Missing Persons Support Guide

Missing Persons Support Guide For Families of Missing Persons

About the Artist Dia Thurston is a Dene Tha commercial artist from Chateh Alberta. Dia has many years of experience in working with people. She offered to render this charcoal and pastel drawing because the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women is close to her heart and she wants to ensure that Indigenous people don’t continue to be marginalized.

2016 Government of Alberta

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General

Victims Programs Printed by: Burke Group Designed by: Artsmith Communications

ISBN: 978-1-4601-2765-0

Acknowledgements This guide is dedicated to the family members of Indigenous women and girls in Alberta who have a loved one missing.

These women and girls were daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, friends, grandmothers and granddaughters. Each one was loved and each one will be remembered.

It is important to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the families and communities of missing and murdered Indigenous women. We are deeply grateful for the time, wisdom and experiences that were shared. They contributed greatly to our collective knowledge and understanding of this issue and their contributions identified where changes are needed to ensure that Indigenous women and girls will not continue to be over-represented among those missing and murdered.

Over and above the pain that was shared were strong expressions of optimism and hope. Families and communities spoke passionately about what was important to them. They expressed a belief that life could be better – that over time, systemic changes could be made to ensure that other women and girls did not experience the same fate as their loved ones. Through this collective expression of hope, families and communities came together and demonstrated their commitment to lasting change.

We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the numerous individuals, service providers, police and stakeholder groups who gave their time and expertise as a display of their concern and commitment to finding solutions to this issue.

The work of the Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women’s Initiative demonstrates the Government of Alberta’s pledge to ensure there will be meaningful change in the lives of Indigenous women and girls. This is through ensuring there is a consistent, culturally safe Victim Services response to all families who have lost a loved one to being missing.

Final thanks go to the Government of Saskatchewan for their exhaustive research and information and to both the Government of Canada and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Victims Services for their generous support of this initiative.

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Table of Contents Acknowledgements 1 Table Of Contents

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Introduction 5 What To Do When A Loved One Goes Missing

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Before You Report 7 Report The Missing Person 7 When To Report?

8 Know That You And Your Loved One Are Not Being Judged By Police 8 What If A Case File Isn’t Opened After I Report My Loved One Missing? 9 Keep Track Of Your Conversations 10

What To Expect From The Police

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11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 14 14

Identify A Primary Family Contact Organize A Communication Plan For Your Friends And Family Let Your Friends And Family Know They May Be Contacted By Police The Police Want To Help Keep Track Of Your Conversations With Police Working With Police Agree To A Communication Schedule If Some Time Has Passed Share All The Information You Have If The Circumstances Are Determined To Be Suspicious If It Is Determined The Person Has Gone Missing By Choice

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Victim Services

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Working With The Media (Television, Print And Radio) Using Social Media Posters Offering A Reward Psychics Public Events Conducting Searches Useful Resources (Websites, Toolkits, Information Packages, Etc.)

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Getting Support And Practical Help

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Emotional Support 25 Self-Care 25 Signs Of Stress 25 Triggers 26 Talking To Children 27 Helping The Helpers 27 Actions To Stay Healthy 27 Practical Support 28 Spiritual Support 29 Financial Support And Fundraising 30 Long Term 31

Frequently Asked Questions

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Annotated Bibliography

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Appendices 35 Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4 Appendix 5 Appendix 6 Appendix 7 Appendix 8 Appendix 9 Appendix 10 Appendix 11 Appendix 12 Appendix 13 Appendix 14 Appendix 15 Appendix 16

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Personal Contacts Worksheet Hospital And Treatment Centres Police Services Listing Detailed Description Question Preparation Guide Missing Person Report Worksheet Ongoing Communication With Police Victim Services Unit Directory Media Contacts Media Events And Fundraising Missing Person Poster Template Poster Distribution Worksheet Practical Help – List Of Possible Needs Weekly Practical Help - Volunteer Schedule Ground Search Volunteer Sign-In List Complaints Processes

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35 36 40 48 49 55 57 58 68 69 71 72 73 74 75 76

Introduction According to Statistics Canada, over 60,000 people are reported missing annually.

The majority, over 86%, are located within a week but 300 to 400 cases remain unsolved each year in Canada.

Currently, there are more than 6,000 cases in Canada that have been open for at least one year and remain unresolved despite the best efforts of investigators.

While anyone can go missing for a variety of reasons, statistics show that there are groups of people that are at a higher risk than others: • Youth under the age of 18 years account for over half of the missing persons in Canada • People suffering from mental health issues • Elderly people suffering dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc This guide is meant to help you, your family and your friends get the resources you need as you deal with the disappearance of someone important in your life.

During this time, you may feel a variety of emotions and each of these is a normal reaction. There is no right or wrong way to feel. People often describe experiencing a roller coaster of emotions where rapid and unexpected emotional changes are not uncommon.

There are many things to think about. You may find yourself dealing with the police, the media, perhaps organizing a search effort and wanting to access counselling or another type of emotional support.

You may have a million questions – none of which have easy answers.

The following pages will give you a step-by-step guide to what to expect and what you can do to get through this difficult experience.

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ACCORDING TO ALBERTA’S MISSING PERSONS ACT, A Missing Person is someone who: • Has not been in contact with those persons who would likely be in contact with the individual, or • Whose whereabouts are unknown despite reasonable efforts to locate the individual, and • Whose safety and welfare are feared for given the individual’s physical or mental capabilities or the circumstances surrounding the individual’s absence.

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What To Do When A Loved One Goes Missing Before You Report Before reporting a missing person to police, take the following steps: • • • • •

check with friends, acquaintances and family members check area hospitals check with school and/or employer check places that the person frequents check social media sites for any mention of the missing person

Ask them when they last saw the missing person and if they know anything that could be helpful in finding them. Keep detailed notes of who you contacted and any information they provide.

*You DO NOT have to wait 24 hours or any period of time to report* See Appendix 1 for a Personal Contacts Worksheet you can use to keep track of the people you contact.

See Appendix 2 for a list of Hospital and Treatment Centres in Alberta

Report The Missing Person If after making reasonable efforts to locate the person you are unable to find them, contact your local police service to report them missing.

*You DO NOT have to wait 24 hours or any period of time to report* You can call any local police service to make the report. Please call the nonemergency number of your local police department, ensuring you have as much information as possible regarding the missing person and your actions to date.

If you believe the person is in imminent danger or the person is a child under the age of 12, elderly or has significant mental or developmental disabilities, please dial 911 and report to police immediately.

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See Appendix 3 for a link to a list of Police Services across Alberta When reporting a missing person, you will need to give the police a detailed description of the person and their daily activities/habits, as well as a recent photograph.

See Appendix 4 for a form to help you make a detailed description of your loved one before you talk to police.

When To Report?

Although it’s best to report your loved one missing as soon as possible after you become concerned, know that you can file a missing person report regardless of how long the person has been missing. Police understand missing adults are not always immediately reported for many reasons, including the fact that you may not see them regularly, or were worried about getting them into trouble if you reported them.

Know That You And Your Loved One Are Not Being Judged By Police When you report a missing person, the police may ask you questions that seem unimportant or make you uncomfortable. The police do not ask these questions to judge you or your loved one. They need to get a complete picture of the missing person and his or her circumstances so that investigators can develop leads and pursue the correct avenues in the subsequent investigation. It is important that you answer any questions honestly and completely. The questions are meant to move the investigation forward, not to embarrass anyone.

Examples of questions police might ask include: • Does the person have addictions issues?

• Is the person suicidal?

• Is this behavior out of character?

• Is the person on medication?

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• Is the person involved in gangs, drugs or the sex-trade?

• Are there any immediate health concerns e.g. diabetes, necessary medications, etc.

The police may also ask questions about you - the person making the report.

Again, the police do not intend to judge you or insult you; they just want to know all they can about your loved one and why you believe he or she has gone missing.

If the case is believed to be suspicious, the police may ask for a DNA sample from an immediate blood relative (parent, children, sibling, etc.). This can take the form of a swipe from the inside of the relative’s cheek with a cotton swab or the prick of a finger to get a drop of blood. This is not a sign that the missing person is no longer safe. It is a precautionary measure as DNA takes a long time to process.

See Appendix 5 for a list of questions that police may ask you. Fill it out the best that you can before you talk to police, so you’ll be prepared for your conversation.

What If A Case File Isn’t Opened After I Report My Loved One Missing?

Depending on the information available, the police may not open a missing person file immediately. Make a note of the day and time you called and who you spoke to. If a file on your loved one is not opened right away, call the police again if new information becomes available or if the person remains missing for a longer period of time.

Sometimes you may feel the police are not working in a manner you are happy with and you would like to make a complaint about the investigator/s. Before you do that, please take the time to speak to their supervisor or the head of their unit or section. This is a high stress time for everyone involved and misunderstandings happen.

Keep in mind that in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, the police may not be able to tell you everything right away. By taking the time to talk with a supervisor, misunderstandings can be cleared up and everyone can get on with the important task of locating your loved one.

What To Do When A Loved One Goes Missing

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If after speaking to the supervisor or head of the unit or detachment you are still not satisfied, see Appendix 16 for the formal complaints process.

Keep Track Of Your Conversations Once the police have taken down your information, they will give you a case/file number.

Write the following information down and keep it handy: • Case/file number the police give you • Name and badge number of the police member (may not be immediately available) • Direct phone line/email of police member • Date and time you made the report • Any other information the police give you The person that you first speak with may not be a police officer but a civilian complaint taker. They will take the initial information from you, such as your name, date of birth, address and contact numbers, and then go through a list of questions about the missing person and the reasons you feel they are missing.

You will then be contacted by a Primary Investigator who will be the police officer you will deal with from then on.

The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) reports that 85% of missing person cases are solved within a week of being reported.

See Appendix 6, Missing Person Report worksheet, to track your conversation with police when you first report the missing person.

