Child Abduction Response - National Criminal Justice Training Center

CHILD ABDUCTION
RESPONSE PLAN
An Investigative Guide
Federal Bureau of Investigation
National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime
Quantico, Virginia 22135
(703) 632-4400
FBI Response to Child Abduction
Child abductions are of critical importance, requiring a timely response and appropriate application
of all available resources – local, state, and federal. The FBI’s immediate response is directly tied to the
crucial hours following a reported child abduction, which literally may mean life or death for the victim. It is
FBI policy that any reported or suspected child abduction or mysterious disappearance of a child receives an
immediate and aggressive response without a period of waiting or monitoring. The immediate response may
be either a full investigation based upon a reasonable indication that a violation of the Federal Kidnapping
Statute has occurred or a Preliminary Inquiry to determine whether the Federal Kidnapping Statute has been
violated. Each reported or suspected child abduction presents unique and complex circumstances with
respect to jurisdictional issues, available investigative resources, local law enforcement liaison, and media
matters.
Authorizing Legislation
Portions of the United States Code (USC) authorizing FBI response to kidnapping, child abduction,
mysterious disappearance of a child, or computer-aided disappearance of a child include but are not limited
to:
Title 18 USC 1201 - makes it a violation to unlawfully seize, confine, inveigle, decoy,
kidnap, abduct, or carry away … any person, when the person is willfully transported in interstate or foreign
commerce, regardless of whether the person was alive when transported across a state boundary if the person
was alive when the transportation began.
Title 18 USC 1204 (The International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act of 1993) - makes it a
violation to remove a child from the United States or retain a child who has been in the United States, to
obstruct lawful parental rights.
Title 18 USC 2251 - makes it a violation for any person to induce a minor to, or transport a
minor in interstate commerce with the intent that they will, engage in sexually explicit conduct for the
purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
Title 18 USC 2423(a) - makes it a violation for a person to transport an individual under the
age of 18 in interstate commerce for the purposes of prostitution or engaging in any sexual act for which a
person can be charged with a criminal offense.
Title 18 USC 2423(b) – makes it a violation for a person to travel in interstate commerce for
the purpose of engaging in any sexual act with a person less than 18 years of age.
Title 18 USC 534 (The National Child Search Assistance Act of 1990) – requires all local,
state, and federal law enforcement agencies to report all missing persons under the age of 18 to the National
Criminal Information Center (NCIC), with no waiting period.
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It is important to note that in instances of suspected child abductions, and even in
many mysterious disappearances of children, the Federal Kidnapping Statute can be
invoked and the FBI is authorized to immediately enter the investigation in joint
partnership with state and local authorities in an effort to fully determine the case status.
To further improve the FBI’s response to child abductions and mysterious disappearances
of children, Congress mandated the NCAVC to provide immediate operational resources
to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies involved in these important and
complex investigations.
NCAVC resources may include:
• Case-specific investigative strategies
• Case-specific interview and interrogation strategies
• Case-specific media strategies
• Behavioral characteristics of unknown offenders
• Crime analysis
• Coordination of forensic resources
• Case-specific affidavit support
• Major case/information management resources
The NCAVC can also provide post-indictment assistance in the form of
prosecutive strategies, jury selection strategies, and expert testimony.
The NCAVC is involved in ongoing research projects regarding child abduction,
child abductors who kill, serial murder, false allegation of child abduction, maternal
filicide, sexual exploitation of children via the Internet, infant abduction, and other topics
related to crimes against children. The results of this research are available for use by
investigators in furtherance of their specific investigative effort.
The NCAVC offers training to local, state, federal, and international law enforcement
agencies with the goal of enhancing investigative efforts in response to child abductions,
child homicides, and sexual exploitation of children.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from Director Mueller…………………………………………………………..i
FBI Response to Child Abduction……………………………………………………….. iii
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….1
Initial Response…………………………………………………………………………...3
Upon Arrival at the Scene.......................................................................................4
Within Six Hours………………………………………………………………….5
Within Twenty-Four Hours……………………………………………………….7
Within Seven Days………………………………………………………………. 10
Searches………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Victimology……………………………………………………………………………… 15
Liaison with Missing Child’s Family……………………………………………………. 17
Neighborhood Investigation………………………………………………………………19
Interview Strategies……………………………………………………………………… 23
Major Case Management………………………………………………………………… 25
Media Strategies…………………………………………………………………………..27
Resources………………………………………………………………………………… 29
FBI Resources…………………………………………………………………….29
Non-FBI Resources……………………………………………………………….34
Additional Considerations……………………………………………………………….. 37
Appendices
Appendix A: Neighborhood Canvass Form……………………………………..41
Appendix B: Roadblock Canvass Form…………………………………………43
Appendix C: General Assessment Questionnaire………………………………. 45
Appendix D: Child Victim Background Questionnaire…………………………57
Appendix E: Free Narrative…………………………………………………….. 63
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INTRODUCTION
Often the most challenging task at hand upon the receipt of a missing child complaint is determining
whether it is an abducted child, a runaway child, a lost child, a “thrown away” child, an accident, or a false
allegation to cover up the death of the child or some other family problem. This crucial assessment of the
initial facts may serve to eliminate some of the possibilities, but several options will likely remain and will
have to be pursued simultaneously.
Experience with previous missing child cases has demonstrated the importance of the following key
aspects to these investigations:
A thoroughly conducted neighborhood investigation
A well-planned and properly executed local search effort
The value of having these two steps meticulously completed in a timely manner cannot be overstated.
In many cases, the offender resided in, worked in, frequented, or had some other association with the
immediate area of the abduction. On some occasions, an offender has been contacted by law enforcement
during the initial neighborhood investigation but went undetected because of the hasty and/or cursory nature
of the canvass.
As in any violent personal crime investigation, it is equally important to know as much about the
missing child as possible, especially the current dynamics of the missing child’s family. Insights from
victimology will facilitate assessment of what type of incident has most likely occurred and whether the
parents or caretakers of the missing child might be involved in the disappearance. The newly developed
Child Victim Background Questionnaire (Appendix D) should facilitate obtaining this vital knowledge.
Experience is our best teacher, and we have the opportunity to learn and benefit from others’
endeavors concerning these cases. Most crimes are resolved through the quick use of logical and proven
investigative techniques. Missing child investigations are solved the same way. Swift implementation and
precise execution of basic investigative techniques will enhance the chances of a successful case resolution.
We must be prepared with a specific plan of action prior to the onset of a missing child incident.
An investigator’s perception of a missing child investigation may impact the overall direction of the
investigation as well as the allotment/prioritization of case resources. It is imperative that case investigators
avoid tunnel vision and keep an open mind when considering a specific case theory, thus ensuring that all
relevant investigative avenues are properly pursued. Individual agencies should prepare for a missing child
investigation prior to one actually occurring. Experience has shown that organizing certain resource
materials can be invaluable. The following list of items, which should be added to as appropriate, is included
for consideration:
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Departmental Missing Child Investigative Plan
•
Departmental Form(s)
o Consent to Search
o Advice of Rights
o Property Receipts
o Medical Information Release
o Lead Management Control Sheet
•
Departmental Telephone List(s)
•
Audio Cassette Recorder(s) and Audio Cassette Tape(s)
•
FBI’s Child Abduction Response Plan
o Neighborhood Canvass Form
o Roadblock Canvass Form
o General Assessment Questionnaire
o Child Victim Background Questionnaire
o Free Narrative
The Second Edition of the Child Abduction Response Plan contains improvements, additions, and
modifications to enhance basic techniques that are essential in conducting missing child investigations. It is
not a substitute for existing department procedures and protocols. Readers are encouraged to use the various
investigative suggestions, checklists, forms, and lists of resources to tailor a plan to fit their particular
investigative needs. Improvement to the Child Abduction Response Plan is a continuous process.
Recommendations to enhance the Child Abduction Response Plan are welcome and may be sent to the
NCAVC, Behavioral Analysis Unit-3 (BAU-3), FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia 22135, (703) 632-4347.
2
INITIAL RESPONSE
How law enforcement responds to the initial complaint of a missing child is crucial. Without the
presence of witnesses who can readily furnish factual details, the responding officer must determine what has
most likely occurred based upon his/her initial observations and findings. This critical determination will
dictate what future investigative steps will be taken.
The purpose of the initial response is to gather sufficient information to determine the most likely
sequence of events. The accuracy of this assessment is crucial to determining how the missing child
investigation should proceed. During the investigation, nothing should be assumed and everything should be
corroborated. Far too often, critical details are overlooked because an investigator thought someone else had
taken care of a particular aspect, or believed that a witness’s account of the incident need not be verified
because the witness “seemed credible.”
A rapid and thorough investigation may also develop additional information that will indicate that the
matter is not an abduction. The report may be a fabrication to cover up domestic problems or fatal abuse of a
missing child. Alternatively, the child may be lost, may be accidentally injured, or may have voluntarily run
away. At this point, the investigators can take the appropriate action to resolve the matter. It is much easier
to redirect the investigation and resources at this point than to make up lost ground and recover overlooked
or damaged evidence and/or lost leads because of a failure to initially use all available personnel and
resources.
A proper assessment should direct the investigation appropriately from the onset. Adequate
personnel should be assigned to cover these investigative steps in a timely manner. If insufficient
information prohibits an accurate assessment as to the type of incident, treat the disappearance as an
abduction until specific information is developed to suggest otherwise.
This initial assessment should include the following considerations:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Witness accounts of the incident (if any)
Age of the missing child, i.e., toddlers do not run away, but they do wander off
Activity the child was engaged in when last seen
History of prior disappearance(s) by the child
Prior incidents of family member child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, etc.
Previous similar incidents within the area where the child had last been seen, including
attempted approaches/abductions, suspicious persons/vehicles, etc.
The following sections outline suggestions to assist in the initial response, assessment, and follow-up
in a missing child investigation. If a ransom demand has been received, be advised that any overt
investigation could place the child in additional danger.
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UPON ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE
____
Verify the accuracy of the complaint/complainant. Obtain the basic facts as to who, what,
when, where, and how, including the name, age, and a current description of the child.
____
Request additional personnel to assist with the investigation, including supervisory personnel
who can assign a case detective/agent to coordinate all phases of investigation. Brief responding
units with complete, up-to-the-minute details as they become known and update communications
personnel with new information as appropriate.
NOTE: It is much easier to send individuals home that are already on scene than it is to
try to obtain additional manpower as the investigation continues.
____
Determine the circumstances of the disappearance, any health problems associated with the
missing child, and the custody status of child. Any available information related to a suspect and/or a
suspect vehicle should also be ascertained.
____
Obtain the most recent available photograph of the missing child for immediate dissemination
to all appropriate law enforcement agencies.
____
Provide a description of the child as well as information related to any suspect and/or suspect
vehicle to your communications/dispatch desk for appropriate dissemination.
____
Assign a team leader to manage the physical search effort for the missing child. (Refer to
General Area Search section.)
____
Determine what the family has already done (e.g., poster distribution, searches) to locate the
missing child and react accordingly.
____
Identify the exact location where the child was last seen and secure the scene until it can be
searched and examined for possible evidence. Consider obtaining a search warrant if appropriate.
____
Secure the missing child’s room as a potential crime scene as it may be necessary to obtain
sources of known samples of the child’s hair, body fluids, and fingerprints from bed linens, caps
and/or hooded clothing, hair brushes/combs, and toothbrushes. Even discarded trash may eventually
become of value from an investigation perspective. Again, consider obtaining a search warrant if
appropriate.
____
If the facts of the missing child incident are within the guidelines, immediately activate your
local, state, or regional AMBER Alert. Consult your local or state AMBER Alert Coordinator for the
current guidelines in your area.
____
As soon as practical, notify your local FBI office to request the assistance and resources
necessary to further determine the nature of the missing child incident.
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WITHIN SIX HOURS
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Conduct a detailed search of the immediate area, especially areas where a child may hide, to verify
the disappearance. If the child is reported missing from his/her home, ensure that a thorough search
is made of the house and all child-size areas therein, including any other structures and all vehicles
located in the area.
____
Immediately broadcast all critical details of the missing child incident to all other precincts or stations
within the department, as well as other surrounding local, county, and state agencies.
____
Using marked vehicles, set up an initial roadblock canvass. Identify all occupants of each vehicle,
documenting identities, descriptions, and, if appropriate, a brief statement for possible future use. If
relevant information is obtained, ensure it is immediately communicated to lead investigators.
