The advisory board, made up of community leaders and law enforcement experts, voted unanimously to adopt the new guidelines. Although agencies are not legally required to comply, those that do can earn accreditation and recognition for following best practices in missing persons investigations. The move is designed to improve consistency across Ohio and provide families with more reliable communication and follow-up when someone goes missing.
Under the new standard, police departments must create written policies detailing their approach to missing persons cases. These policies must cover how information is entered and removed from criminal justice databases, how the public is notified about missing individuals, and what steps are taken to ensure follow-up on active investigations. By requiring agencies to commit these practices to writing, the standard aims to provide greater transparency and accountability while giving families confidence that their cases are being addressed properly.
The guidelines also address how to handle cases involving vulnerable adults, including those with mental health challenges, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia. These situations often require unique investigative approaches, since individuals facing such conditions may not recognize danger or be able to seek help effectively. The inclusion of these provisions reflects the growing need for tailored responses to protect at-risk groups who may be especially vulnerable when they go missing.
While the standard requires agencies to address specific points, it leaves flexibility for departments to design their own detailed protocols. Officials emphasized that this balance ensures core expectations are met while recognizing that resources and operations differ across law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
The changes were driven by recommendations from a missing persons working group that began meeting in January. The group included law enforcement professionals, family members of missing individuals, and community representatives connected to Ohio’s youth and criminal justice system. Over the course of six meetings, the group studied current practices, identified inefficiencies, and proposed new approaches to strengthen investigations and family support.
The advisory board’s decision to adopt these proposals marks a step forward in improving Ohio’s ability to respond to missing persons cases. Families often experience uncertainty and distress when a loved one is missing, and inconsistencies in how cases are managed can add to their challenges. By requiring agencies to formalize their policies, the new standard provides reassurance that investigations will be approached systematically and with greater sensitivity.
Agencies that align with the standard can seek accreditation, which signals to the public that their department meets recognized best practices. For communities, this not only improves trust but also demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing the safety of residents and addressing missing persons cases effectively.
While the standard does not carry the force of law, officials believe that the accreditation model provides strong motivation for agencies to adopt the guidelines. Many police departments in Ohio already participate in accreditation programs, and the inclusion of missing persons protocols adds an important new layer to those efforts. It ensures that when individuals go missing, law enforcement is prepared to act quickly, follow established procedures, and keep families informed.
The implementation of these guidelines is expected to improve communication, reduce delays, and strengthen coordination during investigations. Families and advocates hope that this will not only lead to better investigative outcomes but also provide peace of mind that every missing persons case is being taken seriously.
The adoption of the new standard highlights Ohio’s broader commitment to public safety, accountability, and strengthening the relationship between communities and law enforcement. With these measures in place, the state is working to ensure that no missing persons case is overlooked and that every effort is made to bring loved ones home safely.