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What To Expect From The Police Identify A Primary Family Contact The police may ask you to identify one person within the family to be their main contact. This will save time and possible confusion in the police investigation. A Victim Services advocate will be able to act as a liaison between you and the police, answering questions as they come up, being available when investigators are not and working with you throughout the investigation.

When appointing a family contact person, make sure that person is willing to take on the responsibility of collecting the information from the police and sharing it with the rest of the family.

It is a good idea to identify a secondary family contact in the event that the original family contact becomes unable to assist. In the event there are family issues that keep family members from communicating with each other, let the investigator or your Victim Services advocate know this so arrangements can be made to set up additional contact persons.

Organize A Communication Plan For Your Friends And Family Come up with a family plan for how updates from police will be shared (e.g. by email, texts, telephone, or regular family meetings).

Let Your Friends And Family Know They May Be Contacted By Police The police may take statements from family and friends about the missing person and their relationship with the missing person. The questions police ask may feel personal or insulting, but they are not meant to be so. They are asked for the purposes of the investigation. The more the police know about your loved one the more it will help their investigation.

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The Police Want To Help The police may conduct searches in places where family and friends have already looked, talk to people you’ve already spoken with, or repeat other activities – this may sometimes seem like a waste of time but it is their responsibility to ensure all avenues of investigation are covered. All this is necessary for their investigation into your missing loved one. If you don’t understand why police are doing certain things, it is your right to ask police to clarify, but always remember that protection of the integrity of the investigation is very important. This means ensuring everything is done right so if the case goes to trial, the police can be sure their investigation will hold up in court. At the beginning of the investigation very little information will be able to be shared, but as the investigation progresses and information is sorted through and evaluated, the police will be able to share more with the family contacts.

Keep Track Of Your Conversations With Police It is easy to lose track of what was discussed from one conversation to another.

Keep detailed notes of your conversation with the primary investigator to help you track the progress of the investigation and to ensure you remember all you can as time progresses.

See Appendix 7, Ongoing Communication With Police, to document your conversation with police when you first report the missing person.

Working With Police Your main police contact for the investigation is called the primary investigator.

He or she will be the family’s main contact for the investigation. Any new information, tips or questions should always be directed to the primary investigator but you can also use your Victim Service advocate as a liaison if you cannot reach the lead investigator directly.

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Agree To A Communication Schedule Normally, as the case progresses, police will not contact the family unless there is an important development. When you first talk to the primary investigator, it can be helpful to discuss how often and in what form contact will occur throughout the investigation. Ask to be referred to Victim Services. Involving Victim Services may help with communication between police and the family.

Missing person investigations move at different paces during different stages of the investigation. There may be a lot of police contact and activity initially, and then it may seem like nothing is happening. This is typical of a missing person investigation and does not mean the police aren’t working on your loved one’s file.

If Some Time Has Passed Sometimes an investigator is hesitant to contact the family of a long-standing missing person investigation if there is no new information to relate to them for fear they will upset the family. This is something that needs to be discussed and clarified when setting up a communication schedule.

See Appendix 7, Ongoing Communication With Police, to track your conversation with police when you first report the missing person.

Share All The Information You Have Police can only follow up on information that is available to them. Remember to tell them EVERYTHING that might help in their investigation. Even if it’s a very small detail, or the family is worried the information may make them or the missing person look bad, or get someone into trouble, all information is valuable to the police. The more information you can provide the better.

What To Expect From The Police

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If The Circumstances Are Determined To Be Suspicious If the circumstances are suspicious or foul play is suspected, the investigation may be turned over to another unit (Major Crimes, Homicide, etc.). They will go over the old evidence, re-interview you and others and they will look at the investigation from many different angles. You should also be prepared for the idea that if the circumstances are suspicious, the flow of information coming to you about the investigation may slow down. Protecting the investigation and the possibility of evidence for court is the main concern for police, so please be patient. You will be told as much as possible when possible. Talk to your Victim Services advocate about any concerns: they can help.

If It Is Determined The Person Has Gone Missing

By Choice Some people go missing because they have made a personal choice to leave.

This is not a crime. If the person is located and found to be safe, privacy legislation restricts the police from telling you anything more than the person has been located.

Police cannot tell you where the person is, who they are with or why they left if the person doesn’t give them permission. It is up to the individual involved to make contact with you.

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Victim Services

When you report a missing person, the police may refer you to Victim Services.

Victim Services Units in Alberta are usually co-located in police detachments throughout the province. They provide information, emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime and tragedy, including people who have missing loved ones, in a culturally safe environment.

A culturally safe environment means service providers have an awareness and respect for the traditional history, rituals, protocols and ways of knowing of other cultures and integrate this knowledge into their service to clients. If you have specific cultural needs regarding grieving, prayer, support, etc. do not hesitate to ask your Victim Services advocate.

If you would like to speak to Victim Services and have not already had contact with them, ask the investigator in your case to make a referral for you.

You can also visit our website at www.victims.alberta.ca Victim Services can help you: • understand the police process • communicate with police • access community resources • access crisis/counselling resources • by listening and providing emotional support • use this guide

Here are some things you may want to talk to Victim Services about: 1. Can you tell me about your services? How do they work?

2. I want a particular kind of support (a listening ear, information, help with forms and other issues, etc.). Can you provide this?

3. How can I access the services you offer (by phone, at your office or through a home visit)?

4. When can I access you and how often? Can I book an appointment or set up a schedule?

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5. Who else in my family can access these services? What services can my children or youth access?

6. Do you offer culturally-specific Victim Services? Do you have any Indigenous/ other culturally sensitive workers I can speak with or work with?

7. What other agencies do you suggest I contact? Can you contact them for me or should I call them myself?

8. If I call this number again, will I reach you? Do you have an extension number?

9. Are there any forms or deadlines I should be aware of?

There are Victim Service Units (VSUs) located across the province.

See Appendix 8, the Government of Alberta’s Victim Services Unit Directory

Working With The Media (Television, Print And Radio) Some families may want to turn to the media to help them search for their loved ones. Other families may want privacy from the media or they may want to correct wrong information that has been reported about their loved one. Whatever your situation, a media release can be a valuable tool in the search for a missing loved one but remember: it is only a tool and does not guarantee the person will be located.

It is important to have a plan for how the family interacts with the media.

Some tips for how to make a media plan: • Talk to the police first. Many police services have media relations personnel who can assist you if you choose to work with the media. Find out if there are any issues you need to take into consideration that could affect the police investigation.

This is very important if foul play is suspected or if your loved one’s disappearance is related to criminal activity. The person who may be criminally responsible may be watching your family or looking for media reports.

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• Have a family meeting to discuss how you want to deal with the media

If the family wants privacy, provide the media with a written request for this. Be cautioned that the media is not obligated to comply with this request.

• Appoint one or two family members as media spokespersons • Identify one or two additional family members or volunteers to help the family spokesperson(s) with media related issues.

• Make a list of the local media the family wants to talk to – newspapers, television stations, radio stations. You don’t need to talk to all of them.

Choose three or four you feel comfortable with and concentrate on working with them.

Websites like Media in Alberta provide lists of media contacts you can use to spread the word about your missing loved one.

• Write down key messages and information the family wants to provide to the media. Focus on how much your loved one is missed and all the good, important things about them. Talk about the circumstances around their disappearance, including time, date, and location as well as descriptors such as hair and clothing. Be aware that the media can write their own story and may just use portions of your release. They can write the story in a direction of their choosing so be prepared to follow up with news agencies if required.

• Pick one or two recent pictures for the media to use. Try to stay away from older graduation or wedding photos that have different hairstyles or looks that may be quite different from how the person currently looks.

• Protect your privacy Never provide your personal information, including your address, phone number or workplace. Create a separate email address for contact purposes and consider using a cell phone or land line that can be disconnected when no longer required.

• Organize or tag onto a special event to attract media attention (vigils, fundraisers, anniversaries).

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See the section on public events for more information on organizing events • Be clear about what you will and will not do for the media. Remember that the media is there to help YOU get your message out. You can say “no” to an interview or a particular question if it makes you uncomfortable. The family spokesperson may be asked to speak to media late at night or very early in the morning. It is your decision to agree to the request.

Sometimes the media may report a story or a portion of a story in a disrespectful way that you may find upsetting, instead of reporting on the fact that the missing person is a much loved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, son, grandson, father, brother or uncle. If it happens, follow up with the reporter or file a complaint with the news director. Make sure your complaint includes a request for a written response.

See Appendix 9, Media Contacts and Appendix 10, Media Events And Fundraising

Using Social Media Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) can be a very powerful tool in getting people involved in the search for your loved one. Social media may reach more people than other types of media and can assist in recruiting volunteers, organizing events and fundraising. Be aware though that it can also attract wrong information, rumors and false leads. For more information, consult with your local Victim Services.

Some tips for working with social media: • Talk to police Find out if using social media may affect the police investigation. Talk to the lead investigator before you set up a site to find out what information can be released to the public and what should remain confidential. There may be information the investigator does not want made public as it can aid them in determining which tips are valid and which are not. Make sure your site tells people to contact police directly with information or, if they want to remain anonymous, to report through crime-stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

DO NOT have them contact you directly. Information that comes to police second-or third-hand cannot be used in court or in search warrants, and valuable evidence may be lost as a result.

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• Pick your social media sites Decide – with your family – what sort of social media you want to use and what information you want to give. Don’t feel like you have to do everything.

Picking between one and three social media sites will give you a big audience.

• Find the social media expert in your family Find family members and/or friends who have experience with social media, and are willing to take on the time and responsibility of creating and updating the information.

• Use photos and video Use recent pictures. Be careful about using photographs of your loved one that contain other people – their privacy needs to be protected. If you want to use social media to help with fundraising, it may be helpful to use an online fundraising site designed to take donations so people can easily contribute.

Posters Putting up missing person posters is a good way to get the word out about your missing loved one. You can design your own or use the templates provided.

Remember to consult with police about the information that can go on the poster.