During this roadblock canvass, ask for consent to search the targeted vehicle, specifically the trunk
area, in an effort to recover the victim.
____
Assign a Case Management Administrative Officer to document all initial assignments, leads,
searches, etc. All initially obtained information must eventually be transferred into the selected
automated lead management system.
____
Assign experienced personnel to interview pertinent witnesses (e.g., family members, close
associates). These witnesses should immediately be separately interviewed and their statements
compared with known information. Be sensitive with interviews involving a child witness regarding
suggestibility.
NOTE: The Free Narrative (See Appendix E) is an excellent tool to use in obtaining an
uncontaminated account of the events surrounding the victim’s disappearance from individuals close
to the immediate incident. It can be a nonthreatening, yet effective, way of eliciting valuable
information from the following individuals: last to see the victim, last to interact with the victim,
reporting complainant, caretaker and/or parents, and other close family members/associates.
Additionally, this technique can be used with individuals who are developed as suspects during the
course of the investigation. The Free Narrative can assist in identifying inconsistencies associated
with the Timeline, the Window of Opportunity, and alibis; as well as suggest additional investigative
avenues and possible themes for use in more directed interviews. The Free Narrative form is
provided in Appendix E and may be modified to fit the circumstances of a particular case. Provide
plenty of paper and set no time limit.
____
Identify and secure the missing child’s comfort zones and any other relevant locations as potential
crime scenes, i.e., a source of forensic evidence. Consider One-Time Opportunities relating to a
search effort, recognizing that failure to conduct a search in a timely manner may result in critical
forensic evidence being lost.
____
Assign a team leader to supervise the processing of all identified crime scenes. Consider the use of a
single crime laboratory for all forensic examinations, since the use of multiple forensic labs can
become problematic in the prosecutive phase of the investigation. (Refer to Crime Scene Search
section for additional information.)
5
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Assign a team leader to initiate a preliminary Neighborhood Canvass. Ensure that all neighborhood
investigation is immediately documented and provided to the appropriate administrative personnel to
avoid future duplication of effort. (Refer to Neighborhood Investigation section and Appendix A.)
____
Document the presence of all vehicles located in the target area. Conduct vehicle registration
inquiries on these vehicles and match the names of the registered owners against the results of the
neighborhood canvass investigation interviews.
____
Assign a team leader, and a back-up, for primary liaison with the missing child’s family. (Refer to
Liaison with the Missing Child’s Family section.)
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Immediately install a recorder on all telephone lines coming into the missing child’s residence.
Consider the use of Caller ID and trap and trace capabilities on these lines. Record and document, in
log format, all incoming calls to the missing child’s residence.
____
Determine if any technical equipment is needed, for recording or tracking purposes, for any mobile
telephones or other wireless communication devices. Such devices can include those utilized by the
missing child, members of the missing child’s family, or suspects developed in the investigation.
Contact a Technically Trained Agent (TTA) at the local FBI office for additional
resources/assistance, if necessary.
____
Initiate a request to obtain local telephone records, including text messages, for all relevant
telephones.
____
Obtain all computers from the missing child’s residence. Obtain all recent e-mails (both to the
missing child’s family and from the missing child’s family), chat room conversations, blogs,
computerized files, and/or computer data that is still present on the missing child’s family’s ISP
server. Computers should immediately be analyzed by appropriate computer support personnel with
specific expertise in this area.
____
Consider maintaining all residence computer accounts in order to obtain any pertinent incoming
communications.
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Identify all area businesses (banks, ATMs, bars, liquor stores, convenience stores, etc.) that use video
equipment for security purposes. Review video surveillance recordings for possible lead information
(e.g., identification of persons in the area who may be witnesses and/or suspects).
NOTE: Most businesses use the same tapes for video recording each day. It is essential to seize
the tapes within 24 hours so that crucial footage is not lost. Ensure the manager of each business
is contacted as employees may not be aware of a video recording system.
____
If necessary, request behavioral/operational assistance from the FBI’s National Center for the
Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC). Each FBI field office has at least one NCAVC Coordinator
who will serve as point of contact/liaison with the NCAVC.
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WITHIN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS
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Establish a command post well away from the crime scene and/or the missing child’s residence to
ensure appropriate security. It is extremely important to provide command post personnel with the
materials, resources, and space necessary to properly perform their tasking(s). The command post
should be prepared for immediate operational activities such as comfortable working space/parking
for task force members, networked computers, an appropriate number of telephone lines with a
rollover capability, available televisions for monitoring local media outlets, separate meeting and/or
breakout rooms, copying machines, food/drink/restroom availability, etc.
____
Evaluate all information gathered to date, noting any discrepancies and/or conflicting information.
Confirm everything.
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Begin to develop a corroborated and detailed Timeline of the missing child’s know activities up to
the time that he/she was reported missing. Expand as appropriate. Consider the use of commercially
available software for this purpose.
____
Determine the time frame between when the child was reliably last seen and when discovered
missing. This Window of Opportunity is crucial to establish. Remember that persons responsible for
the child may attempt to minimize the Window of Opportunity; therefore, one must determine when
the missing child was last seen by someone other than a family member of the complainant.
____
Schedule daily briefings of all task force personnel to ensure that all pertinent investigative
information is immediately known to the case investigators. These briefings should initially occur
twice a day, thus ensuring that all task force members are aware of case information which may
impact how they go about completing their respective case responsibilities.
____
As soon as practical, establish a single, toll-free telephone number dedicated to the investigation. If
possible, this telephone should be answered by law enforcement personnel or trained individuals such
as cadets or retired officers who are continually provided with updated case information. This line
should not be associated with a “law enforcement” telephone number (e.g., Crime Solvers, the local
FBI switchboard), so callers who are reluctant to become involved will feel comfortable in calling. It
is recommended that a trap and trace and Caller ID be placed on this number as well as the lines
being recorded.
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A toll-free number should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is the objective of a toll-free
number to make it as easy as possible for the public to contact investigative personnel. Assistance
with a toll-free number may be obtained by contacting you local FBI office.
____
Consider establishing a Post Office Box, dedicated to the investigation, which would allow people to
mail in tips anonymously. Some individuals are uncomfortable telephoning law enforcement, but
they may send information to a Post Office Box.
7
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Consider use of the Internet to establish a case-specific Web site and/or e-mail address. This allows
case investigators to better control the release of case information to the public as well as an
additional way for the general public to contact task force personnel. Ensure the use of a local server,
thus facilitating necessary subpoena service. A case-specific Web site/e-mail address also provides
the task force with an additional method to receive and disseminate case information.
____
Regularly schedule press briefings to deter attempts by the media to discover details from other
sources (e.g., the victim’s family, witnesses, neighbors) that might obstruct investigative activity.
These briefings should be at appropriate times to allow the media to fulfill their deadlines.
____
Obtain a current photograph and/or recent video of the missing child, especially those depicting the
child in a sporting event, a dance recital, etc., for publicizing via the media. These depictions should
realistically portray the child and not be a “glamour shot” or any other misrepresentation of the true
likeness of the missing child.
____
Begin preparation of a case-specific missing child flyer. This flyer should exhibit the aforementioned
photograph of the victim. The flyer should also depict photographs of the clothing the victim was
wearing at the time of the disappearance. Unique characteristics of the missing child, such as
birthmarks, scars, tattoos, etc., should be noted. Additionally, the flyer should publicize a single, tollfree telephone number, a Post Office Box number dedicated to the investigation, and, if possible, a
case-specific Internet address.
____
Search police records for any previous contacts made with the complainant or missing child, any
similar incidents/approaches, or any recent police activity within the reported location where the
missing child was last seen. Advise the lead investigator of any pertinent information concerning
these checks.
____
Assign a team leader to coordinate the missing child’s victimology, utilizing the Child Victim
Background Questionnaire. (Refer to Victimology section and Appendix D.)
____
Consider using the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) for
regional/national notification purposes and ensure that timely updates are provided. Maintain
sensitivity to the media’s ability to monitor these transmissions and use appropriate discretion relative
to specific crime scene details.
____
Contact commercial trash companies and coordinate searches of area trash dumpsters. Also, obtain
information about trash collection schedules, attempt to segregate trash from the missing child’s
neighborhood and determine specific landfill location(s) for pertinent area trash disposal, etc.
____
Ensure information about the missing child is properly entered into NCIC’s Missing Person File.
____
All missing child investigations require a lead management system, i.e., computer software utilized to
develop a data base, to track/manage case information. Ensure that all relevant case information is
quickly uploaded into this system, which must have search capabilities. FBI programs are available
for this function as are other commercial software programs.
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Immediately begin utilizing a standardized information intake form to ensure uniformity in case
documentation.
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Ensure that all information obtained prior to the development of the lead management system is
transcribed and uploaded into the data base as soon as it is established, thus assuring that no data is
lost in the transition.
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Determine what additional assistance is needed and assign personnel to contact and obtain those
resources.
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Consider the deployment/utilization of one of the FBI’s regional Child Abduction Rapid Deployment
(CARD) teams. More information regarding the CARD team concept may be found in the Resources
section.
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If appropriate, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), (800) 8435678, for resources, e.g., flyer distribution, computer support, AMBER Alerts, the Locator System,
Team ADAM deployments. For further information concerning NCMEC, please refer to the
Resources section.
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Based upon the information developed, make an initial assessment as to the type of incident:
abduction, parental kidnapping, runaway, accident, or a false allegation.
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WITHIN SEVEN DAYS
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Designate a single spokesperson on behalf of all involved agencies. This spokesperson should be
physically located away from the command post and should not be assigned other investigative
responsibilities.
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Coordinate all press releases through the designated spokesperson, including, when possible,
statements by the prosecutor’s office, medical examiner’s office, etc.
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Utilize the media as appropriate to immediately disseminate flyers of the missing child and to
publicize the investigation’s toll-free telephone number, the dedicated Post Office Box, and the case’s
Internet address.
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Obtain aerial photographs of all relevant areas to ensure the depiction of current conditions. Aerial
photographs are also helpful in organizing searches, canvasses, etc.
____
Begin to establish independently corroborated Timelines as well as alibis for all significant family
members and associates during the Window of Opportunity. Conduct a thorough investigation (e.g.,
additional neighborhood canvassing, mobile telephone tracking) to establish the truthfulness of selfreported alibis.
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Identify and interview employers/co-workers of appropriate family members and associates regarding
any recently exhibited unusual behavior.
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Document the parental reaction to their child’s disappearance, noting that without a baseline for
comparison, it is very difficult to assess this behavior. Do not let personal perceptions of how a
parent should react to his/her child’s disappearance unduly influence your judgment.
____
Consider the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) on appropriate vehicles as the investigation
progresses.
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SEARCHES
Once it is established that a child has been abducted or is missing under mysterious circumstances, a
number of investigative steps must be swiftly initiated to best utilize law enforcement resources in an attempt
to recover a live victim and to identify the offender(s). For the purposes of the CARP, searches will be
divided into two types:
General Area Search – an actual pursuit for the missing child
Crime Scene Search – a formal collection of potential physical evidence
As in all searches, when in doubt as to the legality of the search, secure the area in question and
consult the primary jurisdiction’s legal advisor. Consent-to-search authorizations should be documented and
search warrants obtained when necessary or prudent.
Crime scene technicians and forensic evidence specialists such as members of an FBI Evidence
Response Team (ERT) should be used in photographing and recovering any potential item of physical
evidence. All FBI field offices have at least one trained Evidence Response Team for use in these types of
investigations.
General Area Search
General area searches must be well-coordinated, controlled, and preferably conducted by personnel
trained in search and rescue techniques. These searches should also be supervised and documented by law
enforcement. Large-scale outdoor searches have proven most successful when searchers have been briefed
by law enforcement personnel prior to the search. After such a briefing, the search should then be
coordinated through one person who is responsible for overseeing the assignment of areas of responsibility,
documenting all assignments, and carefully reviewing the results to ensure thoroughness. This technique
reduces the possibility of duplication of efforts as well as the risk of areas being missed. Whenever possible,
use a trained Search and Rescue Team or other trained law enforcement search team. If available, use of
military personnel from nearby military installations may be advantageous. The identities of all participating
personnel must be recorded and verified. Additionally, the areas searched, as well as the date/time(s) of the
search, need to be documented for future reference.
