Savanna Hoffman
If you believe a student is missing, it is important to report this to the university as soon as possible. Different universities have different protocols, but generally, the university staff member who receives the information should refer the matter immediately to their Department of Public Safety, who will then contact the student's emergency contact and begin an investigation. If the student is under 18 and not an emancipated minor, the university will notify the student's custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours. Students are encouraged to provide the university with a confidential contact whom the university will notify if the student goes missing. This contact information will be maintained in the university's database and only accessible to authorised personnel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can report a missing student | Any member of the university community, including parents |
| Who should be notified | The university's Department of Public Safety, campus security authority, or the police |
| Time frame for notification | Within 24 hours of receiving the report |
| Confidentiality | The identity of the contact person will remain confidential, except for law enforcement and staff designated to respond to missing person reports |
| Emergency contacts | Students are encouraged to provide confidential emergency contact information, which will only be used in a missing persons investigation |
| Age of the missing student | If the student is under 18, the university must notify the student's custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours |
| Residential status | The policies apply specifically to residential students or students living in on-campus housing |
| University policies | Each university has its own missing student policy, which outlines procedures for reporting and responding to missing student cases |
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What You'll Learn
Reporting a missing student at Jackson State University
If you believe a student at Jackson State University is missing, you should immediately notify the Department of Public Safety at (601) 979-2580. Officers will respond to reports of missing students in a timely manner. It is the policy of the Jackson State University Department of Public Safety to thoroughly investigate reports of all missing persons.
If a student is not located, the Department of Public Safety will file a Missing Persons Report with the state of Mississippi and contact any emergency contact persons listed. This information will be disseminated through Jackson State University’s emergency response system. The Department of Public Safety will continue an open investigation and advise local law enforcement.
According to the Missing Person Policy, a residential student may be considered missing if they are overdue in reaching home, campus, or another specific location past the expected arrival time. Additional factors may also lead University staff to believe that a student is missing, and a check of the student’s residence hall assignment may support that determination.
For residential students under the age of 18 who are not emancipated, the University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the time a student is reported missing. Residential students who are 18 years of age or older, or who are emancipated minors, have the option, upon moving into the residence hall, to identify a specific contact person who will be notified within 24 hours if that student has been reported missing. The identity of that contact person will remain confidential, with the exception of law enforcement and staff designated to respond to missing person reports.
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Confidential emergency contacts
When it comes to reporting a missing student at a university, there are established procedures and designated emergency contacts to ensure a timely and effective response. Here are some key insights into the confidential emergency contacts involved in such situations:
- University Departments: The first point of contact within a university typically includes departments such as Student Support, Student Affairs, Residence Hall Staff, and the Department of Public Safety (DPS). These departments play a crucial role in receiving reports of missing students and coordinating efforts, gathering information, and taking immediate action.
- University Police or Security Services: University police or security services, such as the University of Pennsylvania Police Department (UPPD) or Harvard University Police Department (HUPD), are key emergency contacts. They work closely with other university departments and external law enforcement agencies to investigate missing student cases and ensure the safety and security of the campus community.
- Designated University Officials: Certain university officials are designated as emergency contacts in missing student cases. For example, at the University of Pennsylvania, the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL) plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts with the Division of Public Safety. Additionally, at Harvard University, the School's Registrar maintains confidential emergency contact information and works closely with the HUPD.
- Emergency Response Systems: Universities often have emergency response systems in place, such as blue light emergency telephones on campus and in the surrounding areas. These systems provide students and community members with quick access to report emergencies, including missing students.
- Confidential Student-Provided Contacts: Universities encourage students to provide confidential emergency contact information. This can include a designated missing person contact or a general emergency contact. The identity of these contacts remains confidential and is only disclosed to authorised campus officials and law enforcement during missing person investigations. Students can update or change this information at any time by contacting the relevant university department, such as Housing or the Registrar.
- External Law Enforcement: In the event of a missing student, universities collaborate with external law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations and locate the student. This includes local police departments, the National Crime Information Center database, and, for international students, their respective embassies. The involvement of external law enforcement agencies ensures a comprehensive search and the utilisation of their resources and expertise.
