Royal Canadian Mounted Police / Gendarmerie royale du Canada

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B.C. RCMP

Reporting a Missing Person in British Columbia

Note :

There is no waiting period needed to report a Missing Person. If you are worried, contact us now.

Anyone can make a report. You do not need to be family.

On this page

How to report a Missing Person

Call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance for:

  • missing children, elderly, or vulnerable persons,
  • missing persons in immediate danger or medical risk,
  • missing persons at risk of self-harm or harm to others,
  • suspected foul play.

For non-emergencies:

Information we will need

 Identity & description

  Last seen information

  Risk factors

  • Name, age, gender, height, weight, hair, eyes, distinguishing features
  • Recent, clear photo
  • Where & when last seen
  • Clothing description
  • Transport details (car, transit)
  • Medical or mental health
  • Emotional state, recent trauma
  • Medication needs
  • History of disappearing

What happens after a report is made?

  1. File is created
  2. Risk assessment completed
  3. Investigation starts
  4. Public alerts/news releases (if applicable)
    • Consent obtained before public news release
    •  Privacy and dignity of the missing person are respected
  5. Ongoing regular updates with the family

Need to provide new information

  • Call your investigator directly
  • Emergency updates call 9-1-1
  • Non-emergency line of your local Detachment

Resources

Family & community support

Related links

• BC RCMP - Missing Persons                             
 • Canada's Missing                             
 • missingkids.ca                             
 • VictimLinkBC                             
 • Native Women's Association of Canada Community Resource Guide                             
 • Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society                             
 • Policing and Security Branch

BC Policing Standards

In B.C., Provincial Policing Standards for Missing Persons Investigations have been in effect since September 2016. The standards and associated Guiding Principles establish the overall approach to missing person investigations for all BC police agencies.

The Missing Persons Act, came into effect in June 2015. The Act improves police access to information that could help locate a missing person and allows police to apply for court orders to access records or conduct searches. The Act also allows officers to directly demand access to records in emergency situations.

Additional questions

  • Contact your local detachment 
  • In emergencies, always dial 9-1-1
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