If volunteer organizations are utilized, it is appropriate to require identification and criminal history
checks on all participants. Volunteers must be closely supervised and their search efforts thoroughly
scrutinized and documented.
The general area should include all of the following locations:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wooded or uninhabited areas
Bodies of water
Vacant buildings
Abandoned vehicles, refrigerators, freezers, etc.
Known neighborhood hangouts (arcades, convenience stores, etc.)
“Attractive nuisances” (shafts, underpasses, neighbor’s backyards, pools, etc.)
Other secluded areas where an assault and/or body disposal could occur
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Consider high ground or aerial photography resources to oversee the ground search area.
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Use reliable/proven/experienced tracking dogs prior to initial ground search efforts.
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Use a well-planned/organized/systematic approach for the ground search effort.
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Maintain a written log of all search participants and the area(s) they searched.
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If possible evidence is located, leave the item in place, secure the area, and immediately request
crime scene processing personnel.
____
Properly document all recovered items of evidence.
Crime Scene Search
The goal of any crime scene search is to properly document, collect, and submit for crime laboratory
analysis all items of potential physical evidence within a targeted location. A well-trained and well-equipped
team of experienced crime scene investigators is crucial for the effective recovery of the evidence needed to
assist in solving complex investigative matters, such as those involving the abduction of a child.
Due to the myriad of situations that can exist, it is impossible for this Plan to cover all conceivable
aspects of a child abduction crime scene search. One must assess each individual missing child scenario on a
singular basis to ensure that all possible crime scene searches (e.g., an underwater recovery, an excavation)
are fully exploited by law enforcement.
Prior preparation should ensure the procurement of the necessary collection and packaging materials
for the physical evidence. Additionally, the required paperwork for proper documentation of the crime scene
process should already be decided upon and ready for use. Crime scene search team personnel assignments
should be made prior to the actual crime scene processing.
When the crime scene search is initiated, the site must be aggressively secured, a detailed log of who
enters/departs the scene must be maintained, and any individual without a specific reason to enter the scene,
including law enforcement managers, should not be allowed to interfere with the procedure. Once the team
is in place and ready to begin the crime scene process, a systematic procedure must be strictly adhered to.
Searches of Potential Crime Scenes
Crime scene searches should include searches of the abduction site (if known), the area where the
child was last seen, the child’s residence (particularly, the missing child’s bedroom), the recovery site, the
body disposal site, the area(s) of any documented sightings of the child, and, if appropriate, the child’s
school locker/desk.
Additionally, searches should be considered for the suspect’s or offender’s residence(s), vehicle(s),
storage area(s), employment location(s), and other places that the offender is known to frequent. The
offender’s “person” should also be considered a crime scene. Obtain known fingerprints (including major
case prints), a known DNA standard, and known head and pubic hair samples. Possible trace evidence
samples (head and pubic hair combings, fingernail clippings, body swabbings, etc.) should also be obtained.
If appropriate, consult a legal advisor prior to initiating these offender-related searches.
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Child’s Residence/Room
____
Process for physical evidence, to include latent fingerprints, hairs, fibers, other trace evidence, body
fluids, and other items of potential evidentiary value.
____
If known fingerprints of the child are unavailable, obtain items believed to have been handled by the
missing child (hairbrush/comb, toothbrush, personal papers, computers, CDs, toys, etc.) from which
latent prints may be obtained.
____
Obtain known hair or DNA samples of the child. Sources may include: hairbrushes, hooded
clothing, hats, toothbrush, bed linens, etc.
____
Collect known blood samples from the biological parents of the missing child for possible future
identification purposes.
____
Obtain an unwashed item of clothing containing odor of the missing child to serve as possible future
canine scent material. Consult your search team leader regarding how to collect and maintain this
item without contamination.
____
Obtain any drawings, paintings, diaries, journals, or other writings of the missing child.
____
Consider cloning the missing child’s mobile telephone (or the mobile phone that the child routinely
uses), BlackBerry, pager, or any other wireless device(s).
____
Obtain elimination fingerprints and known DNA samples from anyone believed to have prior access
to the area of the search.
____
If applicable, search the missing child’s school locker, to include a search for school reports,
diaries/journals, etc. Additionally, determine if the missing child had any school computer access,
such as in the library, front office, etc.
Abduction, Assault, and Recovery Sites
____
If the missing child is recovered, whether alive or deceased, ensure the child is examined for the
presence of foreign body fluids and fingernail scrapings are obtained. Examinations for the presence
of foreign hairs/unknown fibers should be conducted and attempts made to obtain latent fingerprints,
especially on objects likely handled by the offender, as well as attempting any other logical
examination(s). If the recovered child is alive, ensure that properly trained medical personnel
immediately conduct these examinations.
____
Process all sites for physical evidence, to include latent fingerprints, body fluids, trace evidence (e.g.,
soil, carpet fibers, hairs, glass fragments, paint chips), insects, plant life, bindings, weapons, etc.
____
Secure and search all logical routes from the abduction site to the assault and/or recovery site.
13
Search of Offender’s Person, Residence, and Area(s) Under His/Her Control
____
Fully photograph the offender (front and side view), paying special attention to any noted scratches,
bruises, teeth/bite marks, scars, moles, birthmarks, tattoos, etc.
____
Obtain a complete set of major case prints from the offender.
____
Obtain known samples of blood, saliva, head and pubic hair, penile swabbings, fingernail scrapings,
dental impressions, etc.
____
Search/process the offender’s residence, storage areas, vehicles (including rentals and other vehicles
the offender has access to), and nearby trash containers for any possible physical evidence, to include
latent fingerprints, body fluids, trace evidence, etc.
____
Search the offender’s residence for all clothing/shoes which match witness accounts of what the
offender was wearing at any time of the incident. Also, ensure any evidence of clothes laundering or
disposal is properly documented.
____
Search the offender’s work location, to include lockers, vehicles (personal and company-owned),
accessible computers, and storage areas.
____
Seize all wireless devices, including mobile telephones, BlackBerries, etc., cameras, computers and
computer logs, journals/diaries, media articles of interest, videotapes, DVDs, CDs, photographs (and
negatives), address books, sales receipts, credit card receipts, storage and/or rental unit receipts,
telephone bills, gasoline receipts, records of bank/ATM transactions, etc.
____
Check for receipts of other documentation pertaining to the recent sale, repair, and/or maintenance of
vehicles, including recent painting/cleaning of interior and/or exterior of the vehicle.
____
Consider additional forensic techniques that may not have been available during the initial crime
scene search, such as alternate light sources, electrostatic lifts, Luminol, etc.
____
Any questions regarding processing of crime scenes should be directed to the Evidence Response
Team (ERT) Coordinator within your local FBI field office.
14
VICTIMOLOGY
Victimology, a comprehensive collection of personal information, is a crucial aspect of a
missing child investigation that is sometimes neglected. A detailed account of the missing child’s
lifestyle and personality assists in narrowing down the possible reasons for his/her disappearance, aids
in victim risk level determination, and provides insight into the type of person who could have taken
the missing child. Complete information regarding the child’s physical description, the child’s
“normal” behavioral pattern(s), the missing child’s family dynamics situation, etc., should be obtained
as soon as possible.
The Child Victim Background Questionnaire (see Appendix D) was developed to assist in
obtaining this critical information. As noted on the form, at least four different sources (family
members, neighbors, teachers or coaches, good friends or schoolmates, church youth leaders, etc.),
each familiar with the missing child, should be asked to fill out a form. By assessing these forms, law
enforcement will develop the proper background information regarding the missing child’s personality
traits, which should greatly enhance the overall investigative effort.
____
Document any recent physical changes (weight loss/gain, hair style change, etc.).
____
Obtain a detailed description of all items of the child’s last known clothing, jewelry, or
personal belongings (such as backpack, lunch box, purse, etc.), including brand names, sizes,
and date/location purchased. Attempt to corroborate with a non-family member.
____
Immediately obtain as close to an exact duplicate of the child’s last known clothing and/or
personal items as possible. If appropriate, immediately publicize to the media and consider
incorporating into the missing flyer.
____
Obtain proper parental releases for medical/dental records, including previous X-rays, eyeglass
prescriptions, etc.
____
Identify and separately interview all immediate and extended family members (to include their
spouses, boyfriends/girlfriends, or other close associates) who reside in or frequent the
residence.
____
Continue to develop a detailed Timeline of the child’s last known activities up to the time
he/she was reported missing. The Timeline should be independently verified/corroborated by
non-family individuals.
____
Continue to assess the Window of Opportunity (i.e., the time frame of the incident) regarding
the child’s disappearance. This must be independently corroborated by non-family members
who have no self-interest in the ongoing situation.
____
Identify hobbies and/or membership in clubs, sports teams, or any other organizations.
Determine the most recent participation/events by the child. Identify/interview all members,
including adults.
15
____
Obtain and review all current schoolwork and any other personal writings, diaries, or drawings.
Include any entries into a personal computer (home or school) or interaction with any online
computer service.
____
If appropriate, identify and interview all employment associates/co-workers.
____
Determine who has normal “parental control” over the child. This would include biological parents,
step-parents, divorced/estranged parents, or any others who exercised parental guardianship of the
child.
____
Determine any history of illicit drug and/or alcohol abuse by the victim or any family member.
____
Identify any criminal history/activity involving the victim or any family member.
____
Identify any psychiatric history pertaining to the victim or any family member.
____
Determine the current financial status of the child’s family, including any large or recent debts, any
life insurance policies involving the child, etc.
____
Identify and interview any babysitters or routine caretakers of the missing child.
____
Consider/evaluate the culture of the family and any bearing that may have on the incident. This
would include a history of arranged marriages, racial or ethnic prejudices, etc.
____
Determine whether Child Protective Services (or similar agencies) have ever responded to the
residence and, if so, the nature of the incident. If the missing child has previously been a client of
Child Protective Services, ensure all reported family members are identified and thoroughly
interviewed.
16
LIAISON WITH MISSING CHILD’S FAMILY
Liaison with the missing child’s family involves identifying and assisting with the emotional needs of
family members. This is done in an attempt to keep an open channel of communication with family
members for as long as possible. A possible complication to this process is the fact that one or more family
members could become the primary focus of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials must be extremely sensitive to the emotional needs of the family. The
continuing assistance of the missing child’s family is vital for developing victimology and other investigative
needs. Obtaining this information can be facilitated with empathy and a basic understanding of what family
members are experiencing.
The following suggestions are in no way inclusive and are included for consideration only. The lead
investigator should never be the primary liaison to the child’s family. This is due to the time required for
liaison with the family as well as the emotional toll it can take on the assigned officer.
It is common during a long-term missing child investigation for the child’s family to eventually
withdraw their cooperation with law enforcement. This is largely due to anger and frustration caused by a
lack of knowledge of the investigative process. Thus, it is important to keep the family informed and
involved with certain aspects of the evolving investigation. With this understanding, their cooperation will
hopefully continue, even when the emotional aspects may become somewhat overwhelming.
____
Appoint a single liaison contact person and a back-up, who are members of the investigative team, to
establish and maintain appropriate contact with the child’s family. Having one person designated for
this function will facilitate the building of rapport and trust with the child’s family. Experience in
prior cases of missing children has determined that someone with proven interpersonal skills and
objectivity, such as a trained victim/witness specialist, is well-suited for this assignment.
NOTE: Each FBI field office and each United States Attorney’s Office, as well as some state and
local law enforcement agencies, have at least one employee assigned as a victim/witness specialist.
The family liaison contact should be prepared to explain general law enforcement-based activity that
may occur in and around the household, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Specific actions/activities at the residence
Search efforts that will be reported in the media
Use of polygraph examinations
Emotional roller coaster impact on family members
Investigating parents and other family members as possible suspects
Preparation for possible ransom communications
Intense media/general public attention
Reward issues
Direct contact by psychics with offers of assistance
17
NOTE: Families should be discouraged from contacting/utilizing psychics within the course of the
criminal investigation. The NCAVC is not aware of any missing child case which has been positively
impacted by the use of a psychic.
____
Providing family members have been completely eliminated as suspects, it is important to regularly
update the family regarding the status of the investigation within the boundaries of investigative
integrity and legal propriety.
____
Address the emotional aspects the family may experience. If applicable, refer for counseling and/or
contact local clergy or a representative from the local, regional, state, or federal victim/witness
assistance program.
