Table of Contents
Missing Persons Unit NSW
Police
130 George
Street
Parramatta NSW
Phone: (02) 9689 7388
or Toll Free 1 800 025 091
Fax: (02) 9689 7881
- Every year 27,000 people are reported missing throughout
Australia - 5,500 in NSW.
- Sixty percent of missing persons are under 18 years of
age.
- About 70 percent of missing persons in NSW are located
within three days and 86 percent within 14 days. The remaining 14 percent are
classed as "long term" missing persons.
- The NSW Police Service investigates every reported case
where family or friends hold concerns for SAFETY and
WELFARE once a missing persons report has been made at a
police station.
- The NSW Police Service's Missing Persons Unit makes
enquires on all cases from around the state as well as following up leads from
interstate and international cases.
- The Police Service has an exceptional clear up rate with
98 percent of missing person located.
- But the unit would not be able to operate successfully or
achieve the outstanding result without strong support from the public.
- Police also receive ongoing support from a number of
agencies including Family and Friends Of Missing Persons, The Salvation Army
and Red Cross.
The Salvation Army Missing Persons
Bureau
PO Box
A435
South Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9266
9533
Fax: (02) 9266 9638
This Bureau searches for missing relatives and helps
re-unite and reconcile family members.
It contacts relatives during family crises or medical
emergencies.
The Bureau also provides a vital international service - as
an international organization set up in 92 countries it can restore
relationships from across the world.
The Salvation Army Missing persons Bureau does not accept
enquires concerning legal cases, adoption or for juveniles under 16 years of
age. It reserves the right to accept and reject any request for services based
upon consideration, reasonable feasibility or motive.
Australian Red Cross Society
Tracing Agency
159 Clarence Street
Sydney, NSW,
2000
Telephone: (02) 9229-4111
Fax: (02) 9229-4244
The Red Cross Tracing Agency in NSW works in conjunction
with the National Headquarters and International Red Cross Tracing Agencies in
Restoring contact between individuals and families separated during war,
conflict or natural diasters.
When a tracing request is lodges in NSW, Red Cross
undertakes to assemble and cross reference all available information about the
missing person and thus help re-establish family contact.
Family and Friends of Missing
Persons (INC)
PO Box 110
Berowra Heights NSW
2082
Phone: (02) 9465 1184
This groups provides comfort and support to families, aims
to establish a national network of community support and liaises with other
agencies.
Missing Persons Committee
(INC)
PO Box
276
Turramurra NSW 2074
Members help organise the National Missing Person Week and
increase public awareness.
Committee members include representatives from the NSW
Police Missing Persons Unit, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Sydney City Mission,
Institute of Criminology, International Social Services, Family and Friends of
Missing Persons and Lions Identikid.
International Social Services
(NSW)
Phone: (02) 9267
3450
Fax: (02) 9267 3638
ISS helps people who because of forced or voluntary
migration face personal or family problems.
Services include tracing and counselling internationally in
cases of: separated families; problems arising out of divorce such as custody or
maintenance and where partner is overseas; help fostered or adopted people
obtain details about natural parents overseas.
Checklist for relatives of Missing
Persons
- Do you have a recent photograph of family
members.
- List of names, address and telephone
numbers of friends and business associates.
- Likely destinations and favourite places of
missing person.
- If a car is involved, have a full
description as well as registration number.
- Medical conditions and medication
required.
- Full description, height, weight, colour of
eyes and hair.
Early Warning Signs
- Continual non-attendance at school or
absence from work.
- Sudden change of friends.
- Secretive or mysterious calls.
- Change in behaviour patterns, i.e.: displays
of aggression, depression or withdrawing from family and friends.
- turning to or increasing intake of drugs or
alcohol.
- Increase in family conflicts.
- Threats to leave home or run away.
Prevention
- Never hitch-hike.
- Educate children about personal
safety.
- Advise family and friends of intended
movements and provide itineraries for holidays.
- Never hesitate to seek advice or ask for
help.
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