See Appendix 11, Missing Person Poster Template Some tips for putting up posters: a) Posters printed on regular letter-sized paper (81/2 x 11) are easy to print, easy to distribute and easy to put up. b) If possible, always ask permission to put up posters. Municipal by-laws may restrict or even prohibit the posting of signs, flyers, posters, etc. and you could end up losing your posters and facing a fine. Make sure you check before posting in public areas. c) Larger sized posters may attract more attention and can be put on the sides of vehicles, buildings, or on roadsides (on private land, with permission - not in ditches or right-of- ways where they will be removed – again, check local by-laws). d) Put up posters in busy public places and keep track of where they are.

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e) Get volunteers to help with putting up posters. People from other communities can help get the message out to a wider area. f) Consider widely distributing your poster via mail around the area where the person went missing. Include farms, acreages and businesses in adjacent rural areas. Check with Canada Post regarding bulk mail rates. g) Contact Alberta Transportation 310-0000 or www.transportation.alberta.ca/2626.htm to help with erecting billboards on public land.

See Appendix 12, Poster Distribution Worksheet to help organize your efforts.

Offering A Reward If your family decides to offer a reward, please discuss this with the investigator before going public. Offering a reward always increases the number of tips, so by holding off on offering any rewards right away, you give the police time to fully investigate the original leads which are often the most valuable. Be aware that when money is involved there may be people who may provide false information. USE CAUTION. It is a good idea to engage a lawyer and work closely with Crime Stoppers when publicly offering a reward and/or fund-raising. Crime Stoppers can hold the money in trust so that an individual can call Crime Stoppers to claim the reward. If you have set up a funding site, keep a record of all donations. It is very important that all actions related to the money donated by the public is above-board and transparent.

Psychics When you appeal to the public for help, you may be approached by people claiming to be psychics and offering to help. While some people may have psychic abilities, use caution as some will prey upon the vulnerability of families by seeking payment for their information. Often, the information provided is so vague that any location can be claimed to be accurate. If you wish to use a psychic, do some background checks before you agree to anything. Have they

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helped anyone before and can you contact that person as a reference? If they are charging for their services, what exactly are they saying they can do – find the person, locate personal items, tell you where they were?

Let the investigator know you are engaging the services of a psychic if you decide to do so. It is important they are aware of what details you are giving the psychic so they can evaluate the information.

Public Events Another way to get the public’s attention is to have a vigil, a march or some other public awareness event. Have a family meeting to decide what sort of event you want to have. Think about things like: • Telling police about the event It is important to keep the primary investigator updated on what the family is doing to raise awareness about the missing person.

• Design of the event What will happen at the event? Will there be speakers, singers and dancers?

Will you sell anything, such as ribbons or crafts?

• Volunteers Appoint one or two family members or find volunteers to organize the event.

• Date and location Identify where you want to have your event and find out how to book the space. If you want to have an event on public property in a city or town, contact the town or city hall about permissions or permits. Ask municipal leadership to participate or help promote your event.

• Budget Determine how much the event will cost and who is going to pay. Consider things like space rental, advertising, food and beverages, permits and insurance.

• People to invite Plan to invite people to the event to raise public awareness about it.

Contact the media and advertise the event on social media.

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• Guest speakers and entertainment Identify any guest speakers, presenters or performers you may want at the event and contact them to find out if they would be willing to participate.

Bringing in musical performers or high-profile speakers could boost attendance and raise awareness about your missing loved one.

• Using the event to raise money to help the family You may want to use the event as a platform for fundraising.

See Appendix 10, Media Events and Fundraising, for more information.

Conducting Searches The police may conduct ground and/or air searches for your loved one depending on the circumstance, but this may not be necessary in every case.

If you decide to carry out your own search, the following information must be considered: • Professional search and rescue groups (SAR Alberta) can only be called out to search by a police body or a municipality. They cannot be called out by a private person/agency.

• You may be responsible for any injury sustained by friends/family/volunteers that come out to search on your behalf. Get legal advice prior to initiating a private search.

• Untrained search personnel risk damaging or losing valuable evidence by not understanding proper/legal procedures for evidence seizure and collection.

If you feel strongly that there is an area that bears searching and police are unable to commit resources to that location, please discuss this with the lead investigator so a proper and thorough search can be done. It will be helpful to you and the police if you keep track of who was involved and where they searched so the police have a record should something be found at that time or later.

Click here for a Tracking Tool to organize your volunteer search effort.

See Appendix 15, Ground Search Volunteer Sign-In List for a Tracking Tool to help organize your volunteer search effort

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Useful Resources (Websites, Toolkits, Information Packages, Etc.) Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Missing Persons

Provides educational and resource information about missing persons in Alberta https://www.solgps.alberta.ca/programs_and_services/victim_ services/missing-persons/Pages/MissingPersonsOverview.aspx

Calgary Police Service - Missing Persons

Provides general information about missing persons in Calgary http://www.calgary.ca/cps/Pages/Community-programs-andresources/Crime-prevention/Missing-persons.aspx

Canadian Centre for Information on Missing Adults

Provides tips and resources for helping families when a loved one goes missing http://missingpersonsinformation.ca

Canada’s Missing

Federal government website providing statistics and information about select cases for the purposes of seeking tips on investigations http://www.canadasmissing.ca/index-eng.htm

Community Response Plan

A step-by-step guide to mobilizing and organizing the community in the search for a missing person/child http://www.responseplan.ca/app/en/

Edmonton Police Service Missing Persons

An online database of current missing persons files in Edmonton http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CrimeFiles/MissingPersons.aspx

Finding Hope

A self-help guide for families who have adult members missing in Ontario http://www.missing-u.ca/Images/Families_Missing_Adults.pdf

I am Missing

Helps families search for their missing loved ones http://www.iammissing.ca/

Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. Toolkit to Assist Families of Missing Persons and Persons at Risk:

A toolkit for families of missing persons geared toward Aboriginal families in Manitoba, but useful for any family with a missing loved one http://www.kanikanichihk.ca/?page%20id=761

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Medicine Hat Police Service Missing Persons:

An online listing of current missing person files in Medicine Hat http://www.medicinehatpolice.com/missing.html

Missing Children Society of Canada

Aims to reunite missing children with their searching families through professional investigations, public awareness and family support programs http://www.mcsc.ca/

MissingKids.ca

Assists in locating missing children and young adults, provides educational materials to help prevent children from going missing, provides missing kids “response” information and provides programs and services to the Canadian public with the goal to reduce child victimization http://missingkids.ca/app/en/

Native Women’s Association Canada (NWAC): Navigating the Missing Persons Process: A Community Education Toolkit

Explains the missing person’s process from an Aboriginal policing perspective, as well as offering a resource guide for families who need to contact their local policing authorities about a missing loved one http://www.sacp.ca/missing/pdf/Navigating_the_Missing_Persons_ Process_Updated_Dec_2008.pdf

New Journeys

A transition guide for Aboriginal people moving to the city, and those who serve them http://www.newjourneys.ca

Saskatchewan Missing Persons

Provides education and resources for families who have a missing loved one http://www.sacp.ca/missing/index.php

Missing Persons Support Guide

Getting Support and Practical Help Emotional Support Not knowing the whereabouts or well-being of a loved one can be a very stressful and difficult experience. It is a unique kind of grief that psychologists call ambiguous loss.

Ambiguous loss is a loss that occurs without closure or understanding. This kind of loss leaves a person searching for answers, and thus complicates and delays the process of grieving, and often results in unresolved grief. Ambiguous loss is the most stressful type of loss because it is a loss that lacks answers, is unclear and indeterminate. Many families have identified their greatest challenge as learning to live with the uncertainty of what happened to their loved one. They have many questions but few answers. Ambiguous loss is unique but identifiable, and you need to be aware of its existence and know that you are not alone. The following link is one of many websites about ambiguous loss.

For more information on ambiguous loss, visit www.ambiguousloss.com

Self-Care While you may want to spend all of your time and energy searching for your loved one, it is still important to care for your own needs. Seeking the emotional support of friends and family, Victim Services, Elders or a professional counsellor can help.

If a loved one has been missing for a long time, those left behind may feel isolated or may feel that their support network has fallen apart. The emotional trauma of those whose loved one is missing is a unique experience (ambiguous loss) that may be hard for friends and acquaintances to understand.

It may be helpful to join a support group or seek out other people who have had a similar experience to share feelings and provide mutual support and encouragement.

Signs of Stress Sometimes we think we are strong and coping well, but our body gives us clues that we are feeling the effects of stress and sadness. Watch for these messages from your body. They may include: • Headaches, stomach problems, hives, high blood pressure, more colds and flu

Getting Support and Practical Help

25

• Scattered, disorganized thinking • Self-criticism or being more harsh towards others • Feelings of dread • Loss of meaning and hope • Feeling disconnected from loved ones/higher power If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to a friend or family member, your Victim Services advocate or a counsellor.

Triggers Significant anniversaries and dates often remind people of loved ones who are missing but sometimes simple daily events can have the same impacts. Thoughts, events or objects can trigger feelings that remind you of your missing loved one and can be random and unplanned. You could mistake a person you see on the street for the missing person, hear a song, see a news story or even smell a familiar scent which can trigger an emotional reaction that is difficult to control.

Some suggested ways to manage these triggers are: • Remember that you are not alone – your stress, fear, sadness, and/or anger is a normal response to the unresolved nature of missing persons • No matter how hard you try, you cannot always predict when you will experience a trigger • Give yourself permission to feel the emotion; it can be difficult becoming upset away from the safety of home but this is OK • Breathe, allow yourself to feel the emotion, take deep breaths.

• Drink water. Stress can dehydrate the body so the act of drinking a glass of water can help you to restore calm.

• Talk to someone about how you are feeling. Sharing your experience may help to deal with the pain. A Victim Services advocate will always be there to listen

26

Missing Persons Support Guide

Talking to Children When the missing person has left behind children, it can be an overwhelming task to know how to tell them what has happened. What you say and how you say it will depend entirely on the age and maturity of the child as well as their direct relationship to the missing person. Do not expect their reaction to be the same as yours. Children often do not have the ability to work through major issues like loss in a predictable way so it is important to monitor the child’s behaviours, reactions, needs and respond accordingly.