____
Present family concerns, to include investigative suggestions, to the lead investigator. This helps the
family feel they are a part of the investigation and that their concerns are being considered.
Operational Activities
Consent from the missing child’s family is necessary for the initiation of some of the techniques
listed below. Absent consent from the family, or when mandated by state law and federal law does not
apply, obtain court orders and/or search warrants.
____
Ensure the main family telephone line(s) is kept open for any incoming calls.
____
Maintain a log of all relevant activities/events within the residence.
____
Monitor and coordinate the activities of all missing child family support agencies, especially those
with no specific ties to law enforcement.
____
Explain to the family the need to coordinate all contacts with the media, or any other non-law
enforcement entity such as reward solicitors/coordinators, private investigators, search volunteers,
etc.
____
Discuss a possible ransom telephone call/payoff with family members. Ensure the child’s family is
aware of FBI limitations in providing the money for a ransom payoff.
18
NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTIGATION
The neighborhood investigation is one of the most crucial steps in a missing child case and is often
overlooked and/or under-emphasized. The objectives of a thorough neighborhood investigation are to search
for the child and to identify and personally interview all individuals within the abduction and/or last known
sighting area during the Window of Opportunity. This would include adult individuals who may no longer
live, visit, and/or work in the area as well as all children/minors.
Many children have been victimized by a resident or a person visiting a resident of the neighborhood
in question. Often, someone within the neighborhood witnessed something but did not realize the
importance of what they saw until contacted by authorities or made aware of the missing child through the
media. Unless the neighborhood investigation is conducted quickly and thoroughly, valuable information
that may assist in the resolution of the disappearance may be lost.
Neighborhood Canvass
____
A single team leader should be assigned to coordinate the overall neighborhood canvass effort. This
individual will be in charge of this facet of the investigation and responsible for ensuring that the
canvass is properly conducted. Additionally, the team leader must review each canvass form for
completeness and determine what additional leads need to be set.
____
Conduct a thorough neighborhood investigation at each location where the missing child was known
to have been seen. Corroborate all information from multiple, independent sources. These locations
would include, but are not limited to, the abduction site, the recovery site, the disposal site, the
victim’s non-custodial parent’s neighborhood, and any other location where the missing child was
recently reported to have been seen. Obtain consent to search, for the child only, in all child-size
containers within the residence, outbuildings, and any associated vehicles, emphasizing that the
request is strictly for the safe recovery of the child.
____
Use a standardized set of questions that is specific for the investigation-at-hand. Standardization of
questions will assure completeness and uniformity of information and facilitate the establishment of a
data base to track all information. (See Appendix A for a generic Neighborhood Canvass Form
which should be tailored for use regarding a specific missing child case. NCAVC personnel are
available to assist in this effort.)
____
Neighborhood canvass team members should be carefully selected for this tasking based on their
prior level of experience/success in interviewing. There should be no more than five, two-person
teams (from different law enforcement agencies) involved in this canvass procedure. This will allow
interviewers to become familiar with the protocol, including what answers to expect concerning a
specific canvass question.
____
The team leader should clearly define the parameters for the neighborhood canvass regarding specific
addresses assigned to each team. The team leader should ensure that each team continues their
canvass until all individuals at a specific address are identified and interviewed. A “no one home”
response is not acceptable.
19
____
Dedicate law enforcement teams to the neighborhood canvass through its conclusion; teams should
not be subject to being called away to another assignment.
____
Interview each occupant of a residence separately from other occupants. Be sure to include children
when conducting these interviews. If some occupants are missed, return to the residence at another
time.
____
Document all investigative efforts, including addresses where no contact was made, the
names/addresses of persons who stated they did not observe anything, and, of course, the
name/address of any individual who refuses consent to search.
____
Ensure that all neighborhood canvass team members re-contact the residences/businesses where no
contact was made during the preliminary neighborhood investigation. Interview and inquire as to
their observations and whereabouts during the Window of Opportunity, document their responses,
and verify their whereabouts.
____
Determine the dynamics of the neighborhood, including recent criminal activity such as attempted
abductions, prowling, suspicious persons/vehicles, and nuisance complaints, especially those sexual
in nature, etc.
____
Ensure field interview reports or other reports that are not computerized are reviewed by appropriate
investigative personnel.
____
In large apartment complex communities, consider discreet late night surveillance in an attempt to
better determine how the neighborhood environment may change after dark. This would include
identifying children, i.e., witnesses, who might routinely be out of their residence at night without the
knowledge of their parents.
____
Be sensitive to the cultural dynamics of the neighborhood. Attempt to use interviewing personnel
who speak the appropriate language and who have an awareness of significant cultural factors
relative to the population being canvassed.
____
Develop the identities of any neighbors who may have recently moved and any relevant criminal
history and/or unusual behavior of these individuals. Determine if they may have recently returned to
the neighborhood. Consider contacting the local Postal Inspection Service to assist in this effort.
____
Identify house guests of neighbors who visit or who may have had extended stays in the
neighborhood.
____
Identify and interview all registered and known sex offenders residing in or adjacent to the area.
Ensure that all probation and parole officers in the area are interviewed regarding their clients.
____
Identify all regular delivery persons and service call personnel within the targeted neighborhood.
These individuals may include the person(s) responsible for mail delivery, newspaper(s) delivery,
express mail (United Parcel Service, Federal Express, DHL, etc.) delivery, gas meter reading, pizza
delivery, lawn services, pool services, etc.
20
____
Identify any contractors/businesses who have recently conducted work projects within the target area.
Obtain lists of all contract personnel for additional background investigations, if appropriate.
____
Establish an independent Timeline of the sightings of the victim from the collected information.
Compare this Timeline with the previously described Timeline as well as to the statements of persons
previously contacted for any discrepancies as to their whereabouts, especially during the Window of
Opportunity.
____
Contact local utilities and/or fire departments for maps or computer software for neighborhood/area
maps.
____
To ensure thoroughness, repeat the neighborhood investigation during the Window of Opportunity
the following day and the same day the following week.
The neighborhood team leader should review all documentation for lead information, missed
residences, negative contacts, and contradictory information. A corroborated Timeline of neighborhood
observations could prove extremely beneficial to the investigation. Again, any discrepancies should be
immediately reported to the lead investigator(s).
Roadblock Canvass
Roadblock canvasses can be instrumental in lead development and should be initiated when feasible.
Establish roadblocks to further develop the identities of individuals who routinely travel through the area of
the incident (e.g., newspaper and mail carriers, delivery persons, commuters). An initial roadblock canvass
was previously discussed in the Initial Response section.
Conduct additional roadblock canvasses, as appropriate, during the established Window of
Opportunity in all applicable locations. Consider roadblock canvasses during the Window of Opportunity on
the day following the disappearance and on the same day of the incident in the following week(s) to ensure
total coverage. For this roadblock canvass, use a standardized set of questions to ensure completeness and
uniformity of obtained information.
The NCAVC is available to discuss alternative roadblock canvass measures when the above
suggestions are not feasible due to the large volume of traffic, the specific target location, etc. Your
departmental legal advisor should also be consulted prior to the implementation of a roadblock canvass.
See Appendix B for a generic Roadblock Canvass Form which should be tailored for use regarding a
specific missing child case. NCAVC personnel are available to assist in this effort.
21
22
INTERVIEW STRATEGIES
Interviewing is an important skill in all criminal investigations, especially those involving a missing
child. In a large number of missing child cases, the suspect interview becomes a critical stage of the
investigation, with law enforcement often having only one opportunity to speak with a suspect.
Based on the experience of the NCAVC, suspect interviews need to be specific concerning the facts
of the offense as well as specific to the background of the individual being interviewed. The more time
allotted to prepare for these interviews, the better the chances of obtaining pertinent information relevant to
the investigation.
In order to develop appropriate interview themes, it is important that the interviewer be provided with
as much information regarding the suspect as possible. Prior to starting the discussions, the interviewer
should be aware of the suspect’s alleged alibi during the Window of Opportunity of the incident, as well as
any recent significant events/stressors in the suspect’s life. When developing background information
concerning a specific individual, investigators, using a standard set of questions, should interview multiple
co-workers, associates, friends, and family members. This will ensure uniformity in obtaining this
information and in the subsequent development of multiple interview themes.
To assist in this process, the NCAVC continues to update/improve the General Assessment
Questionnaire (GAQ). The proper use of the GAQ allows investigators to obtain extensive background
information that is used to develop interview themes specific to an individual. This analysis enables the
interviewer to better understand the day-to-day personality of the suspect, thereby ensuring a more
competent and professional interview. (See Appendix C for the NCAVC’s General Assessment
Questionnaire.)
Investigators are reminded not to over depend on the audio and/or video recording of interviews. Too
many times, recorder malfunctions (or other factors) make a recording unintelligible and, therefore, useless
to the investigation. One must ensure that a back-up system, e.g., note taking, is in place prior to the start of
an important interview. An additional alternative would be to ensure that the interview is properly
documented as soon as possible after it is conducted.
____
Conduct the interview in a location which most complements the interviewer or the interviewing
team. Avoid interviewing a suspect within his/her own environment.
____
Ensure there are no time restraints regarding the interview process. Obtaining the truth can
sometimes take a very long period of time.
Law enforcement agencies handling missing child investigations are encouraged to contact the
NCAVC to further discuss an interview strategy best suited to the ongoing case.
23
24
MAJOR CASE MANAGEMENT
A suspected missing child case can quickly evolve into a major investigation that can easily deplete
any department’s available personnel and/or resources. Often the investigating agency is not prepared to
effectively manage and track the volume of investigative leads or the generated case information.
Accordingly, valuable lead information may be lost and investigative resources may not be used to their full
potential. It is imperative for law enforcement to have a missing child case investigation plan in place and to
have the resources dedicated for the successful implementation of this plan prior to a major crisis occurring.
Every missing child investigation has different variables, which will cause the management of each
case to significantly differ. Please consult your department’s general orders or procedures manual for more
specific information/direction regarding a missing child case within your jurisdiction.
For general questions, each FBI field division has a dedicated Crisis Management Coordinator
(CMC) who has extensive, specialized training in this area. The CMC is available to assist with any
identified logistical or deployment-related issues.
____
Immediately establish the command structure of the investigation. Experience has noted the
necessity of having a single person, from any of the involved agencies, in charge of the overall
investigative effort. A missing child investigation is extremely difficult to manage by committee.
____
Initiate an early dialogue with the local District Attorney’s Office and the nearest United States
Attorney’s Office. By ensuring the involvement of both local and federal prosecutors, obtaining a
case-specific court order, search warrant, arrest warrant, etc., will be greatly facilitated.
____
Make an early determination regarding how to document the case from a paperwork perspective.
Briefly train all task force members on how to properly fill out the selected method of paperwork.
This consistency in paperwork will greatly facilitate any future prosecutive effort.
The NCAVC, BAU-3, telephone number (703) 632-4347, is available for discussing additional major
case management issues specific to your case.
25
26
MEDIA STRATEGIES
The media can be of invaluable assistance in the resolution of missing child cases. Experience with
child abduction cases has demonstrated the need to establish and maintain positive liaison with the media
throughout the investigation. Positive liaison will hopefully minimize criticism of investigative efforts, deter
untimely interviews with victim families and/or witnesses, and discourage the premature release of sensitive
information.
____
Release only details of the investigative activity that are deemed essential to the recovery of the child.
Always consider the risk to the child created by releasing information. Keep in mind that the
offender is in your audience.
____
Carefully worded (scripted) media releases can elicit additional information from witnesses,
associates of the offender, and even the offender. When appropriate, use a family member or clergy
as a spokesperson. This is particularly important in infant abduction cases.
____
Assign personnel to videotape media releases and news broadcasts relating to the case for future
reference. In some instances, it will be necessary to review media release content for a specific date
or period to determine what was public information and what would have been known only to police
and the offender at a specific point in time. It may also prove helpful to link specific post-offensive
behavior with information released to the media.
____
Discretion should be used in the timing and wording of releases containing information about any
reward being offered. The press release should be tailored so that the use of the reward advances the
investigation and does not increase risk to the abducted child.
____
Establish and enforce a Task Force-wide policy strictly prohibiting unauthorized disclosures to
members of the media.
