Introduction
Every year, thousands of people go missing in Singapore. In 2021, there were over 1,500 missing persons cases reported to the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Of these cases, over 90% were resolved within 24 hours.
However, there are still a number of cases where people remain missing for longer periods of time. These cases can be extremely distressing for the families and friends of the missing person.
What to do if someone goes missing
If someone you know goes missing, it is important to report it to the police immediately. The sooner you report a missing person, the sooner the police can begin investigating and trying to locate them.
When you report a missing person, you will need to provide the police with as much information as possible, including:
- The person’s name, age, and description
- The date and time they went missing
- The location where they were last seen
- Any other information that you think may be helpful
How the police investigate missing persons cases
When the police investigate a missing persons case, they will typically:
- Interview the family and friends of the missing person
- Search the area where the person was last seen
- Check CCTV footage
- Use technology to track the person’s phone or other electronic devices
What you can do to help
If you are concerned about a missing person, there are a number of things you can do to help:
- Spread the word about the missing person by sharing their information on social media and other platforms
- Join search parties if they are organized
- Provide any information you have to the police
What if the person is not found within 24 hours?
If the person is not found within 24 hours, the police will continue to investigate the case. They may also request the assistance of other agencies, such as the Singapore Armed Forces or the Home Team.
In some cases, the police may declare the person a missing person. This means that the person is considered to be missing for an extended period of time, and the police will continue to investigate the case until they are found.
Support for families of missing persons
The families of missing persons often experience a great deal of stress and anxiety. There are a number of organizations that can provide support to families of missing persons, including:
- The Singapore Missing Persons Bureau
- The Missing Persons Advocacy Network
- The National Missing & Unidentified Persons System
Conclusion
If someone you know goes missing, it is important to report it to the police immediately. The sooner you report a missing person, the sooner the police can begin investigating and trying to locate them.
There are a number of things you can do to help if a person is missing, including spreading the word about them, joining search parties, and providing information to the police.
The families of missing persons often experience a great deal of stress and anxiety. There are a number of organizations that can provide support to families of missing persons.
Statistics on Missing Persons in Singapore
In 2021, there were 1,515 missing persons cases reported to the SPF. Of these cases, 95% were resolved within 24 hours. The remaining 5% of cases were classified as long-term missing persons cases.
How to Prevent Someone from Going Missing
There are a number of things you can do to prevent someone from going missing, including:
- Talking to your children about the dangers of stranger danger
- Teaching your children how to stay safe when they are out in public
- Making sure your children know your phone number and address
- Keeping track of your children’s whereabouts
- Reporting any suspicious activity to the police
Resources for Families of Missing Persons
The following organizations can provide support to families of missing persons:
- The Singapore Missing Persons Bureau
- The Missing Persons Advocacy Network
- The National Missing & Unidentified Persons System
Frequently Asked Questions about Missing Persons in Singapore
- What should I do if someone I know goes missing?
You should report it to the police immediately.
- How long does it take to find a missing person?
Most missing persons cases are resolved within 24 hours. However, some cases can take longer to resolve.
- What are the chances of finding a missing person?
The chances of finding a missing person depend on a number of factors, including the circumstances of their disappearance. However, the