When talking to children, here are some basic tips: • Keep the information age appropriate, honest and simple • Let the child know what is being done to find the missing person • Provide support and answer their questions as honestly as possible • Encourage questions and emotions – it’s OK to be sad, angry, confused, betrayed • Keep them informed about changes in the case as soon as you know.

Whispering and stopping conversations when they walk into a room just leads to confusion and fear.

Helping The Helpers If you are supporting the family of a missing person, remember to help yourself as well. If you are not feeling strong and supported yourself you cannot support others. Sometimes people who help others in stressful situations begin to experience similar symptoms as the people they are helping. Be aware of this, and be sure you have your support structure in place to help you help others.

Actions To Stay Healthy There are many ways to take care of your emotional needs during times of stress. Not every solution will be the same for everyone. Figure out what you need to stay healthy during this difficult time: • Ensure you are eating well • Get enough sleep

Getting Support and Practical Help

27

• Avoid alcohol and drugs – these can affect your body’s balance and worsen the effects of stress in the short and long term • Limit the use of caffeine and nicotine • Drink water • Pay attention to your spiritual well-being, in whatever form that takes (go to church, read inspirational books, pray, meditate, attend a ceremony, enjoy nature) • Try to enjoy life’s little moments. Remind yourself that you do not have to worry about the rest of your life right now – just think about how you will live one day at a time • Celebrate every small sign of progress in your day-to-day journey. Recognize even the smallest feelings of joy and love you experience • Laugh as much as you can • Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Don’t give your time to those who bring you down • If you wish you would rebound sooner, it can help to act as if you already have. Going through the motions can help you regain your balance

If you behave the way you imagine a stronger, more resilient person would, you may discover that person is you.

See Appendix 8, check with your local Victim Services Unit for a referral for counselling support.

Practical Support It is important you and the family of the missing person are supported during this time of crisis. People are likely feeling overwhelmed, emotions run high, and the families’ spare time may be taken up with activities and tasks related to search efforts. Taking care of everyday tasks can be a challenge. Getting help with simple things like trips to the grocery store, laundry, cooking and household cleaning can make a big difference to the lives of those closest to the missing person.

28

Missing Persons Support Guide

Some tips on getting the practical support you need: • Have regular family meetings to talk about how everyone is coping.

Determine who needs help and what kind of help would be best • Make a list of the everyday things you and your family need help with • Select a coordinator from outside the family • Identify volunteers in the community who are willing to help and appoint one or two family members or close friends to coordinate the volunteers • Use website tools to schedule help • Check out meal planning and housekeeping task websites (LotsaHelpingHands, CaringBridge, MealTrain) • Use a paper-based schedule • Check in with family and volunteers regularly • Make sure the help being offered is still needed and the volunteers are still able to support the family. It is important not to overload volunteers, so try to spread out the work as best as you can See Appendix 13, Practical Help – List Of Possible Needs and Appendix 14, Weekly Practical Help - Volunteer Schedule for a weekly calendar and a tool to organize a practical help schedule

Spiritual Support The role of ceremony, faith, traditional spiritual practices and other spiritual supports can be very powerful in helping people cope through the trauma of missing a loved one. Elders and spiritual leaders (priests, imams, rabbis, etc.) can provide spiritual guidance and support and keep family and friends grounded and focused in this difficult time. Even if you have not been active in a church or have not been connected to your traditional culture, you can still get help from spiritual care providers. Elders and church leaders are there to help and will do their best to offer you guidance and support. Do not be afraid to ask for help!

Getting Support and Practical Help

29

There may be specific protocols or ways of asking to connect to spiritual support (for example, when asking an Indigenous Elder for help). Talk to someone in your community or ask your Victim Support Unit about this if you are unsure.

See Appendix 8, the Victim Services Unit Directory for more information.

Financial Support and Fundraising Financial considerations can add stress to an already stressful situation.

Financial support may be needed for a variety of reasons: • The missing person was the primary income-earner for a family • Family members may take time off work to search for the missing person, resulting in a loss of income • Family members often take a health leave from work due to grief or stress • The costs of making posters, hosting public awareness events, using helpers (e.g. Elders, speakers, celebrities) for ceremonies can add up quickly • Family members may want counselling that is not covered by their health plan • Families may want to offer a reward for information leading to the return of their loved one

The Government of Canada offers financial support for families of murdered or missing children.1 Unfortunately, there are no government programs that provide financial assistance to those who are searching for a missing adult. Communities or businesses may want to raise funds on behalf of the family or individuals and can start their own fundraising campaign.

If you decide to fundraise, it is important to do it in a way that is very open. Ensure you are very clear about what the money will be used for, and report back to donors either individually or generally to avoid any potential trouble in what is already a very stressful situation.

1

30

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/pmmc/ebrochure.shtml

Missing Persons Support Guide

Some tips for fundraising: • Have a family meeting to discuss how fundraising dollars will be used • Pick a fundraising method that best meets your goals and your comfort level. Social media fundraising, special events and word of mouth can all bring in donations • Appoint a family member who is good at keeping records to be the treasurer • Open a bank account specifically for the funds raised •

Purchase a receipt book so that you can provide receipts for cash and cheque donations. Make sure you purchase a receipt book that is in- duplicate so you have a record of all receipts issued and can keep track of donations (note that you cannot offer charitable receipts for income tax unless you are working through a registered charity)

A PayPal account, or a website like Go Fund Me or Give Forward will allow you to receive online donations. There is no setup fee, but there is a service fee per transaction (between 5 per cent to10 per cent on average). However you decide to raise funds, it is important to let people know how the money will be used.

See Appendix 10, Media Events and Fundraising for more ideas.

See Appendix 8, Victim Services Unit Directory for more information.

Long Term If the person remains missing for a long period of time, the trauma will have long lasting effects on family members in various different ways. Family conflict may erupt, daily routines are unsettled, finances and general health and wellbeing can suffer.

Some commonly noted experiences are: • Living with not knowing. This may be the greatest challenge you will face and is known as ambiguous loss. Counsellors can help.

• Preoccupation with the missing person and the inability to think about anything else

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31

• Being on an emotional roller coaster, swinging between being ‘up’ and ‘down’ - Confusion

- Anxiety and fear

- Helplessness

- Hypervigilance, continual searching

- Hope

There is no right or wrong way to feel. What is important is that you recognize the effects and manage them the best way that you can whether that be through counselling, group support, a strong belief system or anything else that works for you. Your Victim Services provider has the capacity to find the resources you need to help you cope with issues related to long term loss.

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Missing Persons Support Guide

Frequently Asked Questions What if the police service won’t take the missing persons report?

If the police service express reluctance to take the missing persons report, ask to speak to a supervisor. Note: You can also call Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Victims Services to assist you in navigating this issue at 780-427-3460.

What if my missing loved one has dependent children?

If your missing loved one has children, there may be questions about who cares for these children in their absence. If your loved one is married, each parent has equal rights to custody of the child(ren) as long as there is no court order to the contrary. If there are questions and/or concerns about custody, it will be necessary to involve the courts to make a decision based on what is the best interests of the child.

In some instances, other family members or adults connected to the child(ren) may wish to become the guardian to replace the parent in their absence. In this case, it is necessary to apply to the court for a private guardianship order to become the legally recognized caregiver of the child(ren).

Please refer to the Government of Alberta’s website2 for more information OR contact your local victim service unit for assistance.

If my missing loved one owns a house and/or other property, what happens to this in their absence?

If a power of attorney was in effect at the time your loved one goes missing the named attorney can continue to deal with any property/assets.

Otherwise, in Alberta, a missing person’s property/assets are dealt with under the provisions of the Public Trustee Act. If the property/assets of a missing loved one need to be secured, protected and or dealt with, a family member or other interested party must file an application with the court to have the person declared a missing person and the Public Trustee appointed as trustee of their property/ assets. Only after the court order is issued does the Public Trustee have the authority to deal with the missing person’s property/assets.

2

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/guardianship-trusteeship.html

Frequently Asked Questions

33

At some point a family member or interested person may want to apply to the court to have their missing loved one declared dead. If the Public Trustee was appointed trustee of the missing person, the family member will need to file a court application to seek an order that directs there is sufficient evidence to determine that the missing person is deceased and the court order will also need to direct what happens with the property/assets. The Public Trustee Act provides that the Public Trustee may transfer the property of the missing person to the personal representative of the deceased person or to any person the court may direct.

If, after ten years from the date of the missing person order, the Public Trustee continues to hold property for the missing person the Public Trustee has the authority to pay any unclaimed funds to the General Revenue Fund according to the process described within the Public Trustee Act. For more information, please refer to the Government of Alberta website: http://www.programs.alberta.ca/living/ You may also contact the Office of the Public Guardian and Public Trustee at 780-427-2744 (Edmonton) or 403-297-6541 (Calgary) or http://www. humanservices.alberta.ca/guardianship-trusteeship There will likely be many questions and legal issues that arise over the course of a missing person investigation. These are complicated issues and we recommend that you consult with a lawyer that specializes in estates, property and all the various issues that can arise when a loved one is a missing person.

