Missing Persons Unit
The Columbus Police Missing Persons Unit (MPU) is part of the Family Crimes Section within the Special Investigations Bureau. MPU is responsible for the investigation of reported missing persons when there is no evidence of kidnapping, abduction, or unlawful restraint. MPU is also responsible for reviewing all interference with custody reports and conducting follow up investigations as warranted. Patrol personnel are tasked with the primary response and investigation of missing person calls for service.
If you have any information on an active case, please contact MPU at (614) 645-2358.
Helpful Resource Information:
Missing Persons Directive(PDF, 178KB) – Based on the definitions in this directive, if you know someone who has gone missing, please contact police immediately. There is no waiting period to file a missing person report.
Ohio Attorney General - Missing Persons Resources – The Ohio Attorney General's Office through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation Missing Persons Unit assists local law enforcement and families in locating and recovering missing children and adults.
NCMEC - Is Your Child Missing? (Resource Page) – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to help find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization.
- Missing Child Quick Reference Guide
- Resources for Missing Child Cases
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services – OhioMHAS is ready to connect you to the services and resources that you need to support prevention, treatment, and recovery. Includes link to Nationwide Children’s Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), which provides immediate behavioral health services, at home or another safe location, for young people under 21 experiencing significant behavioral or emotional distress.
The Franklin County Children Services Resource Guide – This Resource Guide serves as a convenient tool for accessing vital information, services and programs that will help benefit children and families throughout the community.
Youth Education and Intervention Services – The mission of the Franklin County Juvenile Court’s Youth Education & Intervention Services Department is to divert unruly/delinquent youth from penetrating further into the Juvenile Justice System through effective prevention, intervention and treatment.
Huckleberry House – Resources include a 24/7 Crisis Shelter (for ages 12 to 17), Transitional Living Program (ages 16-24), counseling for young people and their families, and The Youth Outreach Program.
ADAMH – The Alcohol, Drug, And Mental Health Board of Franklin County provides Franklin County residents resources for addiction and mental health.
- Crisis Care Center – 24/7 support for adults experiencing mental health or addiction-related crises.