Different emphases will be appropriate at different stages of the investigation. For example, in the
early hours after a child is deemed to be missing/abducted, emphasis should be on personalizing the child
and on the child’s safe return. In contrast, after the child is released or the victim’s body recovered, the
emphasis would shift to police efforts to resolve the case – stressing the resources dedicated to the
investigation, the support of the community, and the large number of leads generated, etc. Use of soft terms
such as “missing” or “last seen with” might be preferable in the early days of the investigation, while harsher
terms such as “abducted” or “murdered” might be preferable once the child is released or the body
recovered.
The NCAVC, BAU-3, telephone number (703) 632-4347, is available for consultation and assistance
in the preparation of press releases and/or suggestions as to the format for press conferences.
27
28
FBI RESOURCES
Critical Incident Response Group
The Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) facilitates the FBI’s rapid response to, and the
management of, crisis incidents. CIRG was established to integrate tactical and investigative resources and
expertise for critical incidents which necessitate an immediate response from law enforcement authorities.
CIRG resources are routinely deployed in response to a variety of scenarios, including missing child
investigations.
Each major area of CIRG furnishes distinctive operational assistance and training to FBI field offices
as well as state, local, and international law enforcement agencies. CIRG personnel are on call twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week to respond to a crisis situation.
National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC): NCAVC is a branch under the Investigative
and Operations Support Section (IOSS). The mission of the NCAVC is to combine investigative and
operational support functions, research, and training in order to provide behavioral assistance to federal,
state, local, and foreign law enforcement agencies investigating unusual or repetitive violent crimes. The
Supervisory Special Agents and the professional support staff, including Unit-specific Crime Analysts, who
comprise the NCAVC provide case-specific recommendations and support in a wide variety of investigative
matters and other law enforcement-related functions. The NCAVC is organized into four components:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Behavioral Analysis Unit-1 (BAU-1) – Terrorism/Threat Assessment
Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 (BAU-2) – Crimes Against Adults
Behavioral Analysis Unit-3 (BAU-3) – Crimes Against Children
Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP)
Behavioral Analysis Unit – 3 (BAU-3): The BAU-3 routinely assists law enforcement in a wide variety of
investigations of crimes against children. Since 1995, BAU-3 personnel have been involved in hundreds of
investigations involving missing children, child homicides, or child sexual victimization, developing a
specific expertise in these sometimes complex cases. In these types of cases, the BAU-3 can provide the
following services:
•
•
•
•
•
Crime assessment
Unknown offender characteristics
Interview strategy
Major case review
Media strategy
•
•
•
•
•
Personality assessment
Investigative strategy
Prosecutive strategy
Expert testimony
Search warrant considerations
The BAU-3 can be directly contacted at telephone number (703) 632-4347.
29
Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP): ViCAP can facilitate cooperation, communication, and
coordination between law enforcement agencies, and provide support in their efforts to investigate, identify,
track, apprehend, and prosecute violent serial offenders. ViCAP personnel routinely assist with NCIC offline searches, offender timelines, matrices of serial offenses, ViCAP Alerts, NLETS searches, and
nationwide mailings to law enforcement agencies. Additional ViCAP information may be obtained from
your local FBI office or directly from ViCAP at telephone number (800) 634-4097.
Crisis Management Unit (CMU): CMU can offer assistance in the establishment of a command post, major
case management software, and computer hardware during crisis situations of other high-profile
investigations in which major case management skills and resources are required. Additionally, each FBI
field office has a specifically trained Crisis Management Coordinator who is available for assistance in a
missing child investigation and who can facilitate obtaining appropriate hardware/software for these cases.
Aviation Surveillance and Technical Operations Section (ASTOS): ASTOS coordinates the deployment of
FBI personnel and aircraft (helicopter and fixed wing) in support of all FBI field divisions. Members of
ASTOS are available to conduct aerial surveillance, assist in searches to include the use of the Forward
Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera system, and/or transporting of other resources to an area of need in a critical
incident such as a missing child.
FBI Field Offices
For current contact information regarding a specific FBI Field office go to: http://www.fbi.gov
NCAVC Field Coordinator: Each FBI field office has at least one specifically trained NCAVC Coordinator
who can facilitate requests and/or act as a liaison for obtaining NCAVC resources.
Crimes Against Children (CAC) Coordinator: Each FBI field office is mandated to provide at least two
Special Agents to assist and coordinate their respective division’s efforts in Crimes Against Children matters.
These agents are responsible for the investigation and/or coordination of all divisional Crimes Against
Children concerns and the reporting of these matters to the Crimes Against Children Unit at FBI
Headquarters. Additionally, these individuals act as the FBI’s point of contact for state and local agencies in
missing child cases, child sexual victimization matters (including Internet-related crimes), and child
homicide investigations.
Evidence Response Team (ERT): Each FBI field office has at least one ERT which can offer on-site
assistance in a variety of crime scene processing scenarios, including body excavations and case-specific
canine services. An ERT utilizes the most current techniques and equipment in providing these resources as
well as documenting their services.
The FBI’s Forensic Canine Program, managed by ERT, provides proficient human remains and
human scent evidence forensic canine support to missing child investigations. The program members are
responsible for ensuring that a coordinated and unified approach is pursued in the collection of human scent
evidence, the application of human scent evidence canines, and the recovery of human remains through the
use of human remains detection canines.
30
Technically Trained Agent (TTA): Each field office has at least one TTA who serves as liaison with local
communications carriers. TTAs are trained in the installation and operation of tape recorders, trap and trace
devices, dialed number recorders, wiretaps, microphones, video cameras (pole cameras), as well as mobile
telephone technology used in sensitive investigations, including missing child investigations. TTAs should
also be considered as a resource when establishing a toll-free tip line.
Computer Analysis Response Team (CART): Each FBI field office has access to a regional CART which
can provide assistance in the search and seizure of computer evidence, as well as forensic examinations and
technical support for investigators. Services offered by a CART include extracting files from a computer,
determining when and in what order specific files were created, recovering deleted hard drive files,
recovering and decrypting passwords, searching data using keywords, analyzing source codes, etc.
FBI Headquarters
Criminal Investigative Division
Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU): The mission of the Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) is to
develop a nationwide capability to provide a rapid and effective investigative response to reported federal
crimes involving the victimization of a child.
NOTE: Additionally, the CACU provides oversight for the FBI’s Child Abduction Rapid
Deployment (CARD) teams which ensures a fast, on-site response of highly trained, experienced
FBI personnel and appropriate resources to a missing child investigation. CARD team assistance
is available, cost-free, through liaison with the respective FBI field division’s CAC Coordinator.
Office of Victim Assistance (OVA): The mission of the Office for Victim Assistance (OVA) is to ensure
that victims of crimes investigated by the FBI are afforded the opportunity to receive services and
notification as required by federal law. Each FBI field office has at least on specially trained Victim
Specialist (VS) who is tasked with assisting a victim family, such as the family of a missing child, in
obtaining counseling and other available services. OVA is also a resource for referral to court-qualified
Forensic Child Interviewers within a specific geographic location. Many state and local agencies have
similar programs in place which can be used accordingly.
Laboratory Division
The mission of the FBI Laboratory is to apply scientific capabilities and technical services to the
collection, processing, and exploitation of evidence for the FBI and other duly constituted law enforcement
agencies, including those involved in the investigation of a missing child. The FBI Laboratory is available to
assist in these cases in a variety of ways, including DNA analysis (both nuclear and mitochondrial), trace
evidence analysis, latent print analysis, etc.
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS): The CODIS is an automated DNA information processing and
telecommunications system that supports the National DNA Index System (NDIS), the State DNA Index
System (SDIS), and the Local DNA Index System (LDIS). The CODIS enables federal, state, and local
crime laboratories to exchange and compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking a variety of violent
crimes, including missing child investigations, to each other as well as to previously identified offenders.
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It should be noted that a state DNA data base may not be a contributor to CODIS due to varying
legislative requirements and/or scientific methodologies. Once a DNA profile has been obtained from any
crime laboratory, investigators should consider requesting similar queries of individual state DNA data bases
as this query is not routinely conducted.
Special Projects Unit: This entity routinely provides missing child investigations with a variety of services
including composite drawings, photographic retouches, age progression imagery, facial reconstructions from
skeletal remains, missing child flyer assistance, and crime scene photographic documentation, as well as a
wide array of investigative/prosecutive aids.
Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS)
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS): The IAFIS system integrates criminal
history data from the Interstate Identification Index (III) with fingerprints contained in the Fingerprint Image
Master File (FIMF). The FIMF contains electronic fingerprint images of more than 35 million persons.
Fingerprints of an individual are generally submitted for processing by the investigating agency and may be
forwarded to a state, regional, or federal agency processing center.
Latent fingerprints recovered at a crime scene can be electronically submitted to IAFIS by processing
facilities (state, regional, or federal) that are linked to the CJIS network. The system also allows for remote
searches of the IAFIS data base from these processing facilities. The capability for electronic submission,
remote searches, and electronic response can significantly decrease response time when attempting to
identify the source of latent prints. If necessary, IAFIS personnel can be requested to deploy to the
command post of an ongoing missing child investigation.
National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR): The Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act of 2006
established a National Sex Offender data base to be maintained by the FBI. This national tracking system
gives law enforcement authorities access to sex offender registration data from all participating states. All 50
states have sex offender registration laws, but not all have elected to participate in the national registry. State
registry information typically includes the offender’s name, address, date of birth, social security number,
and physical description, as well as fingerprints and a photograph.
Operational Technology Division (OTD)
Personnel from OTD offer services in a variety of areas, including the previously mentioned
Computer Analysis Response Teams, the forensic audio/visual/image enhancement, the use of global
positioning systems, mobile telephone tracking, ground-penetrating radar, and other state-of-the-art
technologies which may become important in a missing child investigation.
Technical Response Unit (TRU): The TRU is available to provide immediate and tactically secure
communications in support of FBI investigations such as a missing child matter. TRU resources may include
satellite/terrestrial radio systems, video teleconferencing capabilities, an on-site mobile command post, and
the on-site networking of provided computer hardware/software, including real-time access to the FBI
Intranet.
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Cyber Division
Innocent Images National Initiative (IINI): The IINI, a component of the FBI’s Cyber Crimes Program, is an
intelligence-driven, proactive, online undercover investigative enterprise. The IINI, comprised of numerous
law enforcement agencies, attempts to combat the proliferation of child pornography and child sexual
victimization facilitated by online computer activity, such as chat rooms, newsgroups, bulletin boards, peerto-peer groups, etc. This initiative focuses on:
•
•
•
Online organizations/enterprises that sexually victimize children for profit
Individuals who use the Internet to entice children into sexual relationships
Major producers and/or distributors and/or possessors of child pornography
The IINI maintains two major data bases, each located at the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children in Alexandria, VA, available for query by law enforcement agencies throughout the
world:
1. The Innocent Images Case Management System (IICMS) contains all Internet Service Provider (ISP)
and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) complaint information, all
Undercover Agent session data, and all FBI reports/information related to IINI matters.
2. The Child Victim Identification Program (CVIP) is a joint FBI and United States Customs Service
data base which includes all identified child pornography victims and identified series, as well as a
comprehensive collection of all known child pornography depictions.
The IINI assists in both identifying victim photographs and obtaining necessary victim services for
these individuals. The unit also maintains liaison with a significant number of online service providers.
Personnel assigned to the IINI assist with the development of probable cause of search warrants and Title III
intercepts of specific online communications, as well as court orders to identify subscribers to online
services.
Security Division
Polygraph Unit: The Polygraph Unit is responsible for the oversight and/or coordination of all aspects of the
FBI’s Polygraph Program. Each FBI field office has at least one trained polygrapher who is available to
assist in any violent crime investigation, such as a missing child case. If the local FBI polygrapher is
unavailable, the Polygraph Unit can assist in identifying the nearest available polygrapher(s). Polygraph
operators are skilled interviewers who are experienced in the development of interview themes and have a
demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive interviews. The Polygraph Unit serves as a resource for assistance
in developing pertinent questions for the polygraph, for quality control in the interpretation of polygraph
charts, and the identification of FBI polygraphers fluent in a variety of foreign languages.
Directorate of Intelligence
Language Services Section (LSS): The mission of the LSS is to provide a wide range of language services
which directly support the strategic goals and objectives of the FBI. Additionally, the LSS can provide
leadership in the law enforcement and intelligence communities regarding foreign language issues of mutual
interest. Personnel from the LSS can provide translation services regarding a wide variety of foreign
languages relating to a missing child investigation.
