• Go to the police in the precinct where the person who is missing lives (there is NO 24/48 hour rule)
  
  
• Speak to a detective, do not leave until you do.
  
  
• Insist that the uniform officer allow you to explain the situation to a detective
  
  
• Insist that the missing person’s information is entered in the NCIC data base and an investigation is initiated
• Bring a list of the names and phone numbers of all family and friends, job address and phone, doctor’s and dentist’s name, phone and address, proof (tapes, journals, letters), and any other pertinent information to give to the detective

And then...

Make a flyer which must include the following information:

• Clear photograph
• Reward
• Physical description
• Circumstances
• Phone number (family)
• E-mail address or web site for missing person
• Police information

Distribute flyer where the missing person:

• Was last seen
• Works or attends school
• Resides
• Target the same as above with the suspect if applicable
• Plan a vigil or some sort of media event and fax out press releases (make follow up calls)
• Call the daily newspapers crime/police reporters directly
• Collect all the available photos and video from family and friends

Call and/or Fax the following people of importance:

• Senator/representative
• Assembly person
• Mayor
• Police chief/commissioner
• City council person
• Borough presidents (NYC)
• Public Advocate
• Missing Persons Squad
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• Victim’s Services
• Call all local hospitals and hand deliver your flyer (make sure it is posted)
• Call all missing person’s credit card companies/bank (ATM) to ascertain the last use
• Hire a qualified private investigator or obtain recommendations, example: PI Gil Alba (http://www.gilalba.com)
  
  
• Make follow up phone calls/visits to the detective squad daily
• Keep written documentation of all contacts (both phone, personal visits, e-mails... ) regarding the person who went missing
• Keep accurate and detailed notes (date, time, exact words) as to all the information given to you by family/friends or any of the above contacts
• Give the police full access to the missing person’s property, if they take anything (journal, phone records, tapes, letters, computer hard-drive . . .) insist on getting copies for yourself first
• Set up a web site (see www.kristinekupka.com)
• Contact a lawyer to advise as necessary and legitimize the case
• Contact Victim’s Services and seek counseling.
• Encourage support and recommendations from families under similar circumstances.

Necessary Items:

• Fax machine
• Telephone
• tape recorder
• Computer/internet
• Large color photo of missing person (poster size)
• Call waiting
• Cell phone/beeper

Dedicated To Kristine Kupka