Under the MISSING protocol, which age criterion applies to many cases?

Under the MISSING protocol, which age criterion applies to many cases?

• A. Not yet 18 yrs old
• B. 65 years or older
• C. Suicidal
• D. Gone swimming

Answer: (A)

Missing children drive the MISSING protocol. The most common age criterion for applying this protocol is not yet 18 years old, because cases involving minors require rapid, heightened response to ensure their safety. When a missing person is a juvenile, investigators typically escalate the case, involve guardians, and use quick information sharing and outreach (such as school contacts and urgent notifications) to locate the child. The other options describe conditions that can occur at any age or are situational, but they do not represent the frequent age trigger used to initiate the MISSING protocol for the majority of cases.

Missing children drive the MISSING protocol. The most common age criterion for applying this protocol is not yet 18 years old, because cases involving minors require rapid, heightened response to ensure their safety. When a missing person is a juvenile, investigators typically escalate the case, involve guardians, and use quick information sharing and outreach (such as school contacts and urgent notifications) to locate the child. The other options describe conditions that can occur at any age or are situational, but they do not represent the frequent age trigger used to initiate the MISSING protocol for the majority of cases.