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Missing Persons Support Guide

APPENDIX 1

Personal Contacts Worksheet

DATE/TIME

NAME

CONTACT INFORMATION (PHONE/EMAIL)

RELATIONSHIP TO MISSING PERSON

INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOUT THE MISSING PERSON

Appenidx 1 – Personal Contacts Worksheet

35

APPENDIX 2

Hospital and Treatment Centres

36

LOCATION

FACILITY TYPE

NAME OF FACILITY

PHONE NUMBER

Athabasca

Emergency

Athabasca Healthcare Centre

780-675-6000

Banff

Emergency

Banff-Mineral Springs Hospital

403-762-2222

Barrhead

Emergency

Barrhead Healthcare Centre

780-674-2221

Bassano

Emergency

Bassano Health Centre

403-641-6100

Beaverlodge

Emergency

Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital

780-354-2136

Black Diamond

Emergency

Oil Fields General Hospital

403-933-2222

Blairmore

Emergency

Crowsnest Pass Health Centre

403-562-2831

Bonnyville

Emergency

Bonnyville Healthcare Centre

780-826-3311

Bow Island

Emergency

Bow Island Health Centre

403-545-3200

Boyle

Emergency

Boyle Healthcare Centre

780-689-3731

Brooks

Emergency

Brooks Health Centre

403-501-3232

Calgary

Emergency

South Health Campus

403-956-1111

Calgary

Emergency

Rockyview General Hospital

403-943-3000

Calgary

Emergency

Foothills Medical Centre

403-944-1110

Calgary

Emergency

Peter Lougheed Centre

403-943-4555

Calgary

Emergency

Alberta Children's Hospital

403-955-7211

Calgary

Addictions

Aventa Addiction Treatment for Women

403-245-9050

Calgary

Addictions

Calgary Addiction Youth Services

403-297-4664

Calgary

Addictions

Calgary Alpha House

403-234-7388

Calgary

Addictions

Centre for Hope

403-410-1150

Calgary

Addictions

Fresh Start Recovery Centre

403-387-6266

Calgary

Addictions

Renfrew Recovery Detox Centre

403-297-3337

Calgary

Addictions

Youville Women's Residence

403-242-0244

Camrose

Emergency

St. Mary's Hospital

780-679-6100

Canmore

Emergency

Canmore General Hospital

403-678-5536

Cardston

Emergency

Cardston Health Centre

403-653-4411

Castor

Emergency

Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital

403-882-3434

Claresholm

Emergency

Claresholm General Hospital

403-682-3700

Claresholm

Addictions

Lander Treatment Centre

403-625-5600

Cold Lake

Emergency

Cold Lake Healthcare Centre

780-639-3322

Coronation

Emergency

Coronation Hospital and Care Centre

403-578-3803

Daysland

Emergency

Daysland Health Centre

780-374-3746

Devon

Emergency

Devon General Hospital

780-342-7000

Didsbury

Emergency

Didsbury District Health Services

403-335-9393

Missing Persons Support Guide

LOCATION

FACILITY TYPE

NAME OF FACILITY

PHONE NUMBER

Drumheller

Emergency

Drumheller Health Centre

403-823-6500

Drumheller

Addictions

Grace House

403-823-5437

Edmonton

Emergency

Misercordia Hospital

780-735-2000

Edmonton

Emergency

University of Alberta Hospital

780-407-8822

Edmonton

Emergency

Grey Nuns Community Hospital

780-735-7000

Edmonton

Emergency

Royal Alexandra Hospital

780-735-4111

Edmonton

Emergency

Northeast Community Health Centre

780-342-4000

Edmonton

Mental Health

Alberta Hospital Edmonton

780-342-5555

Edmonton

Addictions

George Spady Centre

780-424-8335

Edmonton

Addictions

Henwood Treatment Centre

780-422-4466

Edmonton

Addictions

Jellinek Society Recovery House

780-488-1160

Edmonton

Addictions

McDougall House

780-426-1409

Edmonton

Addictions

Oxford House

780-455-5517

Edmonton

Addictions

Recovery Acres Society

780-471-2969

Edmonton

Mental Health

Villa Caritas (geriatric)

780-342-6565

Edson

Emergency

Edson Healthcare Centre

780-723-3331

Elk Point

Emergency

Elk Point Healthcare Centre

780-724-3847

Fairview

Emergency

Fairview Health Complex

780- 835-6100

Fort Macleod

Emergency

Fort Macleod Health Centre

403-553-5311

Fort Macleod

Addictions

Foothills Detox Centre

403-553-4466

Fort McMurray

Emergency

Northern Lights Regional Health Centre

780-791-6161

Fort McMurray

Addictions

Pastew Place Detox Centre

780-791-2525

Fort Saskatchewan Emergency

Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital

780-998-2256

Fort Vermilion

Emergency

St. Theresa General Hospital

780-927-3761

Fox Creek

Emergency

Fox Creek Healthcare Centre

780-622-3545

Grande Cache

Emergency

Grande Cache Community Health Complex

780-827-3701

Grande Prairie

Emergency

Queen Elizabeth II Hospital

780-538-7100

Grande Prairie

Addictions

Grande Prairie Aberdeen Centre

780-538-6330

Grande Prairie

Addictions

Northern Addictions Centre

780-538-5210

Grimshaw

Emergency

Grimshaw/Berwyn and District Community Health Centre

780-332-6500

Hanna

Emergency

Hanna Health Centre

403- 854-3331

Hardisty

Emergency

Hardisty Health Centre

780-888-3742

High Level

Emergency

Northwest Health Centre

780-841-3200

High Level

Addictions

Action North Recovery Centre

780-926-3113

High Prairie

Emergency

High Prairie Health Complex

780-523-6440

High Prairie

Addictions

Metis Indian Town Alcohol Association

1-800-207-9320

Appendix 2 – Hospital and Treatment Centres

37

38

LOCATION

FACILITY TYPE

NAME OF FACILITY

PHONE NUMBER

High River

Emergency

High River General Hospital

403-652-2200

Hinton

Emergency

Hinton Healthcare Centre

780-865-3333

Innisfail

Emergency

Innisfail Health Centre

403-227-7800

Jasper

Emergency

Seton- Jasper Healthcare Centre

780-852-3344

Killam

Emergency

Killam Healthcare Centre

780-385-3741

Lac La Biche

Emergency

William J. Cadzow - Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre

780-623-4404

Lacombe

Emergency

Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre

403-782-3336

Lamont

Emergency

Lamont Health Care Centre

780- 895-2211

Leduc

Emergency

Leduc Community Hospital

780-986-7711

Lethbridge

Emergency

Chinook Regional Hospital

403-388-6111

Lethbridge

Addictions

South Country Treatment Centre

403-329-6603

Lethbridge

Addictions

Southern Alcare Manor

403-328-0955

Lloydminster

Emergency

Lloydminster Hospital (Saskatchewan)

306-820-6000

Lloydminster

Addictions

Walter A. "Slim" Thorpe Recovery Centre

780-875-8890

Manning

Emergency

Manning Community Health Centre

780- 836-3391

Mayerthorpe

Emergency

Mayerthorpe Healthcare Centre

780-786-2261

McLennan

Emergency

Sacred Hearth Community Health Centre

780-324-3730

Medicine Hat

Emergency

Medicine Hat Regional Hospital

403-529-8000

Milk River

Emergency

Milk River Health Centre

403-647-2337

Olds

Emergency

Olds Hospital and Care Centre

403-556-3381

Oyen

Emergency

Big Country Hospital

403-664-4300

Peace River

Emergency

Peace River Community Health Centre

780-624-7500

Pincher Creek

Emergency

Pincher Creek Health Centre

403-627-1234

Ponoka

Emergency

Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre

403-783-3341

Ponoka

Mental Health

Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury

403-783-7600

Provost

Emergency

Provost Health Centre

780-753-2291

Raymond

Emergency

Raymond Health Centre

403-752-4561

Red Deer

Emergency

Red Deer Regional Hospital

403-343-4422

Red Deer

Addictions

Safe Harbour Society

403-347-0181

Redwater

Emergency

Redwater Health Centre

780-942-3932

Rimby

Emergency

Rimby Hospital and Care Centre

403-843-2271

Rocky Mountain House

Emergency

Rocky Mountain House Health Centre

403-845-3347

Slave Lake

Emergency

Slave Lake Health Centre

780-805-3500

Smoky Lake

Emergency

George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre

780-656-3034

Missing Persons Support Guide

LOCATION

FACILITY TYPE

NAME OF FACILITY

PHONE NUMBER

Spirit River

Emergency

Central Peace Health Complex

780-864-3993

St. Albert

Emergency

Sturgeon Community Hospital

780-418-8200

St. Albert

Addictions

Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centre

780-458-1884

St. Paul

Emergency

St. Theresa - St. Paul Healthcare Centre

780-645-3331

Stettler

Emergency

Stettler Hospital and Care Centre

403-742-7400

Stony Plain

Emergency

Westview Health Centre

780-968-3600

Stony Plain

Addictions

Our House Addiction Recovery Centre

780-474-8945

Strathmore

Emergency

Strathmore District Health Services

403-361-7000

Sundre

Emergency

Sundre Hospital and Care Centre

403-638-3033

Swan Hills

Emergency

Swan Hills Healthcare Centre

780-333-7000

Taber

Emergency

Taber Health Centre

403-223-4461

Three Hills

Emergency

Three Hills Health Centre

403-443-2444

Tofield

Emergency

Tofield Health Centre

780-662-3263

Two Hills

Emergency

Two Hills Health Centre

780-657-3344

Valleyview

Emergency

Valleyview Health Centre

780-524-3356

Vegreville

Emergency

St. Joseph's General Hospital

780-632-2811

Viking

Emergency

Viking Health Centre

780-336-4786

Vulcan

Emergency

Vulcan Community Health Centre

403-485-3333

Wabasca

Emergency

Wabasca/Desmarais Healthcare Centre

780-891-3007

Wainwright

Emergency

Wainwright Health Centre

780-842-3324

Wetaskiwin

Emergency

Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre

780-361-7100

Whitecourt

Emergency

Whitecourt Healthcare Centre

780-778-2285

Appendix 2 – Hospital and Treatment Centres

39

APPENDIX 3

Police Services Listing

40

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE

LOCATION

POLICE SERVICE

ADDRESS

Airdrie

RCMP Airdrie Detachment

100 - 2 Highland Park Way NE Airdrie, AB T4A 0R1

403-945-7200

Athabasca

RCMP Athabasca Detachment

3402 - 48th Avenue Athabasca, AB T9S 1V1

780-675-4252

Banff

RCMP Banff Detachment

P.O. Box 959 335 Lynx Street Banff, AB T1L 1K3

403-762-2226

Barrhead

RCMP Barrhead Detachment

P.O. Box 4436 4729 – 61st Avenue Barrhead, AB T7N 1A3

780-674-2696

Bashaw

RCMP Bashaw Detachment

P.O. Box 248 5017 – 52nd Street Bashaw, AB T0B 0H0

780-372-3593

Bassano

RCMP Bassano Detachment

P.O. Box 337 639 – 11th Street Bassano, AB T0J 0B0

403-641-3677

Beaumont

RCMP Beaumont Detachment

5501 Magasin Avenue Beaumont, AB T4X 1V8

780-929-7400

Beaverlodge

RCMP Beaverlodge Detachment

P.O. Box 1140 402 – 10th Street Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0