The specific procedures and designated emergency contacts may vary among universities, but the overarching goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the process to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
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The role of the Department of Public Safety
When a student is reported missing, the university staff member who receives the report should immediately refer the matter to the Department of Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety will then gather all essential information related to the missing student and conduct a thorough investigation. This includes conducting a welfare check of the student's residence hall room, attempting contact via cell phone, email, or social media, and identifying and contacting individuals who may have knowledge of the student's whereabouts.
The Department of Public Safety will also notify the student's designated emergency contact, typically within 24 hours of receiving the report. If the student is under 18 years old and not an emancipated minor, the university is required to notify the student's custodial parent or guardian. The university will also notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency within 24 hours of determining that a student is missing.
In some cases, the Department of Public Safety may file a Missing Persons Report with the relevant authorities and continue an open investigation, advising local law enforcement. They will also work closely with other university departments, such as Student Affairs or Student Support and Advocacy, to enhance communication and facilitate an expedient approach to handling missing persons matters.
It is important to note that the specific procedures and policies may vary among universities, and federal requirements mandate that institutions participating in certain financial aid programs have specific policies for reporting students missing from campus residential facilities. These policies ensure a timely and effective response to missing student reports, with the primary goal of locating the student and ensuring their safety.
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The University of Pennsylvania's policy
The University of Pennsylvania has a detailed policy in place for reporting missing students. The policy outlines that any member of the University community, including parents, who believes that a student is missing should notify the University of Pennsylvania Police Department (UPPD) in the Division of Public Safety. This can be done by dialling 5-1-1 from a campus telephone, using one of the blue light emergency telephones on campus and in the surrounding neighbourhood, or dialling (215) 573-3333 from an off-campus or cell phone. Additionally, the person should notify the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL). VPUL and the Division of Public Safety are responsible for coordinating efforts in response to a missing student report.
Once a student is reported missing, the University will take steps to try to locate the student or determine why they have not been seen. This includes gathering all relevant information and conducting a thorough investigation. If UPPD determines that a police investigation is warranted, the University will support by providing information such as photos, schedules, and other relevant details.
The University encourages all students to provide confidential contact information to be notified in case they are reported missing. This information is maintained in the University's Management Information Services (UMIS) database and Advisor-in-Touch and is only accessible to authorised campus officials and law enforcement. Students can register this contact information by going to the Penn Portal homepage and clicking on the "Emergency Contact" link under "Action items for all students".
In the event that a student has been missing for more than 24 hours, the Division of Public Safety or the University, through VPUL, will notify the student's designated missing persons contact. UPPD will also notify the Philadelphia Police or other appropriate local law enforcement agencies. If the missing student is under 18 years old and not emancipated, the Division of Public Safety will notify the student's custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of determining that the student is missing. For students over 18 who have not designated a contact, UPPD may notify the law enforcement agency in the student's primary residence location.
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The Clery Act
If you believe a student is missing, you should report it to the university. Many universities have a specific missing person policy in compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. This policy provides students with procedures and information for reporting a missing person.
In the case of a missing student, the university staff member receiving the information should refer the matter immediately to the Department of Public Safety. Officers will respond to reports of missing students in a timely manner and will gather all essential information related to the missing student. The Department of Public Safety will conduct a thorough investigation and notify the student's designated emergency contact or, in the case of students under 18, their parent or guardian. The university will also notify the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area where the student is missing.
Many institutions have been fined and found non-compliant with the Clery Act, including Pennsylvania State University, Eastern Michigan University, Virginia Tech, University of Montana, and Liberty University. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties and exclusion from federal student financial assistance programs.
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Frequently asked questions
You should notify either the University Police Department or Campus Security Authority. At the University of Pennsylvania, for example, you should notify the University of Pennsylvania Police Department (UPPD) in the Division of Public Safety, or the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL). At Harvard University, you should notify the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD). At the University of North Dakota, you should notify a Campus Security Authority (CSA), which includes staff members such as the Community Standards & Care Network Office, Resident Advisor, Residence Hall Director, etc.
You should provide as much information as possible, including the student's name, age, physical description, location last seen, and any other relevant details. You should also provide your own contact information in case further details are required.
The university will typically begin an investigation, which may include checking the student's residence, attempting to contact the student via phone or email, and reaching out to the student's friends, family, and associates. The university will also notify the student's emergency contacts and local law enforcement agencies.
