The Missing Persons List displays each individual’s:
- Name
- Aliases (including nicknames)
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Date of last contact – this is usually, but not always, the date the individual was reported missing
The list also indicates:
- investigating agency – the law enforcement agency with primary responsibility for the case
- “Alert: SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE” – while all missing persons are potentially endangered, this notation indicates that a case may involve one or more specific threatening circumstances such as:
- the person has a known physical or mental disability or illness like diabetes or senility, that places the subject or others in immediate danger
- the person’s physical safety may be in danger. Examples include someone with a drug or alcohol problem, or who associates with individuals who are violent or have criminal records.
- the disappearance may not have been voluntary, such as in an abduction or kidnapping
Missing Person Details typically provides a description of the individual. It may also state where he or she was last seen and include photos of other individuals the missing person was believed to be with. In situations in which a young child has been missing for a long period, there may be an “age-progressed” photo that shows what the child may look like now.
The Missing Children Act of 1985 established a Montana Missing Persons Clearinghouse within the Department of Justice.