evidence that the person is at risk, the law enforcement agency receiving the report shall do the following:

  • Broadcast a “Be On the Look Out” bulletin or BOLO, without delay. (See Penal Code 14211(d).)
  • Within two hours after receiving the missing persons report, the law enforcement agency will electronically transmit the report to the California DOJ via the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. The information will be entered into the Violent Crime Information Center and the National Crime Information Center databases. (See California Penal Code 14211(e).) Once in these databases, all law enforcement personnel will be able to access the missing persons information.
  • If the missing person is considered "At Risk", in imminent danger or under the age of 11, an immediate search will be conducted.

Whether information, of any type, will be shared with a tribal government by an investigating law enforcement agency will be dependent on several factors, including but not limited to, the intergovernmental agreements that may exist between the tribal government and the law enforcement agency, the involvement of federal and tribal partners in the investigation of the missing tribal person, and other such circumstances.

It is crucial to emphasize the importance of collaboration and information sharing among tribal, state, local, and federal partners involved in the search efforts. This collaborative approach enhances the chances of locating the missing tribal citizen and ensures that all available resources and expertise are utilized effectively. Case updates regarding the progress, findings, and any significant developments may be shared with the tribal government. This helps ensure open lines of communication and keeps the tribal government informed about the ongoing efforts.

Please note that a LEA will not be able to share information that may compromise their investigation if disclosed.

After you report someone missing, the law enforcement agency (LEA) receiving the report will forward the report to the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction. It will then be assigned to an investigator or juvenile detective for follow-up investigation.

If the missing person is in imminent danger or considered "At Risk", or under the age of 11, your local LEA may request assistance from other law enforcement agencies, such as the California Department of Justice (DOJ), Missing and Unidentified Persons (MUPS), Federal Bureau of Investigation, neighboring law enforcement agencies, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, the National Guard, other military personnel, or correctional institution staff. These additional resources may include, but are not limited to, search and rescue resources, such as search and rescue canines/forensic canines, infrared devices, or helicopters.

If any new evidence or information comes to light that might be related to your loved one going missing or may be able to aid law enforcement in locating them, after the person has been reported missing, such as finding a cell phone in their room, please notify law enforcement immediately. It is important to note that the handling of evidence may vary depending on the circumstances and the investigative practices of the law enforcement agency involved. Law enforcement will provide you with the next steps to follow.

If you believe that the evidence has been overlooked, lost, or misplaced by law enforcement, contact the investigating agency and express your concerns. Law enforcement agencies have protocols and procedures in place for evidence collection.

In 1988 the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) was directed to establish courses of instruction for training law enforcement officers and dispatchers to investigate and resolve missing persons and voluntary missing juveniles cases (California Penal Code Section 13519.1). In 2010 law enforcement agencies were directed to adopt policies and checklists to assist peace officers in missing person investigations (California Penal Code Section 13519.07). POST developed guidelines as a resources for law enforcement agencies for responding to missing persons cases.

Each law enforcement agency should have an established plan, similar to an emergency relief or disaster plan, to guide their search and recovery efforts. Ask your law enforcement agency about its plan.

Typically, your local law enforcement agency (LEA) will designate one or two persons to coordinate and manage the search.

Once an individual has been designated to coordinate and manage the search by the LEA:

  1. Ask for the name and telephone number of your law enforcement coordinator as soon as possible.
  2. Keep this information where you can find it in a safe, convenient place.
  3. Designate a family representative and/or single point of contact and share their contact information with the LEA.
  4. Keep the lines of communication open between you and your search coordinator.
  5. Schedule regular visits with your investigator.
  6. Do not be afraid to ask questions, make suggestions, or voice your opinion.

California law requires law enforcement agencies to notify a school district or private school within 10 days of a child's disappearance. The notice must be in writing and provide a copy of a photograph of the missing child (if available).

Further, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records or personal identification information (PII). Missing children are to be considered an emergency.