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NON-FBI RESOURCES
Non-profit Missing Children Organizations: There are several non-profit organizations whose goal is to
assist in the recovery of missing children. These civilian organizations are generally supported by monetary
donations and, in some instances, government and/or private grants. Such organizations can be of assistance
to law enforcement in some or all of the following areas:
1. Preparing and distributing posters/flyers which contain photographs, a duplication of the missing
child’s clothing, descriptive/biological data of the missing child, and a law enforcement telephone
number
2. Coordinating and maintaining public interest/involvement, including the search effort, in the missing
child investigation
3. Notifying law enforcement agencies concerning any details of the case that may not already be
known to investigators
4. Providing mental health resource support for the missing child’s family
With non-profit organizations and law enforcement agencies having the same goal of the safe
recovery of the missing child, it is imperative that all agencies work together and not in opposition to each
other. To achieve this level of cooperation, law enforcement management should clearly delineate the role
of the non-profit organization at the onset of the investigation. Management should recognize that any
investigative efforts by civilian organizations may have a negative impact upon the recovery of the child and
the subsequent prosecution of the case.
The NCAVC recommends that all agencies coordinate their respective media releases through the
assigned law enforcement media coordinator, and advise the leaders of the non-profit organization of the
possible negative consequences of inappropriate statements/contacts with the media. Reinforce the team
concept and the common objective of the safe recovery of the missing child.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): NCMEC serves as the national
clearinghouse for information related to children classified as lost, missing, runaway, or abducted. A data
base maintained by NCMEC includes the names and descriptive data for each missing child, a synopsis of
the circumstances under which each child disappeared, descriptive data for suspects and/or suspect vehicles
involved in the child’s disappearance, and names and contact information for the law enforcement agency
investigating the matter. NCMEC operates a twenty-four hour, toll-free hotline (1-800-843-5678) for
information on missing children.
Additionally, NCMEC serves as liaison with missing children clearinghouses throughout the United
States. NCMEC’s International Division provides liaison with the U.S. Department of State when an
international parental abduction occurs.
Since January of 2003, NCMEC has deployed Team ADAM consultants as a resource to missing
child investigations. This initiative was designed to send well-trained Team ADAM members as a rapid onsite response and support system to provide technical and operational assistance to local law enforcement
agencies who are tasked with the investigation of missing children. Team ADAM consultants also assist the
family of the missing child in obtaining appropriate family advocacy and personal assistance for victim
family members as necessary.
NCMEC can provide flyers for dissemination in a missing child case and will coordinate with a vast
network of corporate partners to disseminate the flyer information (e.g., ADVO, Wal-Mart, various airlines
and hotel chains, truck stops). NCMEC has the capacity to disseminate this information to the majority of
law enforcement agencies within the United States.
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The Lost Child Alert Technology Resource (LOCATER) program is another service offered by
NCMEC. LOCATER is an advanced, Web-based computer program designed to help law enforcement
agencies create and disseminate professional-looking missing child posters on a local, statewide, or national
basis regarding a variety of child victimization matters.
NCMEC also maintains a data base on attempted child abductions across the United States. This
searchable data base is available for case-specific queries.
AMBER Alert: AMBER Alerts are agreements between law enforcement and the broadcast media to
immediately transmit to the public urgent bulletins about current missing child incidents. A decision to use
an AMBER Alert is made by the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction handling the offense after
ensuring all state-specific criteria have been met. The broadcasts typically contain descriptions of the
missing child, the abductor, and/or the vehicle used in the abduction. During the alert, citizens are requested
to contact local law enforcement if they see the child, the offender, or the vehicle. The Internet address,
www.amberalert.gov, may be consulted for additional information.
In a missing child investigation, persons with other types of specialized expertise may be needed to
best address specific investigative concerns such as searches, body recovery, determining time of death/cause
of death, or identification of remains. For example, search requirements may include additional manpower,
computer support, aircraft, or underwater search and rescue teams. Expertise in the areas of anthropology,
archaeology, odontology, and/or pediatric pathology may be needed to determine whether remains that are
recovered are those of the victim.
The FBI can provide assistance by coordinating resources and by identifying experts in your region
who can address specific investigative concerns. Some examples include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Anthropology
Archeology
Blood pattern analysis
Body recovery
Botany
Canine teams
Climatology
Entomology
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Federal probation and parole
Forensic hypnosis
Geology
Odontology
Pathology including pediatric pathology
Psychology/psychiatry
Text analysis/psycholinguistics
Video enhancement
The FBI maintains a successful working relationship with numerous professional agencies and
organizations including, but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
American Prosecutors Research Institute
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology/Office of Chief Medical Examiner
Department of Justice/Victim Assistance Program
Investigators within each branch of the United States military
Military Records Center in St. Louis, MO
Smithsonian Institution
Various colleges and universities, including medical schools
Should you need information regarding any of the above noted areas of expertise, contact the
NCAVC for assistance. Investigators are also encouraged to develop their own regional data base of experts
for appropriate use in a local investigation.
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ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Administrative Subpoena
Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 3486, authorizes administrative subpoenas in
investigations of a federal offense involving the sexual exploitation or abuse of children (age 17 and
younger) to facilitate obtaining telephone and/or computer records relating to a specific missing child
investigation. Current Attorney General Guidelines have limited the ability to use an administrative
subpoena by restricting their use to providers of an electronic communication service or remote computing
service. Furthermore, investigators may only obtain the name, address, local and long distance telephone toll
billing records, telephone number or other subscriber number identity, length of service of the subscriber or
customer of such service, and the types of services the subscriber or customer utilized.
Arrest Plan
During the initial phase of the investigation, prepare a plan of action to arrest a subject, should that
opportunity suddenly present itself. Often, this issue is addressed only after an offender is identified. If this
occurs without proper preparation, details may be overlooked and single chance opportunities lost.
Consider designating experienced personnel to the arrest team, to interview the suspect, to prepare
the various affidavits as they become necessary, and to be members of the crime scene/evidence collection
team.
Emotional Aspects in Long-Term Missing Child Cases
Missing child cases, especially those in which the child is missing for an extended period of time, are
difficult, frustrating, and emotionally draining for all involved individuals. Investigators must be prepared to
deal with the following issues, common in long-term cases:
•
False, exaggerated, or distorted confessions and/or information concerning the missing child from
parents/caregivers, from attention-seeking citizens, or from known sex offenders
•
Leads not based on documented fact, but on emotionally driven perceptions and/or personal theories
about improbable scenarios. Included are organized child sex rings, international child sex slaves,
satanic cults/sacrifices, “snuff” films, etc.
•
Private investigators, psychics, and other self-proclaimed experts injecting themselves into the
investigation, especially through the highly vulnerable family of the missing child
•
Investigators developing their own pet theories about the abduction and refusing to change them even
when the evidence indicates otherwise (i.e., tunnel vision)
CAUTION: In spite of any skepticism, all leads must be assessed, evaluated, documented, and
thoroughly resolved to a logical conclusion.
Management staff should be aware of and responsive to the potential emotional impact of the
overwhelming stress that investigators may experience in the course of being involved in a missing child
case. Appropriate monitoring, through personal contacts with the investigators, their spouses, and/or coworkers, must be an administrative priority for law enforcement managers.
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Forensic Artists
Initially, it may be advisable to provide the best available physical description (height, weight, race,
age, clothing description, etc.) of a suspect before disseminating a composite drawing.
Forensic artists’ abilities vary, but one factor remains constant – the credibility of the witness. If the
witness cannot give an accurate description of the suspect(s), it is best not to have a composite drawn and
circulated. An inaccurate drawing may cause members of the public with potentially pertinent information
not to call investigators if the composite does not look somewhat familiar to them.
If the decision is made to go forward with the distribution of a composite, the public should be made
explicitly aware that the depiction may not look exactly like the offender, and/or the offender may alter
his/her appearance (e.g., shaving head/facial hair, changing hair color and/or length). It is always
recommended that when a composite is provided, the artist should draw the composite free hand rather than
assemble it from a commercial kit.
Forensic Hypnosis
There are situations wherein forensic hypnosis has assisted a witness or victim in the recall of details
previously not reported. Like other investigative techniques, forensic hypnosis is a tool that can be
beneficial to an investigation, but it is not always appropriate.
If all other leads have been exhausted or it is not important for the targeted person to possibly testify,
carefully consider the use of hypnosis. Always use an experienced forensic hypnotist who has a proven
history in investigative matters. The NCAVC maintains a list of certified forensic hypnotists who have
previously assisted the FBI in missing child investigations.
One concern regarding use of hypnosis is whether the technique will render inadmissible the
subsequent testimony of the victim or witness. Some courts will admit information obtained through
hypnosis and others will not. Contact your departmental legal representatives prior to initiating a forensic
hypnosis.
Memoranda of Understanding Among Law Enforcement Agencies
Law enforcement agencies within specific areas are encouraged to establish an agreement pledging
personnel and resources to assist each other if a missing child matter occurs within that region. This
agreement should be instituted prior to an actual incident and not at the time one is developing. Agencies
should indicate how many officers they would make available and the resources/equipment they can provide.
Other factors to consider include agency time commitment, lead agency determination/responsibilities,
expenses related to the case (task force generated personnel, equipment, dedicated space, food/water, etc.),
and other logistical details.
Polygraphs
In any missing child case, thought should be given to administering polygraph examinations to
appropriate individuals in a timely manner. Polygraph examinations should be considered for the missing
child’s parents, any custodial adult within the missing child’s household, and/or any family
member/associate whose statements are inconsistent or whose alibi has not been corroborated to the
satisfaction of the investigative team.
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If possible, each examination should be administered by a single, established polygraph examiner
who has conducted examinations in previous missing child cases, or at least cases involving violent crime.
The examiner should have the experience necessary to interpret a wide range of emotions, from the innocent
parent suffering from guilt to the offender who knows he/she is responsible for the disappearance or death of
the missing child.
Ideally, this examination should not be conducted following extended hours of interview and/or
interrogation. Prior to the administration of any examination, the polygraph examiner should be thoroughly
briefed on the current status of the case and, if possible, he/she should be provided with periodic
investigative updates. It should be noted that a polygraph examination can be extremely important in
developing lead information and not just in determining the possible truthfulness of the person being tested.
In some missing child cases, citizens may come forward with information or sightings which will
have to be carefully evaluated before being incorporated into a Timeline or pursuing a new avenue of
investigation. In the highly charged, emotional atmosphere of this type of case, there may be a number of
reasons why individuals insert themselves into the investigation by providing inaccurate or false information.
Possible explanations include attention-seeking behavior; diversionary tactic (to protect or deflect);
misperception, i.e., honest error; or mental health issues. When traditional investigation fails to assist in
evaluating the witness report, a polygraph examination may be utilized, but only in cases involving
intentional deceit such as attention-seeking behavior or a diversionary tactic.
FBI polygraph examiners can be utilized only in active FBI cases. However, the FBI’s Polygraph
Unit, located at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., is available as a resource for any polygrapher
preparing to conduct an examination in a missing child matter.
Recovery and Reunification
Often a neglected area, it is generally assumed that a smooth transition in reunification will occur
between a recovered child and his/her parents. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially with
long-term missing child scenarios. When a missing child is safely recovered, law enforcement must
immediately arrange for a thorough medical examination, specifically including an examination for any
suggestion of sexual abuse. Additionally, investigators must arrange for a thorough interview of the
recovered child by an individual specifically trained and experienced in interviewing traumatized children.
The actual reunification should be scheduled for a private setting, not in the presence of the media.
The parents must be made aware of possible changes in the child, most notably in long-term missing child
cases.
Law enforcement personnel must arrange for the availability of an appropriate victim’s assistance
program to furnish any needed counseling for the child and/or the child’s parents. Investigators must also
consider the utilization of a local child advocacy center in the reunification effort, ensuring that local and
state guidelines are followed.
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APPENDIX A
The neighborhood canvass form is provided as a general template. This form should be tailored to fit
the specific circumstances of your investigation. Remember, as the case develops, it may be necessary
to canvass multiple locations. Be sure to ask these questions of every member of the household,
including children.
