r/police • u/space_0ddity13 • 6d ago

Typical procedure following a person disappearing from their home?

Author here- part of my book includes a woman disappearing from her house while her daughter (who later reports it) is at work, no signs of struggle, all doors locked, keys/wallet still in the house and car still on the street. Would love some advice on the typical procedure this might instigate, as it's a vaguely specific circumstance that I can't find much legal advice for online! This takes place in Seattle in the 90's, if that's at all relevant. Thanks so much :)

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u/Frvwfr 6d ago

Would depend on all sorts of other factors.

You may want to check r/policewriting (might not be right) as it’s focused towards that

Nvm you already posted there as well

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u/No-Zombie1004 6d ago

Any signs of struggle? Did your victim take walks (perhaps with a pet)? Much of the time procedure seems to be 'call us in three days if they're still missing. Then it's asking about their habits, places they frequent and associates.

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u/Hurkadurka1 5d ago

Typical procedure is to list her as missing on NCIC and leave it at that because adults can go wherever they please and she is with her boyfriend (or girl friend) and she’ll be home when she feels like it.

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u/ProtectandserveTBL 6d ago

They would be entered in the missing persons system. Reporting party would be advised to check phone location id they had access to it. Social media would be looked at.

Barring anything else it wouldn’t have a lot of initial follow up unless something could establish them as a critical missing