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New Zealand Police missing persons services

Each year the New Zealand Police receive more than 8,000 reports relating to missing persons. Although the wait for contact from the missing person can be distressing for friends and relatives the reality is that within 48 hours most missing persons will either be found safe and well or will have returned home.

 

If a relative or friend is missing

If a family member or friend is missing and you hold genuine fears for their safety please contact your local police immediately.

To assist police you should try to provide the following information:

  • The missing persons full name and date of birth.
  • Details of where and when they were last seen or heard from.
  • A full description of the missing person including the clothes they were last seen in.
  • Details of any vehicle they may be using or travelling in.
  • Names and contact details of friends and associates.
  • Any relevant medical information.
  • Details of any bank accounts and credit cards that the missing person may be using.
  • The missing persons cell phone number and email address.
  • Any known travel plans or destinations.
  • Details of any persons in the company of the missing person.
  • A photograph of the missing person

 

Persons missing overseas

The New Zealand Police can initiate inquiries for New Zealanders missing overseas.

Please contact your local police station who will arrange for the necessary inquiries to be commenced.

 

What happens next

A Missing Persons Report will be taken from you and the details of the missing person entered into a national computer system.

The case will be assigned to an officer who will work with you and inform you of the progress being made with your case.

 

If you know the whereabouts of a missing person

Please contact your local police. Any information received can be treated in confidence if you wish.
 

If you are a missing person

You will have been reported missing because someone is concerned about your safety and welfare. It is not an offence to be reported missing, so if you know or suspect that you have been reported missing please contact either your family or police so that efforts to locate you can cease.

If you are 17 years of age or over your whereabouts cannot be disclosed without your consent. Under these circumstances the Police will inform the person(s) who reported you missing that you have been located, but will state that they do not have the authority to disclose your whereabouts . (The Police must take this step to ensure proper closure of the missing person file).

The ability of Police to make disclosures about persons under 17 will depend on the individual circumstances of the missing person and privacy legislation requirements.