Neighborhood Canvass Form
1. Address:
2. Type of Structure (Single Family Dwelling, Apartment, Duplex, etc.):
3. Vehicle description(s) and plate number(s) present at this location (determine from interviewees
what vehicles are utilized by occupants, guests, etc. at this residence):
4. Can the missing child's residence be seen from this location?
5. Full name of person contacted:
DOB:
SOC:
All telephone number(s):
6. How long have you resided at this address?
7. Names and ages of all occupants at this home?
8. Who was at home on the day of the incident?
9. Where were you and what were you doing on the day of the incident?
10. Names, ages, and contact numbers for all visitors, workers, etc. at this home on the day of the
incident?
11. What activity did you see near the missing child's home on the day of the incident?
12. What vehicles did you see in the area near the time of the incident?
13. Who do you remember seeing in the neighborhood around the time of the incident?
14. What do you remember hearing around the time of the incident?
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15. What delivery people, solicitors, workmen, etc. were in the neighborhood during
the week preceding this incident? Give details.
16. Describe the normal vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the neighborhood on a typical
day/night.
17. Do you know the (INSERT FAMILY NAME) family and specifically the missing
child, (INSERT CHILD'S NAME)?
18. What do you know about (INSERT CHILD'S NAME) and his/her family?
19. What have you heard about the family?
20. Who was (INSERT CHILD'S NAME) usually with when you saw him/her?
21. What was (INSERT CHILD'S NAME) usually doing when you saw him/her?
22. Has anyone seemed to take particular interest in (INSERT CHILD'S NAME)?
23. Has anyone recently moved into or out of the neighborhood?
Give details.
24. What types of crimes has the neighborhood experienced?
25. Where do children congregate or go to play in this neighborhood?
26. Are you aware of anyone who has found any evidence relating to this incident?
27. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about this incident?
28. Ask for consent to search the residence, vehicles, storage areas, etc.
Date/Time of Interview:
Names of Interviewing Officers:
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APPENDIX B
The Roadblock Canvass Form is provided as a general template. This form should be tailored to fit
each individual missing child situation as it arises.
Roadblock Canvass Form
1. Vehicle Tag: State:
Registration Number:
2. Vehicle description:
3. Vehicle occupant(s):
4. Why are you traveling in this location?
5. How frequently do you travel in this area:
6. When was the last time you traveled this route?
7. How frequently do you travel this route?
8. Did you travel this route on the day of the incident?
9. What did you observe on that day?
10. What time did that occur?
11. How do you know the time?
12. What vehicle(s) did you observe?
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13. What person(s), suspicious or not, did you observe?
14. Do you know the missing child?
15. Did you see him/her on the day of the incident?
16. Do you have any additional information of which law enforcement should be aware?
17. Ask for consent to search the vehicle.
Date/Time of Interview:
Names of Interviewing Officers:
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APPENDIX C
GENERAL ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
(GAQ)
National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime
Please return the completed form by fax to:
703-632-4350
A comprehensive, written report will be generated and returned to you for use in the
investigation. For telephone inquiries, call:
703-632-4400
This information is extremely important for Criminal Investigative Analysis to be conducted. This form
should be completed by as many sources as possible that are familiar with the identified person. Use one
form per person and attach additional pages as needed.
1. Name of person completing form:_ _______________________________ 2. Date: ________________
3. Relationship to person identified below: _______________________ 4. How long known: __________
5. Frequency of contact:_ _________________________ 6. Date of last contact:____________________
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION OF IDENTIFIED PERSON
7. Name: ________________________________________________ 8. Male/Female:_ ______________
(Last)
(First)
(Middle)
9. Date of birth: _____________________ 10. Race/Ethnicity:_ _________________________________
(MM/DD/YYYY)
11. Scars, Marks, Tattoos:_________________________________________________________________
12. Home address:_______________________________________________________________________
(Street)
(City/Town)
(State)
13. With whom does he/she live? (Name, age, relationship)______________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
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14. Employer: ______________________________________ Title:_______________________________
15. How long at current employment?_ ______________________________________________________
16. Longest period of employment:_________________________________________________________
17. Criminal History, including juvenile offenses (if any):_______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
18. Has he/she served in the military? (Y/N) If yes, what branch? ________________________________
Dates of service: ____________________Base(s):__________________________________________
Type of discharge: Honorable/Medical/Less than Honorable Explain: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
FAMILY BACKGROUND
19. What was his/her primary language? ________________ 20. Other language(s):_ _________________
21. Who were his/her primary caregivers while growing up? _____________________________________
______________________________________________________________ Are they still alive? (Y/N)
22. Describe his/her relationship with primary caregivers:_______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
23. Number of brothers: ______ Number of sisters: _______
24. Describe the quality of the relationships with his/her family members (other than primary caregivers):
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
25. Who within the family had the greatest influence on him/her? ___________ Explain:_______________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
26. Who within the family had the greatest amount of conflict with him/her? ________________________ Explain: _ __________________________________________________________________________
27. Was any of the following abuse issues present within the household? (Y/N)______________________
Physical Emotional Sexual Substance (circle all that apply)
Explain:____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
28. What religion, if any, was practiced by the family? __________ To what degree? _________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
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29. Is he/she currently religious? ________ (Y/N) To what degree?________________________________
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND APPEARANCE
30. How does he/she feel about his/her physical appearance? _____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
31. Does he/she have any noticeable physical characteristics (limp, lisp, stutter, obesity, etc.) or unusual
mannerisms or gestures? (Y/N) Describe: ________________________________________________
32. How does he/she feel about these characteristics? ___________________________________________
HEALTH
33. Have there been any recent noticeable changes in his/her appearance? (Y/N) Explain: ______________
___________________________________________________________________________________
34. Has he/she expressed any concerns about his/her health? _____________________________________
35. Has he/she had any chronic illness or injury that continues to have an impact on his/her life?
___________________________________________________________________________________
36. Is he/she currently taking any medication? (Y/N) If yes, what kind? ____________________________
37. Has he/she ever had surgery, to include cosmetic surgery? (Y/N) If yes, describe: _________________
38. Has he/she had a history of any sexually transmitted disease? (Y/N) If yes, type: _ ________________
39. Does he/she have a history of any mental illness or behavioral control problems? (Y/N) If yes, explain: ________________________________________________________________________
40. Is there a history of mental illness in his/her family? (Y/N) If yes, describe: _ ____________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ 41. Has he/she ever attempted or expressed thoughts of suicide? (Y/N) If yes, explain: _ _______________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
42. Has he/she ever received counseling for any issues? (Y/N) If yes, explain: _ _____________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
43. Does he/she use alcohol, tobacco or drugs? (Y/N) If yes, describe substance and frequency:_________
___________________________________________________________________________________
44. What are his/her sleeping habits? (early or late riser, night/day person, insomniac, sleeps excessively)
Describe:___________________________________________________________________________
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45. Have there been any recent changes in his/her sleeping habits? (Y/N) If yes, describe: ______________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
46. What is the highest level of schooling he/she achieved?
q College Grad q Some College q High School Diploma q GED q Less than H.S./Grade:______ 47. If schooling was not completed, why not?_________________________________________________
48. Did he/she participate in sports/athletics, or other extracurricular activities while in school? (Y/N) If
yes, type of activity: _ ________________________________________________________________ 49. Did he/she interact well with peers? (Y/N) If no, explain:_ ___________________________________
50. Did he/she experience any problems in school (with peers, faculty, etc.)? (Y/N) If yes, describe: _ ____ ___________________________________________________________________________________
51. Did he/she have any learning disabilities? (Y/N) If yes, explain: _______________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYMENT
52. List previous types of employment: _ ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
53. Describe his/her overall work record: (hardworking, efficient, tardy, absent, lazy, etc.) ______________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ SOCIAL AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
54. Is he/she (check one) q Heterosexual q Homosexual q Bisexual 55. Is he/she married or in some other intimate relationship? (Y/N) If yes, describe (include to whom and
brief history) ________________________________________________________________________
56. Is this relationship important to him/her? (Y/N) Explain: _ ___________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
57. Has he/she ever been unfaithful in the relationship? (Y/N) If yes, describe circumstance(s): _________
___________________________________________________________________________________
58. What are his/her attitudes/feelings about infidelity? (guilt, pride, remorse, indifference?) ____________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
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59. What are his/her preferred sexual acts? (Include type and frequency):___________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
60. Does he/she have any persistent sexual fantasies? If yes, describe: _ ____________________________
61. Does he/she engage in risky sexual behavior? (unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, anonymous sex)
___________________________________________________________________________________
62. Where does he/she meet potential sexual partners? (online, bars, personal ads, etc.) _ ______________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
63. Does he/she have any children (bio, step, adopted)? (Y/N) If yes, with whom, ages, custody: _______ ___________________________________________________________________________________ 64. What is the quality of the relationship with his/her children? __________________________________
65. Outside of family or intimate partners, does he/she have any close relationships? (Y/N) Explain: ___________________________________________________________________________________
66. Has he/she ever belonged to any groups or organizations, including Internet groups? (Y/N)
If yes, describe: (Name of group, position held by the subject, time frame) If not, why not? __________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
67. Does he/she express distrust of any person, organization, or group? (Y/N) If yes, explain:_ __________
___________________________________________________________________________________
68. Does he/she have a role model or public figure that he/she admires? (Y/N) If yes, explain:_ _________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
69. What does he/she most value?_ _________________________________________________________
70. To whom does he/she turn for advice? ____________________________________________________
HOBBIES AND LEISURE
71. What does he/she do in his/her spare time? (TV, movies, reading, writing, sports) __________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
72. Does he/she own a pet? (Y/N) What type? ______________ How does he/she treat it?_____________
___________________________________________________________________________________
73. On what does he/she spend money, time, and effort?_________________________________________
74. Does he/she view pornography? (Y/N) If yes, describe type: (child, adult, bondage, etc.)___________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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75. How does he/she access pornography? (Internet, magazines, video, etc.)_________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
76. Describe his/her Internet/computer use: ___________________________________________________
Amount of time spent per week: (in hours) ________________________________________________
77. Has he/she met anyone in person, after his/her initial online contact? (Y/N), If yes, describe:_________
___________________________________________________________________________________
78. Does he/she drive? (Y/N) If yes, what is his/her typical behavior while driving? (cautiously, recklessly,
aggressively, etc.)_ ___________________________________________________________________
PERSONALITY, BEHAVIOR, ATTITUDES
79. Describe his/her personality: (both positive and negative qualities)_ ____________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
80. What are his/her life goals, ambitions or dreams? ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
81. What significant stressors has he/she experienced? (marital, financial, occupational, death, etc.)
How did he/she react?_________________________________________________________________
Have any of these occurred within the last 6 months? If yes, explain:_ __________________________
82. Is he/she easily overwhelmed by stress? (Y/N) If yes, provide example:_________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ 83. Does he/she have the capacity to feel for others (shows empathy)? (Y/N) Explain:_________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
84. Is he/she competitive? (Y/N) If yes, explain: _______________________________________________
85. What is his/her opinion of self? Explain:_ _________________________________________________ Is his/her self image accurate? (Y/N) If not, explain:_________________________________________
86. Does he/she display emotion appropriate to the circumstances? (Y/N) If yes, explain how:___________
___________________________________________________________________________________
87. What makes him/her angry?____________________________________________________________
88. What makes him/her sad?______________________________________________________________
89. What makes him/her happy?____________________________________________________________
90. Does he/she become bored easily/often? (Y/N) If yes, describe:_ ______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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91.Has he/she ever had an addiction? (smoking, drugs, alcohol, Internet) (Y/N) If yes, explain:_ ________
___________________________________________________________________________________
92.Has he/she ever successfully quit an addiction? (Y/N) Explain:_ _______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
93.Does he/she lie frequently? (Y/N) If yes, under what circumstances:_ __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
94.Does he/she behave dramatically different depending upon the environment? (work, home, social,
Internet) (Y/N) If yes, describe:_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
95.Is his/her verbal communication appropriate to the setting? (Y/N) Explain:_______________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
96.When he/she expresses thoughts, do they make sense? (Y/N) If no, explain: (incoherent, bizarre,
erratic, odd, nonsensical)______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
97.Does he/she accept responsibility for his/her own actions? (Y/N) If no, explain:___________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
98.Does he/she experience guilt or remorse? (Y/N) If yes, how does he/she react? Explain:____________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
99.What are his/her attitudes about law enforcement? __________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________ 100.Please provide additional information about his/her personality, attitudes and behavior:_____________ __________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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General Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ)
This section is a supplement to the General Assessment Questionnaire, and relates to the personality/behavioral
characteristics of ___________________________________________. In completing these scales, keep in
mind that we are asking you to rate the characteristics that the individual TYPICALLY exhibits on a day-today basis. Neither end of the scale should be considered good or bad and it is extremely important to answer
as accurately as possible. Please mark the circle that best describes the individual. If you feel you do not
know the individual well enough to provide an accurate assessment, do not guess. Instead, please circle the
not ratable (N/R) option. Read the examples below before you begin.
