Every hour is critical in a missing person’s investigation, especially the first 48 to 72 hours after someone has disappeared.

Yet it’s a familiar scene in movies and television: someone doesn’t make it home for dinner, there’s a flurry of phone calls but no one knows where they might be. Cue the tense countdown until the 24-hour mark to file a police report.

In Minnesota, that well-known narrative is a dangerous myth.

You can — and should — file a police report right away when a loved one is missing. Police are required to take the report.

Minnesota lawmakers enacted Brandon’s Law in 2009, which requires law enforcement to take a missing person’s report without delay when someone of any age goes missing under dangerous circumstances. 

The law is named after Brandon Swanson, whose car got stuck in a ditch in southwest Minnesota. As his parents were on their way to help, their cellphone connection was lost. Brandon hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

What you do when a loved one goes missing:

1. File a police report immediately. This is just the first step in supporting a police investigation.
2. Next, gather general identifying information about the person. Helpful information for investigators can include: 
   • A clear description of the person, including what they were wearing when last seen. 
   • A recent color photo or video.
   • Phone numbers of any cellphones they might have.
3. The third step is to gather additional evidence for a more in-depth investigation: 
   • Computers or devices used by the missing person.
   • Anything that could contain a DNA sample, such as a toothbrush or hairbrush. 
   • Medical and dental records.
4. Lastly, stay in touch with local investigators and update them with any new information as it becomes available.

Find more detailed information on our website. Visit missing children and adults guidelines for families to view. 

If you want additional support or assistance while you’re working with local law enforcement, you can get help through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office or the Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office.

 

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