ACT missing persons
ACT Policing investigates all reported missing persons where there are concerns for a person’s welfare or safety.
We work closely with national and international organisations that locate and reunite missing loved ones. The National Missing Persons Unit facilitates a national coordinated approach to finding missing persons.
How to report a missing person
You should file a report with ACT Policing as soon as there are concerns for the safety and welfare of a missing person. You are not required to wait 24 or 48 hours before filing a report.
Police take reports on persons missing in the ACT, interstate and overseas.
To file a report, please contact ACT Policing by phone or by visiting a police centre or station. It will help us if you are able to provide the following information:
- a recent photograph of the missing person;
- a list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of friends and associates;
- likely destinations eg. favourite places, work locations or places with past connections;
- any medical requirements or medications they need;
- a full description of the missing person including height, weight, colour of eyes and hair; and
- bank account details.
Reporting information about missing persons
If you have any information about the whereabouts of a missing person please contact ACT Policing or the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre on 1800 000 634.
If you are reported as missing
Being reported as missing is not a crime. Our aim is to find out if you are safe and well.
If you have been reported missing and you would like to let your family and friends know you are safe and well, you can do so without giving details of your whereabouts.
Please contact ACT Policing by phone or by visiting a police station. You can also make contact through one of the following organisations:
- the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre;
- the Salvation Army Family Tracing Service;
- the Australian Red Cross Tracing Unit.
About missing persons
Dozens of people are reported missing every year in the ACT. Waiting for a contact or information for family and friends can be extremely distressing. ACT Policing can help to find your loved ones. In fact, over 99% of missing persons are located.
Unsolved cases
To read about about unsolved criminal cases in the ACT, see Unsolved cases.