To file a missing person report you must contact your local police department or sheriff's office.
The Missing Persons Unit cannot take a missing person report. In an emergency, call 911.
About the unit
The Missouri State Highway Patrol recognizes the importance of providing assistance to the families of missing individuals. In 1985 the Missouri General Assembly enacted state statute 43.402, which established the Missing Persons Unit within the Highway Patrol. Since that date the unit has served as the clearinghouse for the State of Missouri, and sits within the Patrol’s MIAC Division in Jefferson City.
The unit provides analytical assistance to law enforcement agencies and serves as a point of contact for citizens and family members of missing individuals. Through the unit, information is compiled, exchanged, and disseminated with the goal of helping to locate missing individuals. It also supports public safety programs, law enforcement training, and statistical analysis as requested.
Services
Missing persons photo
The unit’s website posts a photograph where a current one is available. If a photo is not shown, submit it to the investigating agency; once the unit receives it from that agency, it will be posted.
Missing persons posters
On request the unit creates posters for law enforcement agencies and for families who have filed a missing person report. Posters can be disseminated nationwide within minutes. Email missingpersons@mshp.dps.mo.gov with the circumstances and a contact phone number.
Interactive public website
Photographs and information about missing individuals are posted and continuously updated, so citizens can review listings, print and share posters, or call with information about a possible sighting.
Brochures and helpful links
The unit distributes educational and informational brochures on a variety of topics.
DNA initiative
On request the unit works with law enforcement agencies and family members to submit family DNA reference samples for analysis and entry into a national missing persons database. Contact the unit for more information.
FBI Child ID App
The FBI's Child ID App stores photographs and vital information about a child on your own device, with guidance on what to do in the first few hours if a child goes missing, and lets you send details to law enforcement quickly.
Search the clearinghouse
Custody issues
The Missing Persons Unit is unable to assist in custodial issues, as these are civil matters. If you believe your situation is a parental kidnapping, contact your local law enforcement agency. See RSMo 565.153 for more information.
Related organizations
Get in touch
Contact the Missing Persons Unit
Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missing Persons Unit, P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Email: missingpersons@mshp.dps.mo.gov
Back to the Missouri Information Analysis Center.