Under FERPA, if the school determines that there is an "articulable and significant threat" of health or safety emergency of a student, it may disclose the student records or PII to the appropriate parties (e.g., law enforcement) without the consent of the parent or the student. (See FERPA’s guidance document for more information.)

California Education Code Section 49068.6 requires law enforcement agencies to notify a school district or private school within 10 days of a child's disappearance. The notice must be in writing and provide a copy of a photograph of the missing child (if available).

Further, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records or personal identification information (PII). Missing children are considered an emergency.

Under FERPA, if the school determines that there is an "articulable and significant threat" of health or safety emergency of a student, it may disclose the student records or PII to the appropriate parties (e.g., law enforcement) without the consent of the parent or the student. (See FERPA’s guidance document for more information.)

When the caregiver first learns that a child is missing from care, the caregiver should immediately report the child missing to the local law enforcement agency. Each county social services agency should have a missing child policy that clearly identifies the reporting responsibilities of both the caregiver and the social worker/probation officer. (See ACL 16-15.)

The missing child’s parents, attorney, tribal representative, and court appointed special advocate should be notified immediately of their missing status by the caregiver.

Moreover, when a social worker or probation officer receives information that a child receiving child welfare services is “missing from care”, they shall immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the receipt of the information, notify statutorily specified entities or persons, including the local law enforcement agency, the child’s or nonminor dependent’s parents or guardians, and the child’s tribal representative. The Luke Madrigal Act, California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 16501.35.

“Missing from care,” means when the whereabouts of a child subject to an order of foster care placement are unknown to the county child welfare agency or probation department, or when the county child welfare agency or probation department has located a child subject to an order of foster care placement in a location not approved by the court that may pose a risk to the child, taking into account the age, intelligence, mental functioning, and physical condition of the child. The Luke Madrigal Act, California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 16501.35(c)(1).

Additional guidance and resources may be found here.

When the caregiver first learns that a child is missing from care, the caregiver should immediately report the child missing to the local law enforcement agency. Each county social services agency should have a missing child policy that clearly identifies the reporting responsibilities of both the caregiver and the social worker/probation officer. (See ACL 16-15.)

The missing child’s parents, attorney, tribal representative, and court appointed special advocate should be notified immediately of their missing status by the caregiver. In addition, 34 U.S.C. Section 41308(4)(C) 34 U.S.C. Section 41308(4)(C) requires that state and local law enforcement agencies notify the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (also known as the NCMEC Notification) of each report of a child missing from a foster care family home or child care institution.

Moreover, when a social worker or probation officer receives information that a child receiving child welfare services is “missing from care”, they shall immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the receipt of the information, notify statutorily specified entities or persons, including the local law enforcement agency, the child’s or nonminor dependent’s parents or guardians, and the child’s tribal representative. The Luke Madrigal Act, California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 16501.35.

“Missing from care,” means when the whereabouts of a child subject to an order of foster care placement are unknown to the county child welfare agency or probation department, or when the county child welfare agency or probation department has located a child subject to an order of foster care placement in a location not approved by the court that may pose a risk to the child, taking into account the age, intelligence, mental functioning, and physical condition of the child. The Luke Madrigal Act, California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 16501.35(c)(1).

Further guidance and resources may be found here.

In addition to a local law enforcement agency (LEA) searching where your loved one or tribal citizen was last seen, conducting interviews with friends, neighbors, and colleagues, they may also, as part of their investigation, check your loved one’s or tribal citizen’s cell phone records, their “virtual” or internet footprint, and/or their credit or debit card usage to aid in their search.

The initial investigating agency is usually the agency that takes the initial missing person report, regardless of whether it is the agency where the missing person lives or where the person was last seen. If the missing person does not reside within a city or county in California, a courtesy Missing Person Report will be completed and then distributed to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

A search party may be organized by local law enforcement agencies (LEA), nonprofit organizations, or family and friends of the missing person.

It is always best to check with the LEA first to see if they already have Search and Rescue as part of their services. Volunteers often play a significant role in distributing information, raising awareness, coordinating search parties, and providing support to the family and law enforcement during the search operation.