EX.
Please mark the circle that best describes John Doe based on how he typically behaves
Calm
•
•
•
•
•
N/R Nervous
Calm • • • • • N/R Nervous = John Doe is always calm
Calm • • • • • N/R Nervous = John Doe is usually calm
Calm • • • • • N/R Nervous = John Doe is about average in comparison to others
Calm • • • • • N/R Nervous = John Doe is usually nervous
Calm • • • • • N/R Nervous = John Doe is always nervous
Calm • • • • • N/R Nervous = I don’t know John Doe well enough to answer this question
Calm
Rejected/disliked by others
Focused
Overly suspicious
Poor judgment
Thick-skinned (unaffected by criticism)
Prefers to be alone
Indifferent to poetry
Fake
Disorganized
Positive outlook
Reserved
Insensitive to others’ feelings
Greedy
Undependable
Confident
Inactive
Few interests
Rebellious
Unmotivated
Restrained/controlled
Cautious
Close-minded
Arrogant
Procrastinates
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Nervous
Accepted/liked by others
Dreamy
Overly trusting
Good judgment
Thin-skinned (hypersensitive to criticism)
Prefers to be with others
Easily moved by poetry
Genuine
Organized
Negative outlook
Outgoing
Sensitive to others’ feelings
Generous
Dependable
Self-conscious
Active
Lots of interests
Obedient
Motivated
Gives in to urges/temptations
Adventurous
Open-minded
Humble
Manages time well
Copes well under stress
Unenthusiastic
Conventional
Unsympathetic
Acts before thinking
Tense
Friendly
Creative
Trusts others’ intentions
Skillful
Easily provoked
Seeks attention
Easily moved by music
Straightforward
Detail-oriented
Hopeless/gloomy
Leader
Experiences wide range of emotions
Concern for others
Reliable
Feels inferior
Fast-paced
Spontaneous
Conforming
Driven
Self-indulgent
Seeks stimulation/excitement
Curious
Shares credit
Follows through on tasks
Panics easily under stress
Cheerful
Tolerant of alternative views and opinions
Considers feelings of others
Deliberate
Confident
Unpopular
Practical
Cynical
Incapable
Rational
Unsociable
Indifferent to movies
Clever
Sloppy
Contented
Meek
Unaware of feelings
Cold-hearted
Irresponsible
• • • • • N/R
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Easily overwhelmed under stress
Enthusiastic
Unconventional
Sympathetic
Thinks before acting
Relaxed
Distant
Conventional
Skeptical of others’ intentions
Unskilled
Slow to anger
Avoids attention
Indifferent to music
Manipulative
Haphazard
Hopeful
Follower
Experiences limited range of emotions
Concern for self
Unreliable
Feels superior
Slow-paced
Plans ahead
Non-conforming
Aimless
Self-disciplined
Avoids stimulation/excitement
Indifferent
Conceited
Quits easily
Level-headed under stress
Somber
Intolerant of alternative views and opinions
Disregards feelings of others
Impulsive
Insecure
Popular
Idealistic
Gullible
Capable
Irrational
Sociable
Easily moved by movies
Unimaginative
Neat
Dissatisfied
Forceful
Aware/in touch with feelings
Warm/kind-hearted
Responsible
Seeks social interaction
Relaxed
Prefers familiar activity
Competitive
Lazy
High tolerance for frustration
Prefers routine
Resists new ideas
Self-centered
Easily distracted
He/She takes charge in a crisis
Serious
Accepts the rules
Heartless
Impatient
Fearful
Outgoing
Abstract thinker
Assumes the best of others
Successful
Moody
Needs to be with others
Easily moved by literature
Sincere
Methodical
Sad
Bold
Highly emotional
Giver
Ethical
Easily embarrassed
Frantic
Open to change
Agreeable
Ambitious
Instant gratification (want it now)
Daring
Thinks deeply
Modest
Self-starter
Not vulnerable to stress
Expressive
Non-judgmental
Kind
Mature
Never worries
Doesn’t attach to others emotionally
Unimaginative
Thinks people are out to get them
Ineffective
Patient
Avoids social activities
Indifferent to theater
Deceptive
• • • • • N/R • • • • • N/R
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Avoids social interaction
Energetic
Prefers new activity
Cooperative
Hardworking
Low tolerance for frustration
Becomes bored easily
Explores new ideas
Team player
Focused
He/She falls apart in a crisis
Laughs easily
Challenges the rules
Compassionate
Patient
Fearless
Withdrawn
Concrete thinker
Assumes the worst of others
Unsuccessful
Even-tempered
Solitary
Indifferent to literature
Insincere
Absent-minded
Happy
Shy
Highly rational
Taker
Unethical
Socially secure
Leisurely
Likes structure
Argumentative
Not ambitious
Delayed gratification (willing to wait)
Tenative
Does not think deeply
Boastful
Needs direction
Vulnerable to stress
Unemotional
Judgmental
Cruel
Immature
Always worries
Instant attachment to others emotionally
Imaginative
Thinks people are well-intentioned
Competent
Impatient
Enjoys social activities
Easily moved by theater
Truthful
Chaotic
Feels loved
Dependent
Guided by reason
Uses others
Immoral
High-self esteem
Sluggish
Rigid
Combative
Lack of goals
Strong-willed
Careful
Avoids intellectual discussions
Feels special (entitled)
Easily discouraged
Stays calm under pressure
Pessimistic
Views the world in black & white
Shows no mercy
Irrational
• • • • • N/R
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Orderly
Feels unloved
Independent
Guided by feelings
Helps others
Moral
Low self-esteem
Lively
Flexible
Supportive
Goal-oriented
Weak-willed
Takes risks
Seeks intellectual discussion
Undemanding
Persistent
Cracks under pressure
Optimistic
Views the world in shades of gray
Shows mercy
Logical
APPENDIX D
CHILD VICTIM BACKGROUND QUESTIONNAIRE
This information is extremely important for criminal investigative analysis to be conducted. If possible, this
form should be completed by four different sources familiar with the victim (e.g., teacher, peer, neighbor,
family member). Use one form per person and write legibly.
If you need additional space, use Comment Section on page 4 or attach extra pages.
1. Name of person completing form:_ ______________________________________________________
Your date of birth:____________________________________________________________________
2. Relationship to victim:_ __________________________________ Today’s date:_ _________________
Time period known (mo/yr – mo/yr): ______________ Date of last contact:_______________________
3. Victim’s full name:_ ____________________________________Nickname:______________________
4. Date of birth:____________________ Present age: ____ Apparent age: ____ Emotional age:_________
5. Sex/Race: __________ Hgt: _____Wgt:_______Hair:________ Eyes: __________________________
6. Victim’s address:_____________________________________ How long at residence:______________
7. Who lives/stays with victim (include names and relationship)?_________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
8. Type of Residence (home, trailer, apartment, etc.):_ _________________________________________
9. Describe neighborhood (rural, residential, mixed residential/industrial, urban):____________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
10. Victim’s Socioeconomic Status:
Upper Middle Lower
11. Primary Language:_ __________________________________________________________________
12. Distinguishing Characteristics (scars, marks, tattoos, body piercings, glasses, physical abnormalities):
___________________________________________________________________________________
13. Describe current health status (physical & mental):__________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
14. List current medications & reason:_______________________________________________________
15. Does the victim attend school? Yes / No
Highest grade completed & year:_______________
Name of school:
Academic Record: A B C
Learning Disabilities? Yes / No
___________________________________________________________________________________
D
F_________
Explain:___________________________________
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Victim’s Name: _________________________________________________________________________
Name of person completing form: _________________________________________________________
16. Name & Type of employment (if applicable):_ _____________________________________________
17. Juvenile Criminal Record: Yes / No
(If yes, list offenses, dates, locations, and dispositions):_______
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
18. Prior Victimization (e.g., sexual, physical, psychological): Yes / No (If yes, explain): ____________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
19. List/Identify family members (include divorces, half/step siblings & step parents): _ _______________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
20. Describe the quality (positive & negative) of family relationships (e.g., strength of bonds, ongoing
conflicts, including custodial issues, estrangements, etc.):_____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
21. What is victim’s style of dress, grooming & hygiene (incl. items typically carried/worn)?____________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
22. Describe access to and activity on the Internet (e.g., web sites, buddy lists, chat rooms, instant
messaging):_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
23. Has the victim ever physically met with someone he/she initially met online? Yes/No
If yes, describe: _ ____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
24. Does victim have access to cell phone? Yes / No (If so, describe usage):_ _______________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
25. Outside of home and school, how/where does victim spend most of his/her time? _ ________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
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Victim’s Name: _________________________________________________________________________
Name of person completing form: _________________________________________________________
26. What are victim’s interests/preferences (type of music, video games, sports, movies, books)?_________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
27. Describe the victim’s personality: _ ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
28. Who is the victim closest to (name/relationship/length of relationship) ?_________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
29. Has the victim ever discussed or displayed fear, concern, or discomfort about a particular person or
situation? (If yes, explain):_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
30. Number/types of friends (include names/ages): _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
31. Name of boyfriend/girlfriend - dating habits/frequency:_ _____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
32. Enemies or persons disliked (explain):____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
33. Victim’s reputation in school/community: _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
34. Sexual orientation and adjustment: _ _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
35. Is the victim sexually active? Yes / No (If yes, explain):_____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
36. Physical and mental health history (documented or undocumented):_____________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
37. Any notable personal habits (good or bad)?________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
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Victim’s Name: _________________________________________________________________________
Name of person completing form: _________________________________________________________
38. Mode(s) of transportation: _____________________________________________________________
39. Any significant event prior to the crime (relationship problems, school problems, family issues, police
contact, etc.)?________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
40. Religious faith/practice: _______________________________________________________________
41. Member of any groups/organizations (formal/informal; school/community): _____________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
42. Spending habits?_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Identify/Describe use of ATMs, credit cards, accounts: _______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
43. Does victim engage in any potentially risky behaviors (e.g., drugs, alcohol, hitchhiking, daredevil
behavior, thrill-seeking, unprotected sex)? Yes / No (If yes, explain):___________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
44. Does the victim have any behavioral problems/issues, and how addressed? _______________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
45. Describe how victim interacts with strangers: ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
46. Has the victim ever stayed away from home or snuck out without the knowledge or permission of his/
her parent/guardian? Yes / No (If yes, explain):___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Other insights regarding the victim:__________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Comment Section (refer by question #):_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 60
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Victim’s Name: _________________________________________________________________________
Name of person completing form: _________________________________________________________
PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS
For each of the opposite word pairs below, please fill in one of the five circles across the scale that most
nearly describes the individual’s day-to-day personality.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Shy
Leader
Loner
Quiet
Self-Centered
Happy
Aggressive (dominant)
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
Concerned for others
Unhappy
Passive (submissive)
Emotional (led by the heart)
Active
Rebellious
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
Rational (led by the head)
Inactive
Obedient
Trusting
Popular
Irresponsible
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
Suspicious
Unpopular
Responsible
Takes Risks
Non-Conforming
Vindictive (gets even)
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
Cautious
Conforming
Forgiving (lets bygones be bygones)
Nervous (fearful, anxious)
Pessimistic (glass half empty)
Rigid (stubborn, hardheaded)
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
Calm (laid back)
Optimistic (glass half full)
Flexible (easygoing)
Dependent
Insecure
Manipulative
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
Independent
Confident
Straightforward
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Bold
Follower
Social
Talkative
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APPENDIX E
FREE NARRATIVE
Describe in your own words everything that occurred the day of the disappearance, from
the time you got up until the time you went to sleep. Include everywhere you went;
everything you did; and everyone you interacted with, whether by phone, on the
computer, or in person. Take as much time as you need. No detail is too small.
Everything is important.
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