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Skidmore College
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)
Missing Student
Policy
It is the policy of Skidmore College to actively investigate any report of a missing student who is enrolled at the College as either a full or part time student. There will be NO waiting period before the commencement of an investigation, and procedures will be governed by federal, state, and local law. A missing student is a Level 2 (Major) Emergency. Refer to the Memorandum of Understanding in the Addendum for further details.
Investigative Checklist
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)
Missing Student
Policy
It is the policy of Skidmore College to actively investigate any report of a missing student who is enrolled at the College as either a full or part time student. There will be NO waiting period before the commencement of an investigation, and procedures will be governed by federal, state, and local law. A missing student is a Level 2 (Major) Emergency. Refer to the Memorandum of Understanding in the Addendum for further details.
Investigative Checklist
- General questions
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- Is the student missing from the campus, his or her family residence, or another location?
- Is there a witness to or physical evidence of an abduction or other foul play?
- Is the student despondent or mentally or physically disabled?
- Is the student experiencing academic, personal, or financial problems?
- Has the student disappeared before?
- Does the student have a known drug and/or alcohol problem?
- Has the student received any threats or warnings?
- What was the student's lifestyle? Does the student have a criminal record?
- Did the student or perpetrator leave a note?
- Have similar incidents been reported within the area (attempted abductions, suspicious persons)?
- Initial response
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- Begin an incident report. Obtain as many details as possible from complainant.
- Promptly dispatch officer(s) to conduct a preliminary investigation. Inform responding officer(s) of all pertinent information.
- Provide pertinent information to appropriate area law enforcement agencies.
- Obtain a photograph of the student.
- Inform supervision about the incident. The Director of Campus Safety (or designee) will advise the Emergency Management Team.
- Maintain all notes, records, and recordings of telephone and radio communications.
- Search department records and advise investigating officer(s)and/or supervision about any pertinent information found.
- As the investigation progresses, ensure that pertinent details are continually relayed to patrols and to other area agencies.
- Make notifications to college/university administration in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Prepare a flyer/bulletin and distribute.
- Investigative steps
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- Interview the person(s) who reported the disappearance; verify accuracy of information already provided.
- Determine if outside assistance is necessary and request.
- Determine the circumstances associated with the disappearance.
- Obtain and document all available details regarding circumstances associated with the disappearance.
- Secure and evaluate the abduction site, last known location and/or scene and residence.
- If a witnessed abduction, obtain all details pertaining to the missing student, perpetrator, and event.
- If the cause of the disappearance is uncertain, obtain relevant background information.
- Make an initial determination regarding the disappearance category.
- Obtain detailed descriptions of the missing student, abductor, vehicles and circumstances.
- Obtain his or her student identification, campus account, and social security numbers.
- Obtain locations of his or her residences, places frequented, and employment.
- Obtain his or her academic and work schedules.
- Obtain information about automobiles registered to or used by the student.
- Obtain information about parents/family members, romantic interests, roommate(s), and friends/acquaintances.
- Obtain information about instructors/professors, workplace colleagues, residence hall staff, and others.
- Continue to verify when, where, and by whom the missing student was last seen.
- Interview individuals who may have had contact with the student prior to the disappearance.
- If abduction is suspected, obtain descriptions of the perpetrator.
- Obtain information about involved vehicles; including time and direction of travel.
- Search the abduction site, place where the student was last seen, and/or any others.
- Secure the student's residence as a potential source of information and evidence.
- Request investigative and/or supervisory assistance, if warranted.
- Ensure that all additional responding personnel are thoroughly briefed.
- Institute (or continue) area canvasses for witness information and searches of all surrounding areas, including vehicles.
- Ensure that all potential evidence is properly handled.
- Everyone should be interviewed separately. Obtain, document, and evaluate all information provided.
- Ensure that use of student accounts/passwords is monitored.
- Prepare, update, and disseminate informational bulletins to police agencies.
- Ensure that all computers used by the missing student are handled as evidence.
- Ensure that family members have been notified and interviewed.
- Advise family members about support services.
- Advise parents/family members to maintain a log that records information about all visitors and callers.
- Assign a liaison to ensure that family members are provided with information and support.
- Obtain and examine Internet service provider and e-mail records. Monitor instant messaging and chat room activity.
