Missing and Abducted Children

Question 1

Are their waiting periods before a child can be entered as missing into NCIC?

Answer 1

NO! Federal Law- National Child Search Assistance forbids waiting periods.

Question 2

What is important to remember in when a family member abducts a child?

Answer 2

• Its only a crime if the person has no legal right to do so; the person takes, entices or keeps another person from other persons lawful custodian or in violation of a valid joint custody order with the intent to hold the other person permanently or for a protracted period of time.

Question 3

What is outlined in “State v. Fitouri”?

Answer 3

• To convict of custodial interference-I, the state is not obligated to prove that the suspect knew that they were keeping the child away from the other parent in violation of a joint custody order, but rather, state is required to show only that the suspect knew that their actions infringes on the other parents equal custodial rights.

Question 4

What is the criteria for an AMBER Alert?

Answer 4

• Confirmation that an abduction occurred
• Child abducted is 17yrs or younger, or is proven to be physically or mentally handicapped
• The subject is in danger of serious bodily harm or death
• There is adequate descriptive information available to believe that its dissemination to the public could help locate the subject, suspect or suspect vehicle.
• System is not to be used for runaways or parental abduction cases unless the child is in immediate danger of bodily harm or death

Question 5

What investigative resources are available for missing children cases?

Answer 5

• LEDS
• Oregon Missing Children Clearinghouse
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children