SASKATOON – Saskatchewan’s Missing Persons Weeks is underway and will continue shedding light on myths and victims until Saturday.
According to the Government of Saskatchewan, there are almost 3,000 missing people reported yearly by police. The bulk of missing persons are between the ages of 9 to 18.
Missing Persons Week aims to raise awareness about the reasons why people go missing and provides an understanding about what families and friends can do when someone goes missing.
The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police says there were 114 long-term missing persons cases in the province as of April. A case is considered long-term if the person has been missing for six months or more.
“Having a family member or friend go missing is not an experience for which most people prepare and so often, in those critical first hours, people hesitate,” said Chief Troy Hagen, Regina police.
This week’s theme is highlighting and dispelling myths about missing person situations to resolve future cases more quickly and successfully.
The Provincial Partnership Committee of Missing Persons believes there has been a perception that there is some waiting period before someone can be reported missing or you have to wait 24 hours before reporting.
This 24 hour waiting period is a myth and has never been police policy in Saskatchewan.
It is important to report someone missing as soon as the concern arises because waiting to report may result in lost opportunities and information
Residents who believe someone is missing should report them missing immediately and make a checklist to catalogue important details.
There is a group called the Saskatchewan Association of Cold Case Investigations who meet bi-annually to share information and knowledge between agencies.
Throughout the week, specific cases will be profiled like this one from the cold-case investigators:
For information on how to assist victims of missing persons visit the Ministry of Justice.
Anyone with information on a missing person is asked to contact their local police detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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