Missing persons

Firstly, there is no 24 hour waiting period to report a person missing. If you are seriously worried about someone’s safety, do not hesitate to call the police.

Anyone can call to report a missing person including family, loved ones and care providers. The Missing Persons Unit can be reached at 204 986-6250 to report a person missing.

If there is immediate danger, the person is vulnerable or they are a young child call 911.

Prior to reporting someone missing conduct the following checks if possible:

  • Check and search their residence
  • Check with family members and friends/acquaintances of the person to make sure they have not made other plans
  • Check with local hospitals
  • Check with the school or employer of the person
  • Check places the person frequently visits
  • Check and identify their social media accounts

The primary concern for the police is to locate the missing person quickly and ensure they are safe and well. When making a missing person report some initial information will be asked depending on age or vulnerability:

Missing children (under 18 years of age)

  • Information about the child’s school and teachers and whether or not the school was contacted and checked.
  • A current photo of the missing child. This may be used by police when issuing a media release and helps officers identify the missing person.
  • A description of the child, including date of birth, age, physical description and clothing worn when last seen.
  • The time and place where the missing person was last seen and by whom.
  • The names, addresses and phone numbers of friends and whether or not they have been checked prior to reporting the person missing.
  • A list of possible hangouts or locations that the child may have gone and whether or not these locations have been checked.
  • If the missing person requires any medications:
    o Find out if they have the medications with them.
    o How often they need to take the medication.

Adults (18 years of age and older)

  • A current photo of the missing person. This may be used by police when issuing a media release and helps officers identify the missing person.
  • A description of the person including date of birth, age, physical description and clothing worn when last seen.
  • The names, addresses and phone numbers of friends and whether or not they have been checked prior to reporting the person missing.
  • Check all hospitals prior to contacting police.
  • A list of possible hangouts or locations that the adult may have gone and whether or not these locations have been checked.
  • If the missing person requires any medications:
    • Find out if they have the medications with them.
    • How often they need to take the medication.
  • Ensure the missing person is not at work prior to contacting police.

Endangered missing persons

The Missing Persons Unit classifies some incidents involving missing persons as Endangered Missing Person incidents. An Endangered Missing Person is defined as:

  • A person who is reported to possess a physical or mental disability.
  • A person who is elderly or very young.
  • A person who is life is dependent on prescription medications.
  • A person who is unfamiliar with the city.

Persons reported to engage in a high-risk lifestyle or those associated with violent behaviour are also considered endangered. The perceived risk to a missing person can also be elevated through environmental conditions.

A risk assessment is conducted on every reported missing person and, if the assessment dictates, a uniform car will be dispatched to begin the investigation. Depending on the circumstances, members of the Missing Persons Unit may be called upon to assist or lead the investigation.

Support missing children and their families

Most of the persons reported missing are under 18 years of age There are resources you can access to help you prevent a child from going missing as well as resources to help you locate a loved one.  

MissingKids.ca is Canada's missing children resource centre. A program of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, MissingKids.ca offers resources, support, and educational materials aimed at locating missing children and preventing children from going missing. MissingKids.ca offers various services to families of missing children. The Winnipeg Police Service utilizes their assistance when investigating missing children.

Other resources

If you’ve been reported Missing

Remember you are not in trouble, police were called because someone who cares about you is concerned.  You can contact the police and they will assist you with the next step to have you removed as missing. As an adult, police will protect your privacy and will not share personal details including your location without your consent.

Call the Missing Persons Unit – 204 986-6250

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