780-354-2485

Beiseker

RCMP Beiseker Detachment

P.O. Box 570 75 North Road Beiseker, AB T0M 0G0

403-947-3496

Blackfalds

RCMP Blackfalds Detachment

P.O. Box 1780 4405 South Street Blackfalds, AB T0M 0J0

403-885-3333

Standoff

Blood Tribe

P. O. Box 300 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0

403-737-3800

Bonnyville

RCMP Bonnyville Detachment

4515 – 54th Avenue Bonnyville, AB T9N 0C2

780-826-3358

Bow Island

RCMP Bow Island Detachment

P.O. Box 779 401 – 2nd Avenue E Bow Island, AB T0K 0G0

403-545-2100

Boyle

RCMP Boyle Detachment

P.O. Box 58 4901 Taylor Road Boyle, AB T0A 0M0

780-689-3622

Breton

RCMP Breton Detachment P.O. Box 117 4724 – 50th Avenue Breton, AB T0C 0P0

780-696-3502

Brooks

RCMP Brooks Detachment

403-362-5535

Missing Persons Support Guide

P.O. Box 279 310 – 4th Street W Brooks, AB T1R 0Z7

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE

LOCATION

POLICE SERVICE

ADDRESS

Calgary

Calgary Police Service 5111 47th St. N.E. Headquarters - Westwinds Calgary, AB T3J 3R2

403-266-1234

Calgary

Calgary Police Service District 1 – Ramsay

1010 – 26th Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 1R6

403-428-6100

Calgary

Calgary Police Service District 2 - Rosscarrock

4506 – 17th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T3E 7B9

403-458-6200

Calgary

Calgary Police Service District 3 – North Haven

4303 14th Street N.W. Calgary, AB T2K 1J7

403-428-6300

Calgary

Calgary Police Service District 4 - Franklin

3207 12th Avenue N.E. Calgary, AB T2A 6N8

403-428-6400

Calgary

Calgary Police Service District 5 – Saddle Ridge

800 Saddletowne Circle N.E. Calgary, AB T3J 0H5

403-428-6500

Calgary

Calgary Police Service District 6 - Fairview

8325 Bonaventure Drive S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 2R7

403-428-6600

Calgary

Calgary Police Service District 7 – Country Hills

11955 Country Village Link N.E. Calgary, AB T3K 0A2

403-428-6700

Calgary

Calgary Police Service District 8 - Midnapore

450 Midpark Way S.E. Calgary, AB T2X 3S4

403-428-6800

Camrose

Camrose Police Service

6220 – 48th Avenue Camrose, AB T4V 0K6

780-672-8300

Camrose

RCMP Camrose Detachment

6410 – 48th Avenue Camrose, AB T4V 3A3

780-672-3341

Canmore

RCMP Canmore Detachment

P.O. Box 370 101 Elk Run Blvd.

Canmore, AB T1W 1L1

403-678-5516

Cardston

RCMP Cardston Detachment

P.O. Box 669 145 Main Street Cardston, AB T0K 0K0

403-653-4931

Chateh (Assumption)

RCMP Chateh Detachment

12230 Main Avenue Chateh, AB T0H 0S0

780-321-3753

Chestermere

RCMP Chestermere Detachment

156 East Chestermere Drive Chestermere, AB T1X 1C1

403-204-8900

Claresholm

RCMP Claresholm Detachment

P.O. Box 1209 366 – 48th Avenue N Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0

403-625-4444

Cochrane

RCMP Cochrane Detachment

359 1st Street E Cochrane, AB T4C 1Y7

403-932-2211

Cold Lake

RCMP Cold Lake Detachment

4710 – 55th Street Cold Lake, AB T9M 1N4

780-594-3302

Consort

RCMP Consort Detachment

P.O. Box 458 4612 – 50th Avenue Consort, AB T0C 1B0

403-577-3000

Coronation

RCMP Coronation Detachment

P.O. Box 579 4909 Royal Street Coronation, AB T0C 1C0

403-578-3622

Appendix 3 – Police Services Listing

41

42

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE

LOCATION

POLICE SERVICE

ADDRESS

Crowsnest Pass

RCMP Crowsnest Pass Detachment

P.O. Box 1200 2122 – 127th Street Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0

403-562-2866

Desmarais

RCMP Desmarais Detachment

P.O. Box 270 861 Mistassiniy Road Desmarais, AB T0G 2K0

780-891-3765

Devon

RCMP Devon Detachment

13 Columbia Avenue W Devon, AB T9G 1Y7

780-987-3413

Didsbury

RCMP Didsbury Detachment

P.O. Box 1270 2425 – 19th Street Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0

403-335-3381

Drayton Valley

RCMP Drayton Valley Detachment

P.O. Box 6060 5409 Industrial Road Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1R6

780-542-4456

Driftpile, Kapowe’no, Lesser Slave Lake, Sawridge, Sucker Creek and Swan River First Nations

Lakeshore Regional Police

P.O. Box 210, Driftpile, AB T0G 0V0

780-523-3370 780-355-3670

Drumheller

RCMP Drumheller Detachment

P.O. Box 1030 75 Riverside Drive E Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0

403-823-2630

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Headquarters

9620 - 103A Avenue Edmonton, AB T5H 0H7

780-421-3322

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Downtown Division

9620 - 103A Avenue Edmonton, AB T5H 0H7

780-421-2761

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Northeast Division

14203 -50th Street Edmonton, AB T5A 5H6

780-426-8100

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Southeast Division

104 Youville Drive E Edmonton, AB T6L 7H6

780-426-8200

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Southwest Division

1351 Windermere Way Edmonton, AB T6E 0A6

780-426-8300

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service West Division

16505 100 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5A 5H6

780-426-8000

Edmonton International Airport

RCMP Edmonton International Airport Detachment

1552, 1000 Airport Road Edmonton International Airport, AB T9E 0V3

780-890-4333

Edson

RCMP Edson Detachment

115 – 55th Street Edson, AB T7E 1S9

780-723-8800

Elk Point

RCMP Elk Point Detachment

P.O. Box 218 4904 – 50th Avenue Elk Point, AB T0A 1A0

780-724-3964

Evansburg

RCMP Evansburg Detachment

P.O. Box 215 5015 – 52nd Avenue Evansburg, AB T0E 0T0

780-727-4446

Missing Persons Support Guide

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE

LOCATION

POLICE SERVICE

ADDRESS

Fairview

RCMP Fairview Detachment

P.O. Box 610 10104 – 113th Street Fairview, AB T0H 1L0

780-835-2211

Faust

RCMP Faust Detachment

P.O. Box 40 13A 4th Street W Faust, AB T0G 0X0

780-355-3609

Foremost

RCMP Foremost Detachment

401 - 3rd Avenue W Foremost, AB T0K 0X0

403-867-3545

Fox Creek

RCMP Fox Creek Detachment

P.O. Box 670 106 Kaybob Drive Fox Creek, AB T0H 1P0

780-622-3740

Fox Lake

RCMP Fox Lake Detachment

P.O. Box 232 229 Main Road Fox Lake, AB T0H 1R0

780-659-2080

Ft. Chipewyan

RCMP Ft. Chipewyan Detachment

P.O. Box 328 117 Mellor Avenue Ft Chipewyan, AB T0P 1B0

780-697-3665

Ft. Macleod

RCMP Ft. Macleod Detachment

P.O. Box 1088 2018 8th Avenue Ft Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0

403-553-4406

Ft. McMurray and Wood Buffalo

RCMP Ft. McMurray Detachment

105 Paquette Drive Ft McMurray, AB T9K 0P5

780-788-4000

Ft. Saskatchewan

RCMP Ft. Saskatchewan Detachment

200 Town Crest Road Ft Saskatchewan, AB T8L 3T1

780-992-6100

Ft. Vermilion

RCMP Ft. Vermillion Detachment

P.O. Box 94, 4302 45th Street Ft Vermillion, AB T0H 1N0

780-927-3255

Gleichen

RCMP Gleichen Detachment

P.O. Box 340 508 – 4th Avenue Gleichen, AB T0J 1N0

403-734-3923

Grande Cache

RCMP Grande Cache Detachment

P.O. Box 270 9906 Shand Avenue Grande Cache, AB T0E 0Y0

780-827-2222

Grande Prairie

RCMP Grande Prairie Detachment

10202 – 99th Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2H4

780-830-5700

Grimshaw

RCMP Grimshaw Detachment

9200 99th Street, Bag 500 5002-50th Avenue Grimshaw, AB T0H 1W0

780-332-4666

Hanna

RCMP Hanna Detachment

P.O. Box 1209 104 – 3rd Avenue W Hanna, AB T0J 1P0

403-854-3391

High Level

RCMP High Level Detachment

P.O. Box 30 10203 – 100th Avenue High Level, AB T0H 1Z0

780-926-2226

High Prairie

RCMP High Prairie Detachment

P.O. Box 1230 5400 – 53rd Avenue High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0

