Missing Adults

Facts and Myths about Missing Persons

Thousands of Americans are reported missing each year in the United States. Here in Las Vegas, more than 600 missing persons reports are taken each month.

Myths still prevail that you must wait up to 72 hours before reporting any person missing. The fact is, there is no waiting period to report a person missing to LVMPD. There are also myths that all adult missing persons are the victims of kidnaping, murders or some other criminal act.

The majority of reported missing persons are found or voluntarily return home within 48-72 hours after being reported.

There are many reasons why a person voluntarily stop communicating with known family or friends. The fact is, being a voluntary missing person is not a crime. Because this behavior is not a crime, law enforcement is limited on how they conduct these type investigations.

How can you file a Missing Persons Report with the LVMPD?

You can go to any LVMPD area command or Call (702) 828-3111 to make a telephonic report.

Be prepared to provide information about the missing person, including date of birth or age, physical description, and any known medical conditions. Police will also need details about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the last known location of the missing person.

Keep a list of known associates and contact information for anyone who may have knowledge of the missing person’s whereabouts.

What can I do?

You also can check with area hospitals, medical clinics, or adult detention centers (opens in a new tab) to see if the missing person has been brought to one of these facilities. Local homeless shelters can also be contacted.

Hospital and Medical Facilities:

University Medical Center / UMC Children’s Hospital: (702) 383-2000
Sunrise Hospital: (702) 961-5000
Valley Hospital: (702) 388-4000
Summerlin Hospital: (702) 233-7000
Southern Hills Hospital: (702) 916-5000
Mountain View Hospital: (702) 962-5000
Spring Valley Hospital: (702) 853-3000
North Vista Hospital: (702) 649-7711
Henderson Hospital: (702) 963-7000
St. Rose Dominican Hospitals: Main: (702) 492-8000
St. Rose Dominican Hospitals: Siena Campus: (702) 616-5000
Rose de Lima Campus: (702) 564-2622
Kindred Hospital Las Vegas: (702) 784-4300
Clark County Coroner’s Office: (702) 455-3210

A final alternative would be to engage the services of a private investigator.

Being a missing person is not a crime and therefore law enforcement has limited investigative resources. As a general rule, all people have a right to privacy, and police intrusion into their lives must be minimal. However, when articulable facts or clear evidence indicate that foul play may be involved, police will investigate the case as a criminal matter. In situations where the missing person is considered endangered due to medical conditions or other immediate threats to their safety, officers will act quickly to locate them.

In cases of "foul play" or "endangerment," the police can use the National Crime Information Center's Missing Persons File to assist in locating any missing person. Because of strict standards, not every missing person can be included in this file. Generally speaking, the investigator assigned to the case will make this determination.

Once the missing person is found by police, the department will notify the person who made the report. However, police cannot disclose the location or whereabouts of the missing person without that person's consent, unless the person requesting has court-appointed guardianship.

If you should change addresses or telephone numbers, please notify the detective assigned to your case.

What should I do if the missing person calls me or returns?

If the Missing Person returns on their own or contact is made with them...

There is a strong possibility the missing person may return on their own or contact family or friends. If this occurs, notify police as soon as possible.

• Call (702) 828-2907 for the Missing Persons Detail
      Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Call (702) 828-3111 for LVMPD non-emergency services
      After hours and weekends

What if they never return?

Most missing persons cases are solved within a few days or weeks. However, there are times when cases go several months or even years. We will keep the case open until it is resolved, but you may want to enlist the services of a private investigator in your search.

You may consider using posters to assist in the search. Contact the detective assigned to the case before creating your own.

Detectives will request an up-to-date photo that clearly shows the missing person’s face. The department can assist with distributing posters through shelters and partner agencies.

Email the photo to missingpersons@lvmpd.com at any time. Include the event number and the missing person’s name in the subject line.

Do not use your personal contact information on flyers or social media. This information can be used by scammers to target family and friends.

Scammers may falsely claim they have your loved one and demand money for information or their safe return.