Missouri State Highway Patrol

Missing Persons Unit (Clearinghouse)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol recognizes the importance of providing assistance to the families of missing individuals. In 1985, the Missouri General Assembly signed into law state statute 43.402, which established the Missing Persons Unit within the Highway Patrol. Since that date, the Missing Persons Unit has served as the clearinghouse for the State of Missouri, and is an investigative unit within the Patrol's MIAC Division in Jefferson City. This unit provides technical and investigative assistance to law enforcement agencies, and serves as a point of contact for citizens and family members of missing individuals.

Through the Missing Persons Unit, information is compiled, exchanged and disseminated with the goal of helping to locate missing individuals. In addition to providing investigative assistance, the Missing Persons Unit also hosts public safety programs, law enforcement training and statistical analysis as requested. Some of the services provided by the Missing Persons Unit include:

Missing Persons Photo

The Missing Persons Unit website posts photos when a current one is available. If a photo is not on the website, please submit photo to the investigating agency. When the Missing Persons Unit receives the photo from investigating agency, the photo will be posted to the website.

Missing Persons Posters

Upon request, the Missing Persons Unit will create missing persons posters to assist law enforcement agencies with investigations. These posters can be disseminated nationwide within a matter of minutes. Posters can also be created to assist families who have filed a missing person report. Please email missingpersons@mshp.dps.mo.gov to request a poster. Please include the circumstances and a contact phone number.

Interactive Public Website

The Missing Persons Unit website posts photographs and information concerning missing individuals. Citizens may review this site daily, print and disseminate posters, or call with information concerning a possible sighting. This website allows for timely posting and is continuously updated, offering the most current information about missing and unidentified persons, companions and abductors.

Brochures & Helpful Links

The Missing Persons Unit distributes educational and informational brochures on a variety of topics. Please click here for a list of available brochures.

DNA Initiative

The Missing Persons Unit will, upon request, work with law enforcement agencies and family members to submit Family DNA Reference Samples for analysis and entry into a national missing persons database. Please contact us for more information.

FBI's Child ID App

The FBI's Child ID App provides a convenient place to store photos and vital information about your child. This app provides tips on keeping your child safe and in the unlikely event your child goes missing, specific guidance on what to do in the first few hours. Furthermore, you can quickly e-mail your child's photo and information to Law Enforcement. The FBI is not storing photos or information that is entered into the app. The information is only stored on your mobile device, unless you send it to Law Enforcement. Click on the link below for more information.

FBI's Child ID App