Milwaukee missing persons: What information police need if a child or adult is missing, and what to know about Amber alerts, Silver alerts

It's a nightmare for any family: a child or other loved one is missing.

About 3,200 children and adults are reported missing in Milwaukee every year, launching their anxious families into a complex system.

The Milwaukee Police Department has a policy that details how officers should investigate missing persons and how to treat victims' families. You can read the full policy here.

Here are some key things to know:

When to file a report about a missing person

Milwaukee police recommend you file a missing persons report as soon as possible. There is no 24-hour waiting period.

Per MPD policy, reports "shall be accepted without delay" by officers.

Silver and Green alerts must be issued within 72 hours from when the person went missing.

Where to file a report about a missing person

You should go to the nearest Police District and bring a recent photo of the missing person. You can find a map and addresses of district stations here.

Officers at the district will take the report and should not send people to other districts to file, if, for example, the missing person lived somewhere else in the city.

If you cannot physically go to a police district, call 911 so an officer can be dispatched to your location to take the report.

National resources for children

Families can also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) THE-LOST (800-843-5678) or online at www.missingkids.com.

• The center requires a police report be filed, but if a family is having trouble with that, the center's staff can help them file the report with local police.

National resources for all missing cases

Families can register to use the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. There is no cost.

The system describes itself as a "national information clearinghouse and resource center for missing, unidentified and unclaimed person cases across the United States."

Go online to www.namus.gov.

Who is a critical missing person in Milwaukee?

A person who has been reported missing and meets any of the following criteria is considered critical:

• Has a physical, mental, or cognitive disability (dementia, Alzheimer’s), drug dependency or another condition that is dangerous to themselves or others.
• Has a health condition that requires life-saving medication and does not have that medication available.
• Is missing in a disaster, such as a tornado or fire, but is not confirmed to be dead.
• Is age 11 or younger.
• Is under age 18 and has their own minor child in their custody.
• Is suicidal.
• Is a military veteran.
• Police have reasonable suspicion the disappearance is not voluntary and/or the person is the victim of foul play.

What happens when someone is deemed a "critically missing" person?

Police release information and photos of the person to local media outlets.

When do kids get an Amber alert?

• A child must be 17 years old or younger and in danger of serious harm or death.
• The police agency must have descriptive information about the child, the suspect or the suspect's vehicle.
• The Amber alert is not used for family abductions and runaways unless the child's life is in immediate danger.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice issues Amber alerts based on requests from local police agencies.

When does a senior citizen get a Silver alert?

• The missing person is 60 or older and believed to have Alzheimer's, dementia or mental health condition that poses a threat to their safety.
• Police believe the person's disappearance is related to those mental conditions.
• The Silver alert request is made within 72 hours of when the person went missing.
• Police have enough information — such as a photo or description — to release so the public can help find the person.
• The missing person has been entered into FBI's National Crime Information Center.

When does a veteran get a Green alert?

• Police believe the person is at risk because of a physical or mental health condition related to his or her military service.
• The Green alert request is made within 72 hours of when the person went missing.
• Police have enough information — such as a photo or description — to release so the public can help find the person.
• The missing person has been entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center.

Are other alert options for missing people?

Yes.

The Wisconsin Crime Alert Network allows local law enforcement agencies to send out information on critically missing and endangered people, including children who do not meet the standard for Amber alerts. 

Those alerts go to members of the public who have signed up to get text or email messages from the network. It is an opt-in system, unlike Amber Alert notifications which typically require cellphone users to opt out of receiving the messages.

Local police departments also have critical missing designations and share photos and information on critically missing people with local media and on social media sites.

How do I sign up for the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network?

To opt-in and receive information on missing people from the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network, go to wisconsincrimealert.gov and sign up.

You can choose what alerts you want to receive based on the type of alert and geographic region.