Searching for a Missing Person

• Searching for a Missing Person:

  • Searching for a missing person involves actively looking for an individual who is unaccounted for, often through organized efforts to locate them or evidence of their whereabouts. These searches can be physical (e.g., ground searches in specific areas) or investigative (e.g., interviewing witnesses or analyzing leads). They are typically led by law enforcement, search and rescue teams, or friends and family of the missing person (with guidance from professionals and law enforcement)

• Canvassing for Flyers:

  • Canvassing for flyers involves distributing and posting missing person flyers in public or targeted areas to raise awareness and gather information from the community. It focuses on spreading the word about the missing person rather than directly searching for them. Canvassing is often a community-driven effort, coordinated by families, volunteers, or advocacy groups, and may occur alongside active searches to maximize visibility.

• Overlap: Both activities aim to locate the missing person, and canvassing can complement searches by spreading awareness, potentially leading to sightings or tips that guide search efforts. For example, a flyer posted in a neighborhood might prompt a witness to report a sighting, narrowing the search area.

• Coordinate with Organizers or Authorities:

  • Work with family, search organizers, law enforcement, or advocates to ensure flyers are approved and contain accurate, up-to-date information (e.g., recent photo, description, contact details).

• Choose Strategic Locations: 

  • Focus on high-traffic areas like grocery stores, gas stations, community centers, or public transit hubs.

  • Target areas relevant to the case, such as the missing person’s last known location or places they frequented.

• Get Permission to Post Flyers:

  • Ask property owners or managers (e.g., businesses, schools, or community boards) for permission before posting flyers.

  • Use non-damaging materials (e.g., removable tape) to avoid vandalism complaints.

• Engage the Community Respectfully:

  • When handing out flyers, be polite and concise. Explain the purpose briefly and point out the contact number for tips.

  • Avoid pressuring people or sharing unverified details about the case.

• Maintain Flyer Quality:

  • Use clear, weather-resistant flyers to ensure readability over time.

  • Check and replace damaged or faded flyers regularly to keep them visible. Keep in mind that flyers may be removed by the city/town, weather or people in general. Re-canvassing in areas where you have permission to post flyers will likely be necessary.

• Stay Safe While Canvassing:

  • Work in pairs or groups, especially in unfamiliar or high-risk areas.

  • Avoid confrontations and disengage if someone reacts negatively to your efforts.

• Track Distribution Efforts:

  • Keep a log of where flyers were posted or distributed to avoid duplication and ensure broad coverage. 

  • Report any tips or feedback from the public to the designated contact (e.g., police or search coordinator).

• Coordinate with Organizers and/or Authorities:

• • • Always work under the direction of law enforcement or professional search and rescue teams to ensure efforts are organized and legal. Verify that the organizers of the search are following the guidance of law enforcement. Unauthorized searches can disrupt investigations or endanger volunteers.

    • Register as a volunteer with the search coordinator and sign any required waivers. 

• Follow Safety Protocols:

  • • Wear appropriate clothing and gear (e.g., sturdy shoes, high-visibility vests, weather-appropriate attire).

    • Stay in assigned groups or pairs, and never search alone in remote or hazardous areas.

    • Carry communication devices (e.g., radios or phones) and ensure you have a way to contact the search coordinator.

• Understand the Search Area:

  • • Familiarize yourself with the terrain (e.g., forests, urban areas, or water bodies) and potential hazards (e.g., cliffs, rivers, or traffic).

    • Use maps, GPS, or apps provided by the search team to stay oriented and avoid getting lost.

• Preserve Evidence:

  • • Avoid touching or disturbing potential evidence (e.g., clothing, footprints, or personal items). Mark the location and report it to the search coordinator or law enforcement immediately.

• Stay Observant:

  • • Look for signs like footprints, discarded items, or unusual disturbances in the environment.

    • Note any suspicious behavior or vehicles in the area and report them to authorities.

• Respect Confidentiality:

  • • Do not share details about the search, the missing person, or the investigation with unauthorized individuals or on social media, as this could compromise the case.

• Prepare for Emotional Impact:

  • • Searches can be emotionally taxing. Access support resources if needed.

    • Debrief with the search team to process experiences and avoid burnout.

• Use Technology Wisely:

  • • If provided, use tools like drones, thermal imaging, or search apps as instructed by professionals.

    • Report any technological issues (e.g., low battery on GPS devices) to the coordinator promptly.

• What is Grid Searching?

  • • Grid searching is a systematic method used in missing persons searches to thoroughly cover a designated area by dividing it into a grid pattern. Volunteers or trained searchers, typically organized by law enforcement or search and rescue teams, move in a coordinated manner—often in lines or small groups—to ensure no part of the area is missed. This technique is ideal for locating a missing person, their belongings, or evidence in areas like forests, parks, urban neighborhoods, or rural landscapes. Grid searching is commonly employed when there’s a specific area of interest, such as a last known location or a place the person is likely to be. By dividing the area into manageable sections, grid searching minimizes overlooked spots and supports law enforcement investigations by preserving evidence.

