Guide for Family & Friends of Missing Persons

This guide is a compilation of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s “Missing Persons Checklist” combined with useful information from local missing persons advocates.

After Filing a Missing Persons Report

Try to keep an open line of communication with the law enforcement officers you speak with. Make sure to share with them any additional information you come across and ask them if there are ways you can assist. Ask law enforcement before doing any of your own investigating (i.e. searching a missing person’s residence, looking through their social media accounts, etc.) This could be detrimental to the investigation. Reach out to the missing person’s friends, co-workers, school, neighbors, relatives or anyone else who may have information about the missing person. Getting the word out can be a very effective tool in missing person cases. Do not get rid of personal items of the missing person that may be of use to the investigators (i.e. clothes worn often, important mail, toothbrush / hairbrush, etc.) When in doubt, contact the investigating agency. Talk with the investigating agency on how to provide DNA Family Reference samples. Make a list of places the missing person often went to and the people they talked to the most. Provide law enforcement with information regarding the bank the missing person uses, who their dentist is, who their home internet service provider is and who their cell phone provider is. Retain the missing person’s cell phone and landline phone records, if available. If the missing person is found, let investigators know.

How to Get the Word Out Regarding the Missing Person

Before sharing any details about the investigation with the local or online community, talk with the investigating agency to make sure none of the information you plan to share could hinder the investigation. If the police department does not create a flyer, reach out to a missing persons nonprofit to help create and distribute flyers. Ask law enforcement what contact number should be included on the poster for their agency. Posters can be distributed at physical locations as well as in online communities. Contact local media outlets and ask them to share the missing person’s story. Local media will not share information about a missing persons case without law enforcement’s approval.

What 'National Missing Persons Database' Means

When law enforcement says your loved one is 'in the national missing persons database,' they usually mean NCIC (National Crime Information Center) or CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Center), which is connected to NCIC. These are not public databases. Ask for the NIC number to confirm the case is entered into NCIC - this is important for tracking. This allows all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to access certain information about the case.

What is NamUs - And Why It Matters

NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) is a national, public database managed by the U.S. Department of Justice. It increases visibility and helps connect cases. Colorado does not require law enforcement to use NamUs - families often must ask for their missing loved one’s case to be entered into the NamUs database.

How to Get Your Loved One Listed in NamUs

1. Check www.namus.gov to see if your loved one is already listed.
2. If not, submit a case yourself or ask law enforcement to submit it.
3. NamUs staff will reach out to law enforcement for verification. The case won't go public until approved.

CBI Family Support & Social Media Outreach

CBI's Victim Assistance Unit hosts a virtual Missing Person Support Group and offers emotional and practical support.
- They help connect families to resources and support groups.
- Share a memory and photo of your loved one.
Email: cdps_cbi_missing@state.co.us | Phone: 303-239-4649  | Website: https://cbi.colorado.gov/victim-assistance-missing-persons

CBI Tips:

-Be sure to lean on others during this time. It will be traumatic and having a support system can help tremendously.

-Be aware of those seeking money to assist in locating your loved one. These people can include private investigators, psychics and others. Report information on these individuals to law enforcement if you are contacted.

-Media attention can be an extremely useful tool in missing persons’ cases; however, it can also take a toll on you and other family members. Feel free to set boundaries. You do not need to accept every media request or answer every question. 

-If you have a loved one who is missing, you are considered a Co-victim of that crime. Victim Advocates are there to offer support, assistance, compassion and understanding. Either ask the investigating agency to be put in contact with their Victim Advocate or contact the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Victim Assistance Program at 303-239-4649.

Nonprofits for Support

- Search Light Colorado: Local missing persons advocacy, searches, flyers. Call or text (303) 225-3325
- Dock Ellis Foundation: Crisis response & advocacy | Based in Las Vegas, NV | Phone:  800-370-0830  | Email: info@dockellisfoundation.com
- The AWARE Foundation: Nationwide social media awareness campaigns | Based in Roanoke, VA Phone: 833-933-4639  |  Email: info.awarefoundation@gmail.com
- NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children): Support for missing children cases. www.missingkids.org | 1-800-THE-LOST