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
  1. General questions
    • 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)?

  3. Initial response
    • 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.

  5. Investigative steps
    • 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.

    Missing Child/College Student Report