What is a missing person?

A missing person is anyone reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown and where there are concerns for the safety or welfare of that person.

It is not an offence to be a missing person.

How do I report a person as missing?

You don’t have to wait 24 hours before reporting a person as missing to police.

If you don’t know someone’s whereabouts and you have concerns for their safety or welfare, it’s important that you report the person as missing as soon as possible by:

  • attending your nearest or local police station to make a report in person;  or
  • phoning 131 444 and police can come to you if you’re unable to attend a police station

When making a missing person report, and to assist police with its investigations, you’ll be asked to provide as much information as possible about the person who is missing including:

  • the person’s full name, DOB, address and phone number
  • reason/s why you’re concerned for the person’s safety or welfare
  • reason/s why the person may have gone missing (if known)
  • when and where the person was last seen or heard from
  • places the person visits and frequents
  • physical description of the person
  • a recent photograph of the person
  • any health, personal or other issues the person has
  • list of relatives, friends and associates of the person
  • bank/s the person has accounts with (if known)

How do I report a person as missing interstate or overseas?

Even if you’re reporting a person as missing interstate or overseas, the above procedure still applies and it’s important that you report the person as missing as soon as possible by:

  • attending your nearest or local police station to make a report in person;  or
  • phoning 131 444 and police can come to you if you’re unable to attend a police station

You don’t need to make a report at or to the police station or police service closest to where the missing person was last seen.

If and when it’s established that the person is missing outside of Tasmania, police will liaise with the relevant interstate or overseas authorities with the aim of locating the missing person.

What if I have information about a missing person?

If you have any information about a missing person, you should phone police on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Where can I find further information?

The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre website contains further information about missing persons, the reporting of missing persons, and support services.