Police Department

Missing Person Cases

To make a missing person report, please read through the information below as well as the downloadable checklist and list of resources. While there is no waiting period to call the police department on reporting missing persons, having as many questions as possible answered prior to calling will streamline this process.

Reporting Missing Persons

Discovering that a loved one has been out of touch for some time can be stressful. The information you provide allows us to determine if a missing person investigation is warranted. We know you may be concerned, but please remember, you are the police department's primary resource – you know your loved one best.

Not all circumstances will meet the requirement for a missing person report as being out of touch with family or friends is not a crime. Adults, age 18 or older, have the right to make decisions for themselves in how they want to live their lives. Due to the time intensive nature of locating people, law enforcement is unable to provide the means by which to keep families in contact.

However, there are circumstances that do warrant law enforcement assistance. Should the situation meet the requirements for a missing person report, it is imperative that you remain in contact with the police department throughout this process. These cases do not resolve on their own and your response is vital for SPD to stay up-to-date.

It is important to have clear, specific, and credible information for police that explains the reasons you believe the person is missing. Checking with the missing person's workplace, family members, friends, usual hang-outs, as well as local hospitals and county jails before contacting law enforcement will help. Once you have checked thoroughly with all, please have one person contact the police and be the point person for the family throughout the investigation.

The downloadable checklist to help keep track of specific details and a list of resources is available at the link below. When you are ready, please call Crime Check at 509.456.2233 and call takers will determine if your case meets the criteria for a missing person's report to be taken. The information provided will be reviewed by the Spokane Police Department's Missing Persons Unit.

Current Cases

If you have any information regarding any of these missing persons or juvenile runaways, please contact Crime Check at 509.456.2233 and reference the associated case number.