• How Grid Searching Works:

  • Planning the Search:

    • The search coordinator or law enforcement identifies the target area based on case details, such as the last known location, witness statements, or likely travel routes.

    • The area is divided into a grid using maps, GPS, or physical markers (e.g., flags, stakes, or tape). Each grid square is assigned to a team or individual.

    • Parameters, like spacing between searchers (e.g., 3-10 feet) and movement direction, are set based on terrain, visibility, and the size of potential evidence.

• Execution:

  • Searchers form a line, standing shoulder-to-shoulder or at a designated distance, and move forward together, scanning the ground and surroundings for signs of the missing person or evidence (e.g., belongings, footprints, or disturbed vegetation).

  • The team maintains alignment and a steady pace, often guided by a leader, GPS, or visual markers, to cover the entire grid square.

  • If evidence is found, searchers mark the location (e.g., with a flag) and notify the coordinator without disturbing it to preserve it for investigation.

• Documentation and Follow-Up:

  • Findings (or lack thereof) are recorded for each grid square, often using maps or GPS data, to track progress and avoid redundancy.

  • Areas may be re-searched if new leads emerge or if terrain requires multiple passes.

  • Coordinators adjust the grid or redirect efforts based on findings, tips from canvassing, or other investigative developments.

• Challenges:

  • Terrain and Weather: Dense vegetation, uneven ground, or harsh weather can slow progress or obscure evidence, requiring careful adjustments.

  • Volunteer Coordination: Untrained volunteers may deviate from the grid or miss clues, necessitating clear training and supervision.

• Emotional and Physical Demands: 

  • Searches can be physically exhausting and emotionally taxing, especially in prolonged or sensitive cases.

• Resource Intensity: 

  • Grid searches require significant manpower, time, and coordination, particularly for large or complex areas.

• Tips for Grid Searching

  • Follow tips for searching for a missing person, listed above.

  • Understand the Grid Layout:

    • Attend a pre-search briefing to learn your assigned grid section, search pattern (e.g., linear or spiral), and spacing requirements.

    • Use provided tools (e.g., maps, GPS, or compasses) to stay oriented and cover your designated area accurately.

• Maintain Alignment and Spacing:

  • Stay in line with other searchers, keeping the assigned distance (e.g., arm’s length or wider in dense terrain) to avoid gaps in coverage.

  • Move slowly and methodically, pausing to scan hidden areas like underbrush, ditches, or behind structures.

• Preserve Potential Evidence:

  • Do not touch or disturb items like clothing, footprints, or personal belongings. Mark the spot with a flag, cone, or other non-invasive marker and report it to the coordinator immediately.

  • Avoid trampling areas where evidence might be, such as soft soil or vegetation, to maintain its integrity for law enforcement.

• Prioritize Safety:

  • Wear appropriate gear (e.g., sturdy boots, high-visibility vests, weather-appropriate clothing) suited to the terrain and conditions.

  • Carry essentials like water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a charged phone or radio for communication.

  • Work in pairs or teams, especially in remote or hazardous areas, and check in regularly with the coordinator.

• Be Thorough and Observant:

  • Look for subtle clues, such as broken branches, disturbed soil, or small items like jewelry or fabric.

  • Report anything unusual, even if minor, as it could be a critical lead.

  • Check concealed areas (e.g., under logs, in culverts, or behind buildings) where a person or evidence might be hidden.

• Respect Confidentiality and Sensitivity:

  • Do not share search details, case information, or findings with unauthorized individuals or on social media, as this could compromise the investigation or endanger the missing person.

  • Be mindful of the missing person’s identity and background (e.g., LGBTQ individuals may have specific safe spaces or risks), and follow coordinator guidance to respect their privacy and safety.

• Manage Physical and Emotional Demands:

  • Take breaks to avoid fatigue, which can reduce alertness and effectiveness.

  • Be prepared for emotional challenges, especially in sensitive cases, and seek debriefings or support from the coordinating team if needed.

• Use Technology Effectively:

  • Follow instructions for using GPS devices, apps, or radios to track your position and communicate findings.

  • Report technical issues (e.g., low battery) promptly to avoid disruptions in the search.

• Document and Report:

  • Log observations for your grid section, even if no evidence is found, to help coordinators track progress.

  • Report completion of your area to ensure the entire grid is covered and to facilitate follow-up searches if needed.

All searches and canvassing must be conducted with sensitivity to all cases, including those involving LGBT2QIA+ individuals. Search coordinators should ensure that volunteers are trained to respect the missing person’s identity (e.g., using correct names and pronouns) and avoid assumptions that could bias the search. For instance, understanding the person’s community ties or safe spaces (e.g., LGBT2QIA+ friendly venues) can help identify relevant search areas. Additionally, coordinators should ensure volunteers are vetted to foster trust and safety, which can be critical in cases where the missing person may avoid certain groups/types of people due to safety concerns. Please thoroughly vet any missing persons advocates or non-profits that offer assistance to make sure they have the resources, knowledge and experience that is needed to assist with LGBT2QIA+ cases. 

Waiver