Organizational News
Toronto Police Service launches the Community Guide to Report a Person Missing
The Toronto Police Service is proud to announce the launch of the Community Guide to Report a Person Missing, a new resource designed to assist individuals and communities when someone goes missing.
The guide fulfils Recommendation 44 of the Missing and Missed Report and was developed by the Community Representatives of the Missing and Missed Implementation Team (MMIT), community agencies representing diverse social, cultural and religious groups, representatives from several Community Consultative Committees and members of the Service.
“The Community Guide to Report a Person Missing was co-designed to support anyone impacted when someone goes missing. It is an up-to-date resource that will help many people – including individuals who have themselves been reported missing,” said Chief Myron Demkiw. “I want to thank everyone who shared their expertise and lived experience to co-create and enrich the information provided in this guide.”
The Community Guide to Report a Person Missing provides clear information and resources for those directly affected when someone goes missing, including:
- What to do when someone goes missing
- What happens after a missing person report is filed
- How to work with the Toronto Police Service during a missing person investigation
- The investigative process for missing person cases
- How searches for missing persons are conducted
- Supports available through Victim Services Toronto and other community agencies
- Information on unidentified remains
- Guidance if you are reported missing
- Prevention strategies
- Additional missing person resources
“Throughout this process, we have heard from community that there is a lack of transparency on police processes and misinformation on how or when to report someone missing. This tool allows for just that,” said MMIT Co-Chair Haran Vijayanathan. “It serves to support community to understand the processes so that they are confident asking for help from the police service as well as a communication tool between officers and community alike allowing for better communication and a more supported engagement.”
The Toronto Police Service extends sincere gratitude to all those who contributed their expertise and lived experience to ensure the guide serves as a meaningful support for those affected when someone goes missing.
Collaborating with the MMIT – Community Representatives to co-design a new model for missing person investigations demonstrates the Service’s ongoing commitment to serve the community to the highest standard when a person goes missing.
While important progress has been made to improve public safety and community trust in missing person investigations, there is more work ahead. Through continued collaboration, the Toronto Police Service is committed to strengthening its resources, procedures, processes, training, education, and culture – and will not stop until all 151 recommendations of the Missing and Missed Report are fully implemented.
The Community Guide to Report a Person Missing is available online on tps.ca/missing.
Missing and Missed Project Team Unit Commander Inspector Michael Williams is available on April 30 for media interviews; please contact [email protected] for arrangements.
