What to Do When Someone You Know Is Missing in Indianapolis
When someone you know goes missing, it can be hard to know what to do first. You may be worried about their safety while trying to figure out who to contact, what information to gather, and how to help with the search.
If someone you know is missing in Indianapolis, start by contacting law enforcement and providing as much accurate information as possible. From there, there are additional Indiana and national resources that can help families and investigators share information about a missing person.
Here is what to do when someone goes missing in Indianapolis or elsewhere in Indiana.
Report the Person Missing
If you are concerned that someone is missing, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and report the situation. If you believe the person is in immediate danger, call 911.
If the person was last known to be in Indianapolis, contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. If they were last seen somewhere else in Indiana, contact the law enforcement agency that serves that location.
When making a missing-person report, provide as much information as you can. Useful details may include:
The person's full name
Age or date of birth
A recent photograph
Height, weight, hair and eye color, and other identifying characteristics
Clothing they were wearing when they were last seen
The date, time, and location they were last seen
Vehicle information, including the make, model, color, and license plate number
Phone number and other relevant contact information
Known medical conditions or medications
Names of friends, relatives, coworkers, or others who may have information
Places the person regularly visits
Recent messages, calls, travel plans, or other circumstances that may be relevant
You do not need to have every detail before making a report. Provide the information you have and share additional details as you gather them.
Gather a Recent Photo and Important Information
A recent photograph can be especially helpful during a missing-person search. Choose a clear photo that reflects the person's current appearance.
It can also help to create a timeline of what happened before the person went missing. Write down when they were last seen, where they were, who they may have spoken with, where they planned to go, and anything unusual that happened beforehand.
Keep the information organized. New details may come up as family members, friends, coworkers, or investigators review what happened.
Preserve Potential Evidence
If the circumstances surrounding the disappearance may require an investigation, avoid unnecessarily disturbing the person's belongings or places connected to them.
For example, do not immediately clean out a bedroom, vehicle, or other personal space if law enforcement may need to examine it.
The Indiana State Police Missing Persons Clearinghouse provides resources for missing-person investigations and identification. If you are unsure whether an item or location should be moved, cleaned, or discarded, ask law enforcement first.
Contact the Indiana Missing Persons Clearinghouse
Indiana has a statewide Missing Persons Clearinghouse operated by the Indiana State Police.
The Indiana Clearinghouse serves as a central resource for information involving missing children, missing veterans at risk, and missing endangered adults from Indiana or believed to be in Indiana. It also works with law enforcement agencies, organizations, and members of the public.
The Indiana Clearinghouse can be reached at:
Indiana State PoliceIndiana Clearinghouse for Information on Missing Children, Missing Veterans at Risk, and Missing Endangered Adults100 N. Senate Avenue, N340Indianapolis, IN 46204Phone: 1-800-831-8953Email: missingchildren@isp.in.gov
The Clearinghouse's toll-free number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for information about possible sightings, leads, recovery information, and requests for assistance.
Understand Indiana Missing-Person Alerts
Indiana has several alert systems for specific missing-person situations. These include AMBER Alerts, Silver Alerts, Green Alerts, and Blue Alerts.
Not every missing-person case will result in an alert. Each alert has its own requirements, and law enforcement determines whether a case meets the criteria.
The Indiana State Police Missing Persons Clearinghouse provides information about Indiana's missing-person alerts and bulletins.
Consider NamUs for Additional Resources
The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, commonly known as NamUs, is a national resource for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed-person cases in the United States.
NamUs brings together information and resources that can help law enforcement, families, medical examiners, coroners, and other professionals work on missing-person cases. The system is particularly useful for long-term missing-person cases and cases involving unidentified remains.
NamUs is administered through the National Institute of Justice, and its resources are provided at no cost.
Families and members of the public can learn more about the system and the resources available through the official NamUs website.
Share Information Carefully on Social Media
Social media can help spread information about a missing person quickly, especially when a case may benefit from public attention.
Before creating or widely sharing a missing-person post, coordinate with law enforcement when possible. Investigators may have information that should not be publicly released.
If you create a missing-person post or flyer, make sure the information is accurate. Include details such as:
The person's name
A recent photograph
Age
Physical description
Last known location
Date they were last seen
Vehicle information, if relevant
Appropriate law enforcement contact or case information
Avoid sharing rumors, unverified information, or theories about what may have happened.
It is also important to think carefully before posting sensitive information such as a home address, personal phone number, medical information, or other private details.
Keep Track of Tips and Possible Sightings
Once information about a missing person is shared publicly, family members may receive messages from people who believe they have seen the person.
Keep track of potential leads and write down the date, time, location, and details of the information you receive. Share potentially useful information with law enforcement.
Do not attempt to investigate a lead yourself or confront someone you believe may have information. Investigators are in the best position to evaluate and follow up on potential leads.
Stay in Contact With Law Enforcement
A missing-person investigation can take time. Stay in communication with the agency handling the case and provide new information as soon as you receive it.
Keep records of important information so you can easily provide investigators with new phone numbers, messages, possible locations, photographs, or other details.
If the person is located, notify law enforcement so the missing-person record can be updated.
Indianapolis and Indiana Missing-Person Resources
If someone you know is missing in Indianapolis, the following resources may be useful:
Indiana State Police Missing Persons ClearinghousePhone: 1-800-831-8953Email: missingchildren@isp.in.gov
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)A national resource for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed-person cases.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police DepartmentThe local law enforcement agency serving Indianapolis.
For emergencies or situations involving immediate danger, call 911.
What to Do When Someone Goes Missing in Indianapolis
Having someone you care about go missing is frightening, but you do not have to figure everything out on your own.
Start by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency and gathering accurate information about the person and when they were last seen. Keep important details organized, preserve potential evidence, and share new information with investigators.
Indiana's Missing Persons Clearinghouse and national resources such as NamUs can provide additional support during a missing-person search.
If you are looking for information about what to do when someone is missing in Indianapolis, acting quickly, staying organized, and working with the appropriate agencies are important first steps.
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