780-523-3370

Appendix 3 – Police Services Listing

43

44

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE

LOCATION

POLICE SERVICE

ADDRESS

High River

RCMP High River Detachment

1104 - 14th Street SE High River, AB T1V 1W2

Hinton

RCMP Hinton Detachment 111 Civic Centre Road Hinton, AB T7V 1T8

780-865-5544

Innisfail

RCMP Innisfail Detachment

403-227-3341

Jasper

RCMP Jasper Detachment P.O. Box 1800 600 Bonhomme Street Jasper, AB T0E 1E0

780-852-4848

Kainai/Blood Reserve

Blood Tribe Police

P.O. PO Box 300 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0

403-737-3800

Kananaskis

RCMP Kananaskis Detachment

P.O. Box 38 2 Boundary Road Kananaskis Village AB T0L 2H0

403-591-7707

Killam

RCMP Killam Detachment

P.O. Box 239 4915 – 49th Avenue Killam, AB T0B 2L0

780-385-3502

Kitscoty

RCMP Kitscoty Detachment

P.O. Box 239 5010 – 50th Street Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0

780-846-2870

Lac La Biche

RCMP Lac La Biche Detachment

P.O. Box 810 11 Nipewon Road Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0

780-623-4380

Lacombe

Lacombe Police Service

5211 – 50th Ave Lacombe, AB T4L 1E8

403-782-3279

Lake Louise

RCMP Lake Louise Detachment

P.O. Box 10 102 Village Road Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0

403-522-3811

Leduc

RCMP Leduc Detachment

1 - 4119 – 50th Street Leduc, AB T9E 7L9

780-980-7267

Lethbridge

Lethbridge Regional Police Service

135 1st Avenue South Lethbridge, AB T1J 0A1

403-328-4444

Lethbridge

RCMP Lethbridge Detachment

427 Stafford Drive S Lethbridge, AB T1J 4G2

403-329-5010

Lloydminster

RCMP Lloydminster Detachment

5106 44th Street Lloydminster, AB T9V 0W2

780-808-8300

Manning

RCMP Manning Detachment

P.O. Box 123 304 6th Avenue NE Manning, AB T0H 2M0

780-836-3007

Maskwacis (Hobbema)

RCMP Maskwacis Detachment

1 Mile Road and Highway 611, Samson Townsite, Maskwacis, AB T0C 1N0

780-585-3767

Mayerthorpe

RCMP Mayerthorpe Detachment

P.O. Box 359 5112 - 45th Avenue Mayerthorpe, AB T0E 1N0

780-786-2800

McLennan

RCMP McLennan Detachment

P.O. Box 419 404 – 3rd Avenue NE McLennan, AB T0H 2L0

780-324-3061

Missing Persons Support Guide

4904 - 45th Avenue Innisfail, AB T4G 1S6

403-652-2356

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE

LOCATION

POLICE SERVICE

ADDRESS

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat Police Service

884 – 2nd Street S.E. Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8H2

403-529-8400

Milk River

RCMP Milk River Detachment

P.O. Box 537 605 Main Street NW Milk River, AB T0K 1M0

403-647-3955

Morinville

RCMP Morinville Detachment

10512 – 101st Avenue Morinville, AB T8R 1K9

780-939-4520

Nanton

RCMP Nanton Detachment

P.O. Box 340 2501 – 21st Street Nanton, AB T0L 1R0

403-646-2444

Okotoks

RCMP Okotoks Detachment

98 Woodhaven Drive Okotoks, AB T1S 1L2

403-938-4202

Olds

RCMP Olds Detachment

5110 – 65th Avenue Olds, AB T4H 1L8

403-556-3323

Oyen

RCMP Oyen Detachment

P.O. Box 539 317 – 1st Avenue E Oyen, AB T0J 2J0

403-664-3883

Peace River

RCMP Peace River Detachment

P.O. Box 500 9200 – 99th Street Peace River, AB T8S 2A4

780-624-6611

Picture Butte

RCMP Picture Butte Detachment

P.O. Box 299 520 Watson Avenue Picture Butte, AB T0K 1V0

403-732-4429

Piikani Nation

RCMP Piikani Nation Detachment

P.O. Box 3099 1440 14th Avenue Brocket, AB T0K 0H0

403-965-2000

Pincher Creek

RCMP Pincher Creek Detachment

P.O. Box 1118 1369 Hunter Street Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

403-627-6010

Ponoka

RCMP Ponoka Detachment

P.O. Box 4250 5120 – 50th Avenue Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6

403-783-4471

Provost

RCMP Provost Detachment

P.O. Box 567 5012 – 53rd Avenue Provost, AB T0B 3S0

780-753-2214

Raymond / Magrath

RCMP Raymond / Magrath Detachment

P.O. Box 1130 179 W 200 N Raymond, AB T0K 2S0

403-752-3351

Red Deer

RCMP Red Deer City Detachment

4602 – 51st Avenue Red Deer, AB T4N 2N2

403-343-5575

Red Earth Creek

RCMP Red Earth Creek Detachment

P.O. Box 80 Lot 153 - Highway 88 Red Earth Creek, AB T0G 1X0

780-649-3990

Redcliff

RCMP Redcliff Detachment

P.O. Box 9 301 Mitchell Street SE Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0

403-548-2222

Appendix 3 – Police Services Listing

45

46

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE

LOCATION

POLICE SERVICE

ADDRESS

Redwater

RCMP Redwater Detachment

P.O. Box 399 4811 – 58th Street Redwater, AB T0A 2W0

780-942-3600

Rimbey

RCMP Rimbey Detachment

P.O. Box 919 5117 – 50th Street Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

403-843-2223

Rocky Mountain House

RCMP Rocky Mountain House Detachment

4428 – 45th Street Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1P3

403-845-2881

Sawridge First Nation

Lakeshore Regional Police

P.O. Box 210 Driftpile, AB, T0G 0V0

780-523-3370 780-355-3670

Slave Lake

RCMP Slave Lake Detachment

1005 – 6th Avenue SE Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A3

780-849-3045

Smoky Lake

RCMP Smoky Lake Detachment

P.O. Box 239 5212 – 44th Avenue Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0

780-656-3691

Spirit River

RCMP Spirit River Detachment

P.O. Box 420 4501 – 50th Street Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0

780-864-3533

Spruce Grove

RCMP Spruce Grove Detachment

100 - 410 King Street Spruce Grove, AB T7X 2Z1

780-962-2222

St. Albert

RCMP St. Albert Detachment

96 Bellerose Drive St Albert, AB T8N 7A4

780-458-7700

Stettler

RCMP Stettler Detachment

P.O. Box 1298 5902 – 44th Avenue Stettler, AB T0C 2L0

403-742-3381

Stony Plain

RCMP Stony Plain Detachment

4601 – 44th Avenue Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1W9

780-968-7267

St. Paul

RCMP St. Paul Detachment

4806 – 55th Street St Paul, AB T0A 3A1

780-645-8888

Strathcona County (Sherwood Park)

RCMP Strathcona County Detachment

911 Bison Way Sherwood Park, AB T8H 1S9

780-467-7741

Strathmore

RCMP Strathmore Detachment

500 Westlake Rd Strathmore, AB T1P 1M7

403-934-3535

Sundre

RCMP Sundre Detachment

215 – 6th Avenue NE Sundre, AB T0M 1X0

403-638-3655

Swan Hills

RCMP Swan Hills Detachment

P.O. Box 237 5538 Main Street Swan Hills, AB T0G 2C0

780-333-4459

Sylvan Lake

RCMP Sylvan Lake Detachment

4260 - 50th Street Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 0H3

403-887-3333

Taber

Taber Police Service

5700 50th Ave Taber, AB T1G 2H7

403-223-8991

Taber / Vauxhall

RCMP Taber / Vauxhall Detachment

P.O. Box 4060 4521 Hackney Drive Taber, AB T1G 2C6

403-223-4446

Missing Persons Support Guide

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE

LOCATION

POLICE SERVICE

ADDRESS

Thorsby

RCMP Thorsby Detachment

P.O. Box 499 5005 55th Avenue Thorsby, AB T0C 2P0

780-789-3950

Three Hills

RCMP Three Hills Detachment

P.O. Box 520 719 2nd Street N Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0

403-443-5538

Tofield

RCMP Tofield Detachment

P.O. Box 540 5515 – 49th Street Tofield, AB T0B 4J0

780-662-3352

Tsuu T'ina First Nations

Tsuu T'ina Nation Police Service

9911 Chiila Blvd., Tsuu T'ina, AB, T2W 6H6

403-251-9660

Two Hills

RCMP Two Hills Detachment

P.O. Box 100 5209 – 50th Street Two Hills- AB T0B 4K0

780-657-2760

Valleyview

RCMP Valleyview Detachment

P.O. Box 1050 4702 – 51st Street Valleyview, AB T0H 3N0

780-524-3343

Vegreville

RCMP Vegreville Detachment

P.O. Box 730 4945 – 49th Avenue Vegreville, AB T9C 1R8

780-632-2155

Vermilion

RCMP Vermilion Detachment

5115 - 50th Avenue Vermilion, AB T9X 1A9

780-853-5781

Viking

RCMP Viking Detachment

P.O. Box 209 5215 - 52nd Avenue Viking, AB T0B 4N0

780-336-3434

Vulcan

RCMP Vulcan Detachment

P.O. Box 776 165075A Range Road 244 Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0

403-485-2266

Wainwright

RCMP Wainwright Detachment

826 – 3rd Avenue Wainwright, AB T9W 1R3

780-842-4461

Waterton National Park

RCMP Waterton National Park Detachment (seasonal)

202 Waterton Avenue Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0

403-859-2244

Westlock

RCMP Westlock Detachment

10807 – 104th Avenue Westlock, AB T7P 1B3

780-349-4491

Wetaskiwin

RCMP Wetaskiwin Detachment

5005 – 48th Avenue Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0N1

780-312-7267

Whitecourt

RCMP Whitecourt Detachment

P.O. Box 537 4244 – 42nd Avenue Whitecourt, AB T7S 1N6

780-778-5454

Appendix 3 – Police Services Listing

47

APPENDIX 4

Detailed Description Missing Person Detailed Description Full Name of Missing Person: .....................................................................................................................................................................................

