Careers: Police/missing person

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Expert: - 11/8/2004


Question
Hello Mr. Toomey.  Thanks in advance for providing your expertise.
I am working on a novel in which an eighteen year old disappears.  It takes place in a small eastern town, and although there is no evidence of foul play, the officer agrees to look into it for the mother.  Question 1)is there an age when a person is considered an adult and free to "Disappear"? Or will it forever stay a missing person file?  2)would an officer go to the high school to question teachers, counselors, etc.
Thanks, Wendy

Answer
Hello Wendy,

    First you are going to have to understand that I can't speak for every police officer in the country because that would be like asking me "would a doctor order test xyz".  So what one officer does doesn't neceasarily mean that all officers would do the same thing.

  In most states an eighteen year old is free to do as he/she chooses which includes going off on his own and living his life as he chooses.  In other words an adult is under no obligation to live under the control of his parents.  If an eighteen year old is reported as missing and there does not seem to me any evidence that he left own on his own to lead a new life then the case would stay active or at least be still listed as a missing person.

  I would think that an officer would consider talking to the high school teachers but of course this is a decision that an indivdual officer would have to make.  It might work in reverse in your case since it takes place in a small town.  The teacher might call the officer first because in rural areas people tend to come forward with information unlike big cities.  

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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