Missing Student

Policy

It is the policy of Skidmore College to actively investigate any report of a missing student who is enrolled at the College as either a full or part time student. There will be NO waiting period before the commencement of an investigation, and procedures will be governed by federal, state, and local law. A missing student is a Level 2 (Major) Emergency.

Investigative Checklist

1.     General questions

• Is the student missing from the campus, his or her family residence, or another location?
• Is there a witness to or physical evidence of an abduction or other foul play?
• Is the student despondent or mentally or physically disabled?
• Is the student experiencing academic, personal, or financial problems?
• Has the student disappeared before?
• Does the student have a known drug and/or alcohol problem?
• Has the student received any threats or warnings?
• What is the student's lifestyle? Does the student have a criminal record?
• Did the student or perpetrator leave a note?
• Have similar incidents been reported within the area (attempted abductions, suspicious persons)?

2.     Initial response

• Begin an incident report. Obtain as many details as possible from complainant.
• Promptly dispatch officer(s) to conduct a preliminary investigation. Inform responding officer(s) of all pertinent information.
• Provide pertinent information to appropriate area law enforcement agencies.
• Obtain a photograph of the student.
• Inform supervision about the incident. The Director of Campus Safety (or designee) will advise the Emergency Management Team.
• Maintain all notes, records, and recordings of telephone and radio communications.
• Search department records and advise investigating officer(s) and/or supervisor about any pertinent information found.
• As the investigation progresses, ensure that pertinent details are continually relayed to patrols and to other area agencies.
• Make notifications to college administration in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Prepare a flyer/bulletin and distribute.

3.     Investigative steps

• Interview the person(s) who reported the disappearance; verify accuracy of information already provided.
• Determine if outside assistance is necessary and request.
• Determine the circumstances associated with the disappearance.
• Obtain and document all available details regarding circumstances associated with the disappearance.
• Secure and evaluate the abduction site, last known location and/or scene and residence.
• If a witnessed abduction, obtain all details pertaining to the missing student, perpetrator, and event.
• If the cause of the disappearance is uncertain, obtain relevant background information.
• Make an initial determination regarding the disappearance category.
• Obtain detailed descriptions of the missing student, abductor, vehicles and circumstances.
• Obtain his or her student identification, campus account, and social security numbers.
• Obtain locations of his or her residences, places frequented, and employment.
• Obtain his or her academic and work schedules.
• Obtain information about automobiles registered to or used by the student.
• Obtain information about parents/family members, romantic interests, roommate(s), and friends/acquaintances.
• Obtain information about instructors/professors, workplace colleagues, residence hall staff, and others.
• Continue to verify when, where, and by whom the missing student was last seen.
• Interview individuals who may have had contact with the student prior to the disappearance.
• If abduction is suspected, obtain descriptions of the perpetrator.
• Obtain information about involved vehicles; including time and direction of travel.
• Search the abduction site, place where the student was last seen, and/or any others recent locations.
• Secure the student's residence as a potential source of information and evidence.
• Request investigative and/or supervisory assistance, if warranted.
• Ensure that all additional responding personnel are thoroughly briefed.
• Institute (or continue) area canvasses for witness information and searches of all surrounding areas, including vehicles.
• Ensure that all potential evidence is properly handled.
• Everyone should be interviewed separately. Obtain, document, and evaluate all information provided.
• Ensure that use of student accounts/passwords is monitored.
• Prepare, update, and disseminate informational bulletins to police agencies.
• Ensure that all computers used by the missing student are handled as evidence.
• Ensure that family members have been notified and interviewed.
• Advise family members about support services.
• Advise parents/family members to maintain a log that records information about all visitors and callers.
• Assign a liaison to ensure that family members are provided with information and support.

Obtain and examine student’s Internet service provider and e-mail records. Monitor instant messaging and chat room activity.