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 CRITICAL REACH. <<<Sample Flyer>>>