If volunteers are used in the search, your law enforcement agency (LEA) should still be responsible for managing the overall search effort. To ensure the dissemination of accurate and verified information, it is important to use social media responsibly and in coordination with LEAs.

To create a missing persons flyer for your loved one or tribal citizen, please contact the investigating Law Enforcement Agency (LEA), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and/or the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) Missing and Unidentified Persons Section (MUPS). These law enforcement agencies can assist with producing flyers and distributing them to law enforcement agencies. You can reach MUPS at 1-800-222-FIND (1-800-222-3463) or email at missing.persons@doj.ca.gov.

Additionally, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), may be able to assist you in creating and distributing a missing persons flyer if the missing person is under 21 years old. You can call their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-843-5678.

You may also visit the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), a national information clearinghouse and resource center for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed person cases across the United States to search case information. Contact NamUs at toll-free hotline (833) 872-5176 or email namus@usdoj.gov.

It is important to consult with the LEA to ensure proper coordination and avoid any potential complications.

California has several missing persons alert systems, including, but not limited to, the following: the AMBER Alert, the Feather Alert, the Silver Alert and the Endangered Missing Advisory.

  • California’s Feather Alert became law in 2022 and is a resource available to law enforcement agencies investigating the suspicious or unexplainable disappearance of an indigenous woman or indigenous person. (Government Code section 8594.13) The Feather Alert provides immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of missing indigenous persons. The law was amended in 2024 (Assembly Bill 2348) to, among other things, allow for a Tribe of California or law enforcement agency to directly request the CHP to activate a Feather Alert. A Tribe of California means, “a Native American tribe located in California that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for the purposes of Chapter 905 of the Statutes of 2004 and Chapter 532 of the Statutes of 2014.” A law enforcement agency may request that a Feather Alert be activated if that agency determines a Feather Alert would be an effective tool in the investigation of missing and murdered indigenous persons, including young women or girls.
    • o The law enforcement agency shall consider the following factors to make that determination:
      1. The missing person is an indigenous woman or indigenous person.
      2. The investigating law enforcement agency has utilized available local and tribal resources.
      3. The law enforcement agency determines that the person is missing.
      4. The law enforcement agency or tribe believes that the person is in danger and is missing under circumstances that indicate any of the following:
        1. The missing person’s physical safety may be endangered.
        2. The missing person may be subject to trafficking.
        3. The missing person suffers from a mental or physical disability, or a substance use disorder.
    • If a tribal member or tribal authority believes that there is a missing indigenous person who might meet the criteria for a Feather Alert, they should immediately contact local law enforcement.
    • Every member of the community can play an important role in a Feather Alert. If you have information about one that has occurred, call 911 immediately to report it. Be prepared to provide the location, any relevant descriptions and make, model, color, and license plate number (if possible) of any vehicle involved. Even the smallest piece of information can be the piece that leads to a successful recovery.
    • For more information about California’s Feather Alert, please visit the California Highway Patrol’s website.
  • The AMBER Alert System, which stands for “America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response,” is part of the nationwide AMBER Plan and is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies and media broadcasters. The plan utilizes the Emergency Alert System and other means to quickly notify the public of an abducted/taken child.
    • In order for an AMBER Alert to be activated, the following criteria must be met (California Government Code Section 8594):
      1. Confirmation that an abduction has occurred or a child was taken by anyone, including, but not limited to, a custodial parent or guardian.
      2. The victim is 17 years of age or younger, or an individual with a proven mental or physical disability.
      3. The victim is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
      4. There is information available that, if disseminated to the public, could assist in the safe recovery of the victim.
    • For more information about California’s AMBER Alert, please visit the California Highway Patrol’s website.
  • California’s Silver Alert is activated when an elderly, developmentally, or cognitively-impaired person has gone missing and is determined to be at-risk. Silver Alerts provide immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of at-risk persons meeting the criteria listed below.
    • In order for the California Silver Alert Plan to be activated, law enforcement must be satisfied that the following criteria must be met (California Government Code Section 8594.10)
      1. The missing person is 65 years of age or older, developmentally disable or cognitively impaired.
      2. The investigating law enforcement agency has utilized all available local resources.
      3. The law enforcement agency determines that the person has gone missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
      4. The law enforcement agency believes that the person is in danger because of age, health, mental or physical disability, environment or weather conditions, the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person, or other factors indicated that the person may be in peril.
      5. There is information available that, if disseminated to the public, could assist in the safe recovery of the missing person.
    • For more information about California’s Silver Alert, please visit the California Highway Patrol’s website.
  • Endangered Missing Advisory (EMA) is an alert available to law enforcement agencies investigating the suspicious disappearance of at-risk missing children or other endangered persons. EMAs provide immediate information to the public to aid in the swift recovery of at-risk persons. EMAs fulfill the federal Ashanti Alert Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-401).
    • In order for an Endangered Missing Advisory to be activated, the following criteria must be met:
      1. The person is missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
      2. The person is believed to be in danger because of age, health, mental or physical disability, or the environment; is in the company of a potentially dangerous person; or any other factor that may put the person in serious peril.
      3. There is information available that, if disseminated to the public, could assist in a safe recovery.
    • For more information about California’s Endangered Missing Advisory, please visit the California Highway Patrol’s website.

