Importance of first 48 hours renewed as search for missing Riley Strain continues

By Sarah Motter

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

The nationwide search for Riley Strain, a 22-year-old University of Missouri student, continues to stir officials and the public around the nation. Strain has now been missing for close to two weeks, affirming the relevance of the first 48 hours in a missing person’s case.

According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons database, more than 600,000 people are reported missing each year in the United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information Center notes that one out of six of these people are never discovered. A painful truth renewed by the disappearance of Strain.

Reiteration of the Critical First 48 Hours

As authorities and concerned communities rally behind the search for Riley Strain, the U.S. Department of Justice-funded database indicates the critical importance of the first 48 hours after a person goes missing. While the search for Strain presses ahead, federal organizations are actively urging individuals to be knowledgeable about the crucial steps to follow within this decisive window:

• The police department or the sheriff’s office should be immediately notified when a person is suspected missing.
• Contrary to widespread myth, there isn’t a mandated waiting period to report a missing adult. However, responsiveness from law enforcement could be limited for individuals aged 18 and older. These people have the right to freely relocate and break contact with their family and friends.
• Every relevant piece of information about the missing person should be provided to law enforcement. Starting from physical appearance, clothing, to any notable medical, mental, or behavioral conditions.
• If challenged when reporting a missing adult or teenager, it is advised to speak with a supervisor and be assertively polite about getting help.
• Provide investigators with the missing person’s bank or credit card details as well as any vehicles they might have access to. This information can help to track their movements.
• Several days after the person’s disappearance, law enforcement agencies should enter the missing person’s details into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center Missing Person File.
• Engage friends, family, and social media platforms in spreading the word. Creating a dedicated Facebook page can help to maintain public interest and update many people simultaneously.
• If accessible, check the missing person’s cellphone account for any unusual activity. Also, sign in to “Find My iPhone” for Apple devices and “Find Your Phone” app for Androids.

These steps could be the difference between locating a missing individual swiftly or not at all. As the search for Riley Strain continues, let his case serve as a refreshment of these critical steps. For more on the National Missing and Unidentified Persons database, detailed information can be found on their official page online.

Related News: Family of Riley Strain Gives Update on Search for Missing Student