How long do I have to wait to report my loved one as missing?

There is a misconception that we cannot report our loved ones as missing unless they have been missing for at least 24 hours. This is NOT true - A report of a missing person can be made and per California Penal Code Section 14205(a) – shall be taken without delay. (read the law) The report can be made in person or by telephone, the report will be forwarded to the California Department of Justice Missing Persons Section immediately.

I have been told that only a family member can make a missing persons report?

Anyone can file a missing person report. If your best friend has not returned home within a reasonable amount of time or you feel there is something suspicious about the absence of your friend you can make a report.

When should I call the police and make a report?

The first step would be to determine if your friend/family member has left on vacation, staying with family, or with other friends, etc. Try to determine if your friend/family member may have decided to change their daily routine. Ask yourself - Who can I call to determine if in fact something is out of order?

After I file a report with the police department what will happen next? How will the police attempt to locate a missing person?

Once you have filed a report with the Ripon Police Department the missing person’s name and personal information as well as any vehicles that may be involved will be entered into the National Computer System. Ripon Police Personnel will then conduct an investigation into the disappearance of the missing person. A BOL (Be On The Look Out) will be sent to all surrounding law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate the missing person. The Ripon Police Department will also create and submit electronically a missing person’s flyer known as CRITICAL REACH. >>>Sample Flyer<<<

External Links

See below for links to National Organizations devoted to the recovery of missing kids. If you visit one of these external sites, you must CLICK your "BACK" button to return to the RPD web site.

MCCH

California Missing Children Clearinghouse - Maintains toll free phone hotline 24/7 to receive information and inquires regarding missing children.

Stan County Missing Kids

Missing persons/children in Stanislaus County

Polly Klaus

Polly Klaus Foundation - "Devoted to making America Safe for Children"

Amber Alert

You Can Help

Do you have a web page? Here you'll find links to put missing children banner ads or logos on your site.

The History of Megan's Law

In 1995, a convicted child molester was arrested for the murder and rape of 7-year-old Megan Kanka in a New Jersey suburb. The offender lived right across the street from the Kanka residence, however the police department was prohibited from disclosing the presence of this child molester.

The law did not allow the release of sex offender information to the public. The law was changed to permit the release of this information to the public and on May 8 1996, President Clinton signed the law, dubbed "Megan's Law" in remembrance of little Megan Kanka. The California State Legislature signed California's version of Megan's Law into effect on September 25, 1996.

The following is the official Megan’s Law web site of registered sex offenders.