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D. WHAT HAPPENS IF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT LOCATES THE MISSING PERSON OR IF THE MISSING PERSON RETURNS?

  • Once a missing person returns, contact your local law enforcement (LEA) or the reporting agency.
  • Either the reporting agency or the local law enforcement agency will need to verify the return of the missing person.
  • The police must ensure that they are safe, have not been a victim of crime, and will not come to further harm.
  • Once the missing person is verified as being located, the California’s Missing Persons System and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Persons File entries will be in-activated.

Once a missing person returns, contact your local law enforcement (LEA) or the reporting agency. Either the reporting agency or the local law enforcement agency will need to verify the return of the missing person. The police must ensure that they are safe, have not been a victim of crime, and will not come to further harm. Once the missing person is verified as being located, the California’s Missing Persons System and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Persons File entries will be in-activated.

It's important to know that it is not a crime to be a missing person. In general, if the missing person is not the victim of a crime or a suspect in a crime, there are limits to LEAs ability to share their location. If, and when, a LEA locates a missing person and that individual is an adult, the LEA will encourage them to make contact with the reporting party; however, the individual may request that the LEA not share or disclose their location. In that case, the LEA will notify the reporting party that they have been located and are safe, but not share the location in which the individual was found.

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E. WHAT ARE MISSING PERSONS DATABASES AND HOW DOES DNA PLAY A ROLE IN LOCATING/IDENTIFYING SOMEONE?

You may visit the California Department of Justice’s Missing Persons Search website (found here). This searchable website allows you to look for a missing person by name, description, county, and several other categories which is a subset of all persons reported as missing by law enforcement in the State of California.

  • Please note that the Missing Persons Search may not contain every missing case. If your loved one cannot be found on this searchable website, please get in touch with the Missing and Unidentified Persons Section (MUPS) at the California Department of Justice:

You may want to reach out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child exploitation, and prevent child victimization.

  • NCMEC works with families, victims, law enforcement and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation. You can call their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-843-5678.

You may also visit the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) search database.

  • LEAs are not mandated to use the NamUs database. If your loved one is not in this database, it does not mean he or she has not been reported as a missing person to law enforcement authorities.
  • You may also visit NamUs’ website.
  • Additionally, the missing person may be in the database but not published for public viewing.

The Missing and Unidentified Persons Section (MUPS) at the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) works with the Division of Law Enforcement's Bureau of Forensic Services Missing Persons DNA Program (MPDP).

The MPDP compares DNA from unidentified persons and unidentified human remains with DNA from personal articles belonging to missing persons and DNA from relatives of missing persons.

The DNA profiles from missing persons and unidentified remains cases are uploaded to the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for comparison with DNA samples from missing persons nationwide.

