Understanding Disappearances: Voluntary vs Accidental vs Criminal Cases

Disappearances can occur for various reasons, and the outcomes vary widely depending on the circumstances. This article will explore some of the general scenarios, provide examples, and discuss the impact on loved ones and the investigative process.

Voluntary Disappearances

Some individuals choose to leave their lives behind for personal reasons. These are typically voluntary disappearances, where the person may or may not want to be found. Examples include individuals who run away from home, leave to pursue a new lifestyle, or travel without informing anyone. While these cases are often resolved with the person being found alive, it is important to understand that the absence of a specific reason for a disappearance does not mean it is safe to ignore.

Accidental Disappearances

In this category, people can go missing due to accidents such as getting lost in remote areas, falling into water bodies, or being involved in natural disasters. Recovery efforts often lead to their discovery. For instance, someone might wander off during a hike and eventually be found. Other times, the search may take longer, and the individual may face life-threatening situations.

Criminal Activity

Cases involving criminal activity are often the most serious, as individuals may be victims of crimes such as abduction or homicide. These cases can lead to lengthy investigations and the missing person may or may not be found. For example, in some instances, the perpetrator may be apprehended, leading to the safe return of the missing person. In other cases, the investigation may remain open for years, and the outcome is uncertain.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health crises can also lead to disappearances, where individuals may wander off or become disoriented. They can sometimes be found after being reported missing. Such cases require immediate attention and support to ensure the well-being of the individual.

Unsolved Cases

Unfortunately, many cases remain unsolved, and the missing individuals are never found. These cases often receive significant media attention and can be revisited by law enforcement. However, the closure for loved ones is often incomplete, leaving them to live with uncertainty and sadness.

Personal Insight

I investigated numerous missing persons cases, and the vast majority of them ended with the subject being located alive and well. California does not have a 'waiting period' before you can report someone missing. All law enforcement agencies are required to take a missing person or runaway juvenile report without delay. Every agency I worked with had policy that missing person's cases take precedent over property crimes, ensuring that each case was taken seriously.

There were always a handful of open cases, often involving migrant farm workers from Mexico. We would search until we ran out of leads and revisit cases when new information emerged. If remains were found that might match a missing person out of our jurisdiction, we would receive a teletype message via MUPS and determine a possible match.

Impact of Disappearances

The impact of disappearances on families and communities can be profound. Many parents lack information about their children's daily routines, friends, and social lives. This lack of information can lead to frustration and blame when a child goes missing. However, in most cases, the child is found and is safe, either because they've taken the wrong bus, visited a friend's house, or decided to run away but were found before it was too late.

Only once did I have to do a death notification out of a missing person's case. A woman reported her mother missing, and months later, forestry workers found a car that had left the roadway on a mountain pass. Identification was made, and I was sent to make the notification, which was the second-least favorite part of my job.

For families and loved ones, hope and vigilance are essential. Keeping a close eye on children's social activities and supporting them in making informed decisions can greatly reduce the risk of disappearances. Additionally, reporting a missing person immediately and providing all relevant information can significantly aid law enforcement in locating them.