Children

A Runaway child is considered to be a voluntary missing juvenile.

A runaway child is always “at risk” and demands prompt attention by law enforcement. Therefore, police are empowered under the law to take a runaway child into protective custody. If a runaway juvenile is from out of state, they will be taken to Clark County Juvenile Hall as a Child in Need of Supervision until the parents/guardians can respond. Being a runaway is not a crime - only a "status offense."

When police find a runaway child, they can take them home or to Child Haven, Clark County’s designated youth shelter, at 701 N. Pecos Road (702-455-2079) or The Harbor at 861 N. Mojave Road (702-455-6912).

Police cannot make a "forced entry' into a private home to recover a runaway child, unless the child is in danger or life-threatening situation. Police, however, can assist parents when a runaway is uncooperative or there is a risk of violence.

You're Not Alone

If your child runs away... remember, "You're not alone."

Running away from home can be a frightening experience - for both the child and the parents. Your child becomes vulnerable as soon as he or she leaves home - potentially falling victim to drugs, drinking, crime, sexual exploitation or child prostitution.

Many parents may feel guilty or depressed, even paralyzed with fear. More than 400,000 children runaway from home each year in the United States. It is important for parents to remain calm and rational when they discover their child has run away. Don't panic or lose sight of the immediate task at hand - to locate the runaway and return him or her home safely.

The first 48 hours following the runaway are the most important in locating the child. Many runaway children return home during this 48-hour period.

Follow These Steps Immediately

Check with your child's friends and parents, school, relatives, neighbors or anyone who may know your child's whereabouts. Ask them to notify you if they hear from the child.

Report the runaway child to your local police or sheriff’s office, and write down the report number. There is no waiting period to report any missing child - including the runaway.

Make sure your police department enters your child's name and description into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Computer. This does not give your child a police record, but it may aid in his/her safe return. If local police won't enter your child into the NCIC Computer, the FBI will. Contact your local FBI field office.

You can contact the National Center for Missing/Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or the Nevada Child Seekers at (702) 458-7009 for assistance or the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-621-4000.

Keep up the search for your missing child. The police can help, but they can not do it alone. It is still your responsibility to find your runaway child.

Call or check local spots that your child may frequent, and check area hospitals, schools, and juvenile detention centers.

Never give up - Your child needs you more than ever now. Success depends on you.

If your child has been located, notify police immediately either (702) 828-3271 or missing persons detail at (702) 828-2907 Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

AMBER Alerts

The AMBER Alert system is a coordinated effort between law enforcement and media partners to quickly share information with the public when a child has been abducted and is believed to be in imminent danger.

The LVMPD Missing Persons Section receives many requests for AMBER Alerts; however, federal and state guidelines require that all four criteria below must be met before an alert can be issued:

1. A confirmed abduction has occurred.

2. The abducted person is under 18 years of age.

3. There is a credible threat of serious bodily harm or death.

4. There is enough descriptive information about the suspect and/or vehicle to assist in locating the child.

If any one of these four criteria is not met, an AMBER Alert cannot be initiated. In such cases, LVMPD will still take all appropriate investigative actions to locate the missing person and ensure their safety.