  • The California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) provides DNA kits to tribes and local law enforcement for free.
  • Two (2) DNA samples are obtained.
    • DNA may be collected from parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, etc.
    • All DNA samples must be collected and submitted by law enforcement.
    • Collected DNA samples related to a missing person or unidentified human remains case should be submitted to the Missing Persons DNA Program through a law enforcement agency.
    • All samples should be submitted with the appropriate Missing Persons DNA submission paperwork which can be found in the Missing Persons DNA collection kits.

If you have questions or need assistance with a DNA collection or submission, please contact the Missing Persons DNA Program at: dnamissingpersons@doj.ca.gov or call (510) 620-3300.

No, under no circumstances will the DNA collected be used by law enforcement for any purpose other than to identify the missing person. DNA samples from relatives of missing persons are not searched against any criminal or offender DNA databases. They are only searched against the DNA samples from unidentified persons and unidentified human remains. (California Penal Code Section 14251.5) (FAQ on the Missing Persons DNA Program)

Besides the California Department of Justice’s missing person search, you may consider searching the following online resources:

National databases or alert systems for missing persons are available.

For example, the following databases and alert systems are available nationally:

  • The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and serves as a central repository of criminal justice information, including information on wanted persons, missing persons, stolen property, and criminal histories. Law enforcement agencies nationwide have access to the NCIC.
  • The Amber Alert System broadcasts information about abducted children in a collaborative effort involving law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and other partners at the state and regional levels. The system rapidly disseminates information to the public through various channels, such as electronic highway signs, television, radio, and mobile devices. For more information about Active Amber Alerts visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs website here.
  • The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a national clearinghouse and resource center for missing persons and unidentified remains cases. It provides a platform for law enforcement, medical examiners, and the public to share and access information about missing persons and unidentified individuals. The database is searchable by various criteria, including demographics and physical characteristics.
  • The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) maintains a national database of missing children. It collaborates with law enforcement agencies, families, and other organizations to help locate missing children and provide support services.

It is important to utilize these databases and systems effectively to maximize the chances of locating missing individuals and reuniting them with their loved ones.

Law enforcement agencies, tribal representatives, and other authorized entities should collaborate with one another to ensure efficient data sharing and coordination in the search efforts locating missing persons is being conducted.

It is important to understand the difference between databases to ensure the necessary and appropriate information about your loved one or tribal citizen are being reported to the appropriate entities thereby increasing the probability of their being located.

The Missing and Unidentified Persons Section (MUPS) Missing Person System (MPS) and Unidentified Person (UPS) databases are maintained by the California Department of Justice and focus on collecting and storing information about missing and unidentified persons within California. These databases primarily serve as a resource for law enforcement agencies to access information related to missing and unidentified cases within the state. MUPS specifically focuses on cases within California, but also houses information on cases where there is a nexus to California.

TheNational Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a national database and resource center for missing and unidentified persons cases across the United States. It is managed by the National Institute of Justice and provides a platform for the collection, sharing, and analysis of data related to missing and unidentified individuals from all states. NamUs covers on a national level.

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F. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

  • To be helpful to law enforcement, you may wish to provide one or more of the following items investigators during an ongoing missing persons investigation:
    1. Dental records/medical records;
    2. Items belonging to the missing person that may contain his or her DNA (e.g., toothbrush, hairbrush);
    3. Fingerprints;
    4. DNA samples of blood relatives; or
    5. Current photographs of the missing person.
    6. You can find a more comprehensive list under Section B of this FAQ.
  • Seek support from tribal missing person or victim coalitions, advocacy programs, grassroots organizations, and contact local media to raise awareness. To learn more about the Department of Justice Victims’ Services, please visit the website.
  • Arrange for elders to provide spiritual guidance.
  • Make recommendations for handling media and social media and assist in setting boundaries and expectations for respect and privacy.
  • Use social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) responsibility and contact your local media for community involvement. Please inform local law enforcement, or your primary investigator, of your plans for utilizing social media.

Also, be sure to write down the LEA’s name, case number for the police report and the name of the person who took the report.

