The First 72 Hours
Contact Law Enforcement
Do not wait, contact law enforcement and request to file a missing person’s report immediately.
Gather and Track Additional Information
Start thinking about potential leads such as where your loved one was last seen, if their vehicle is missing, etc.
Preserve Important Evidence
Preserving places, conversations, and possessions can aid investigators in finding evidence that can lead to finding your loved one, and if necessary, aid in a criminal prosecution.
Reach Out to Your Community
Connect with friends, family, co-workers, community members, and tribal officials. Share missing persons flyers and raising awareness about a disappearance activates your community and keeps people on the lookout.
Adapted from National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center document "When a Loved One Goes Missing - A Quick Reference Guide for What to Do in the First 72 Hours" click here to learn more.
Collecting Records and Materials for Identification
When preparing materials for possible identification of a deceased loved one National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) says that DNA samples can be used from preserved toothbrushes or first-degree relatives. Learn more about DNA information and how it is used here:
Accessing and Submitting to MMIWR Databases
Many different databases exist for tracking MMIWR, each database is different in what they track and how to submit information.
This extensive document has many useful tools. Pages 73-79 list databases across Canada and the United States by state/province, as well as some that are maintained by organizations rather than law enforcement.
On pages 46-47 this guide helps identify united states federal databases and how to have your loved one’s information added into the databases.
This document lists few databases but has a good list of resources on pages 24-26.
Systemic Change
Learn about awareness, prevention, and policy change to stop the epidemic of MMIWR in our communities.
