It’s critical for law enforcement to take a report on every missing person. When a missing person is reported, law enforcement can release an alert to help locate the person. Reporting missing persons into national databases is also important so other jurisdictions are aware of the missing person. Below are resources to assist with alerts and databases for reporting.

Emergency Alerts and Warning Systems

• The AMBER Alert in Indian Country Fact Sheet describes the AMBER Alert Training and Technical Assistance Program (AATTAP), which provides training and technical assistance on implementing AMBER Alerts.
• The National Ashanti Alert Network Fact Sheet gives guidance on implementing Ashanti Alerts, which provide the voluntary dissemination of information to law enforcement, media and the public about missing adults who are endangered or abducted or who have special needs or circumstances.
• The How Tribal Governments Can Sign Up for Public Alerts and Warnings Fact Sheet explains how to use the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to issue public alerts and warnings, such as Missing Person alerts, to their jurisdiction. IPAWS is a free, internet-based tool for official use.
• The Emergency Alerts for Missing Persons Fact Sheet explains the AMBER Alert system and the Ashanti Alert Act of 2018 and provides information about Silver Alerts for older persons.

Reporting Programs

• The FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program Fact Sheet explains the data collection systems used by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. The UCR Program generates statistics for use by law enforcement, researchers, media and the public to provide a national picture of the nature and scope of crime.
• The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File Fact Sheet describes the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File. Over 18,000 criminal justice agencies from 50 U.S. states, Indian Country, territories and Canada enter records into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File, which is managed by FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS).
• The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a free national information clearinghouse and resource center to report missing and unidentified persons cases. NamUs allows users to enter and search case information, including data fields specific to Tribal cases, such as Tribal affiliation, and provides investigative support services to law enforcement. Contact NamUs at 833-872-5176 or [email protected], or contact a regional support specialist.