You may also use the following workbook developed by the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center’s MMIW Toolkit for Families and Communities. This workbook aims to help families of missing persons in the investigation process.

To help identify someone who has gone missing, you can do the following:

  • Share Fingerprints: If your loved one has been fingerprinted for a volunteer or professional position, you can request that CA DOJ provide the prints to the missing person investigating agency.
  • Share Dental and Medical Records: Provide law enforcement copies of dental and medical records. These records are the most helpful.
  • Share Other Means of Identification: Provide law enforcement with photographs of scars, marks, and tattoos. These type of identifications could also be very helpful to law enforcement.
  • Submit a DNA sample of the missing person. Please see above for more information on submitting a DNA sample.

Your tribal government and community can play a crucial role in helping to find missing tribal citizens.

Here are some actions that can be taken:

In addition to law enforcement agencies, there are several non-law enforcement organizations that can provide assistance and support in locating your loved one or tribal member. Consider reaching out to the following organizations:

  • The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child exploitation, and prevent child victimization. NCMEC works with families, victims, law enforcement and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation. You can call their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-843-5678.
  • National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a national information clearinghouse and resource center for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed person cases across the United States. You may contact NamUs at toll-free hotline (833) 872-5176 or email namus@usdoj.gov.
  • The Polly Klaas Foundation (based in Petaluma, CA) is a national nonprofit dedicated to the safety of all children, the recovery of missing children, and public policies that keep children safe in their communities. The Foundation offers a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week hotline – (800) 587-4357 or visit their website for more information.
  • KlaasKids Foundation is a nonprofit that serves families of missing persons. For more information call (415) 331-6867 or visit their website.
  • The Doe Network is a volunteer organization that focuses on assisting law enforcement in solving cold cases of missing and unidentified persons. They maintain a comprehensive database of cases and facilitate collaboration between families, law enforcement agencies, and forensic experts.
  • Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal Health Programs is a resource for important and timely information regarding the missing person, as well as mental health support for family members.

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G. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CASE IS NOT RESOLVED AFTER THE INITIAL SEARCH AND INVESTIGATION?

  • Have a plan for how your family would like information to be provided to them, and how this information should be shared (i.e. over the phone, text message, email, etc.).
  • Have an established point of contact for a law enforcement agency (LEA) to communicate with, preferably this should be one person that can speak on the behalf of the family and who can receive information from the LEA.
  • Establish a mental and emotional health care plan with culturally informed service providers.
  • Keep phone numbers and addresses up to date with the LEA, victims’ services providers, and other support services.
  • Coordinate with family members and loved ones regarding what information will be shared publicly and on what social media platform or media outlets. Please remember to coordinate with the LEA about the information you want to share publicly. Public ally sharing information without coordinating with the LEA may unintentionally hinder the missing person investigation.

If you do not receive information for a period of time and would like an update, please contact the LEA that has your case within its jurisdiction. It is important to communication your expectations with the LEA regarding how often you would like for them to keep you updated. You may also wish to contact a tribal victims’ services or local victims’ services advocacy center, if you would like to speak with someone outside of law enforcement for support.

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H. WHAT DO I DO IF I BELIEVE LAW ENFORCEMENT IS NOT INVESTIGATING MY MISSING PERSON'S REPORT?

The California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) hopes that you never feel as if your case is not being investigated or that your loved one or tribal citizen are not valued. However, if this does occur, please consider reaching out to:

In addition, the law enforcement agency where the missing persons investigation is being conducted should have a complaint form on their website. The agency may also have a telephone hotline for complaints. A complaint about how the investigation is being conducted can also be filed in person at the station where the investigator works, the police commission, the Inspector General’s Office, or an agency’s Internal Affairs Office. Each law enforcement agency in California is required to establish a procedure to investigate complaints. (Penal Code section 832.5)

If the law enforcement agency does not respond to your complaint within a reasonable period of time, you may also file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office. For more information about the Law Enforcement Complaint Policy, please visit this link.

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