Date of Birth: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Height: ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Weight: ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Hair Color and Length: .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

Eye Color: ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Skin Color: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Ethnicity/appears as: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Facial Hair (beard, moustache, etc.) .......................................................................................................................................................................

Scars / Tattoos: ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Piercings: ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Clothes and Shoes Last Seen Wearing: ..............................................................................................................................................................

Jewelry: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

48

Appendix 4 – Detailed Description

APPENDIX 5

Question Preparation Guide The police officer from the detachment at which you report the missing person will ask you a series of questions. This is to not only help to identify the person but to determine the nature and urgency of the case. Below is a list of questions you may be asked – answer as many as you can in advance to speed up the start of the investigation. Do not delay in contacting the police as soon as possible.

1. Basic Information about the missing person

a) Full Name:..............................................................................................................................................................................................................

b) Date of birth: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................

c) Place of birth: .....................................................................................................................................................................................................

d) Nicknames or alias used: ..........................................................................................................................................................................

e) Current and previous known addresses: ......................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2. Physical description and any specific physical characteristics a) Height:....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... b) Weight: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... c) Age: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... d) Build: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

e) Hair color/length of hair : ...........................................................................................................................................................................

f)

g) Race (how does the person self-identify):.....................................................................................................................................

h) Appearance (how does the person appear to others – eg Indigenous persons may have blue eyes

Eye color : .............................................................................................................................................................................................................

and blonde hair):...............................................................................................................................................................................................

Tattoos, facial or distinctive piercings, birthmarks or scars etc.: ................................................................................

i)

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

j)

Beard, moustache or sideburns: .........................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3. Did they live with anyone else? For example a common law partner or spouse, roommates.

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Appendix 5 – Question Preparation Guide

49

4. Have you asked neighbours if they have seen the person?

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

5. Have they missed any shifts at work lately? Have coworkers or the employer noticed

anything unusual about the person?

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6. Personality and habits of the missing person:

a) Does the person smoke cigarettes? If so, what brand? ....................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

b) Does the person drink alcohol? If so, what kinds and how often? Is there a particular bar or lounge

this person regularly goes to? ...............................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

c) Does the person use drugs? If so, which ones and how often? .................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

d) What are the typical daily activities or routines of this person?

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

e) What type of other activities or hobbies does the person have? Does this person play any team

sports or frequent a local gym? ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

50

Missing Persons Support Guide

f)

Does this person regularly go to a specific hang out like a bar, coffee shop or restaurant?

What about local community grocery shops or stores?

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

g) Does this person have a bank account? Credit cards? Provide details.

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

h) What type of personality does this person have? For example is this person friendly and outgoing,

or shy and quiet? Please be as descriptive as possible : .................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Is this person religious? Do they attend a specific church/synagogue/mosque, etc.? .............................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

i)

Does this person have any emotional problems? Is there a history of mental health issues or has the person experienced anything traumatic recently? ........................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

What is the education level of this person? Does the person have any past training that would

make them employable in certain areas or to certain employers? ............................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

j)

Has the person gone missing before? What were the circumstances?

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Appendix 5 – Question Preparation Guide

51

7. Clothing that the missing person was wearing the last time they were seen?

a) Color and style of shirt:................................................................................................................................................................................

b) Did this shirt have a logo or brand name listed on the shirt? ........................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

c) Style and color of pants: ............................................................................................................................................................................

d) Style and color of jacket: ...........................................................................................................................................................................

e) If applicable, type of headwear: ...........................................................................................................................................................

f)

g) How does the person describe their ethnicity/culture? .....................................................................................................

h) What ethnicity does the person appear to be?........................................................................................................................

Style and type of shoes: ............................................................................................................................................................................

8. What was the person doing the day they went missing?

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

a) What were the plans of the person that day? ............................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

b) Did they attend work or school? Where

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

c) Was the person scheduled to attend but did not make it to work or school?

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

d) What are their normal work/school hours?...................................................................................................................................

e) Did they meet with friends or family? ..............................................................................................................................................

f)

Did they miss any scheduled appointments like a doctor or dental appointment?.......................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

g) Did the person mention any other place that they had planned to go? Did they say why they

were planning to go there? ......................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

52

Missing Persons Support Guide

h) Was this person travelling by vehicle? If yes, provide the make and model number, license plate

number and registration if known. ......................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

i)

If the missing person does not have a vehicle, what is their usual mode of transportation?

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

9. Information about the last time the missing person was seen

j)

The time and location of where he/she was last seen: .......................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

k) The name and contact information of the last person who saw the missing person: ................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

a) The name and contact information of the last person who talked to the missing person: .....................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

l)

If the missing person was traveling, where and when was the person last seen: .........................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

m) If the missing person was travelling, what direction was the missing person last seen travelling

towards? What mode of transportation did they take?.......................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

n) What was the emotional and mental state of the missing person when they were last seen?

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

o) Was the missing person concerned or troubled by anything in the days leading up to when they

were last seen? .................................................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Appendix 5 – Question Preparation Guide

53

10. Physical Health of the missing person

a) What is the physical health of the missing person? .............................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

b) Are there any known medical problems?.......................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

c) Is the person suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss? If yes, is the missing

person registered with MedicAlert’s Safely Home?

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

d) If yes, what is their registration number? Are they wearing a Safely Home registration bracelet or

do they have an identification card on them?

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

p) Any handicaps or disabilities? ...............................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

e) Any mental health problems? ................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

f)

Any medications that the missing person is currently taking or should be taking for health purposes? .....................................................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

11. Does the missing person have any addictions? .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

12. List of the names, phone numbers and addresses of anyone the missing person would try to contact. a) ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ b) ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ c) ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ d) ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

54

Missing Persons Support Guide

APPENDIX 6

Missing Person Report Worksheet First Police Contact – Reporting the Missing Person Date missing person last seen: ..................................................................................................................................................................................

Date person reported missing: ...................................................................................................................................................................................

Name of person who called police: ........................................................................................................................................................................

Police Agency called (RCMP/Municipal/Regional Police?): .................................................................................................................

Name and badge number of Police Member who took the initial report: .................................................................................. .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Police Case or File Number: .........................................................................................................................................................................................

Name of Primary Investigator: ....................................................................................................................................................................................

Badge Number of Primary Investigator: ..............................................................................................................................................................

Instructions or Information from Police: ..............................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Name of Primary Family Contact Person: ..........................................................................................................................................................

Name of Secondary Family Contact: .....................................................................................................................................................................

Agreed Contact Schedule:..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Appendix 6 – Missing Person Report Worksheet

55

Name, Date(s) and Times of Follow-up With or By Police Prior to File Being Opened: POLICE OFFICER NAME/BADGE NUMBER

56

DATE OF CONTACT

Missing Persons Support Guide

TIME OF CONTACT

WHAT WAS TALKED ABOUT?

APPENDIX 7

Ongoing Communication With Police (After File Has Been Opened) NAME OF FAMILY MEMBER

DATE/TIME

NAME/BADGE NUMBER OF POLICE MEMBER

INFORMATION PROVIDED/RECEIVED

Appendix 7 – Ongoing Communication With Police

57

APPENDIX 8

Victim Services Unit Directory LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Airdrie

Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society 100 - 2 Highland Park Way NE Airdrie, AB T4A 0R1 Phone : (403) 945-7290 Fax : (403) 945-7254

Beaverlodge

Athabasca

Athabasca Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 3402 – 48th Avenue Athabasca, AB T9S 1M7 Phone: 780-675-5077 Fax: 780-675-4355

Beaverlodge Victim Services Unit Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1140 402 – 10th Street Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0 Phone: 780-354-2349 Fax: 780-354-8207

Beiseker

Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society P.O. Box 570 75 North Road Beiseker, AB T0M 0G0 Phone: 403-947-3420 Fax: 403-947-3215

Blackfalds

Central Alberta Victim and Witness Support Society Victim Service Unit 4405 - South Street P.O. Box 1780 4405 South Street Blackfalds, AB T0M 0J0 Phone: 403-885-3355 Fax: 403-885-4720

Blairmore

Ranchlands Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1118 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 Phone: 403-627-6040 Fax: 403-627-4954

Blood Tribe / Kainai Reserve (Standoff)

Blood Tribe Police Victim Services Unit Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 300 Standoff, AB T0L 1Y0 Phone: 403-737-8814 Fax: 403-737-2867

Bonnyville

Bonnyville Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 4515 - 54 Avenue Bonnyville, AB T9N 0C2 Phone : (780) 343-7255 Fax: (780) 826-3533

Banff

Barrhead

Bashaw

Bassano

58

Bow Valley Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 959 335 Lynx Street Banff, AB T1L 1K3 Phone: 403-760-0197 Fax: 403-762-3120 Barrhead Community Victim Services Unit Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 4436 4729 – 61st Avenue Barrhead, AB T7N 1A3 Phone: 780-674-4848 Fax: 780-674-2061 Bashaw and District Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 248 5017 – 52nd Street Bashaw, AB T0B 0H0 Phone: 780-372-3793 Fax: 780-372-2121 Brooks & District Victims’ Assistance Association Victim Service Unit PO Box 337 639 – 11th Street Bassano, AB T0J 0B0 Phone: 403-641-3684 Fax: 403-641-4516

Missing Persons Support Guide

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Bow Island

Bow Island - Foremost Victims Assistance Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 955 401 – 2nd Avenue E Bow Island, AB T0K 0G0 Phone: 403-545-2784 Fax: 403-545-6469

Camrose (RCMP)

Camrose & District Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 6410 – 48th Avenue Camrose, AB T4V 3A3 Phone: 780-672-3342 Fax: 780-672-9290

Canmore

Bow Valley Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit 101 Elk Run Boulevard Canmore, AB T1W 1L1 Phone: 403-760-0197 Fax: 403-762-3120

Cardston

Cardston RCMP Detachment Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 669 145 Main Street Cardston, AB T0K 0K0 Phone: 403-653-4932 Fax: 403-653-1720

Chateh (Assumption)

Assumption Region Community Policing Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 746 Rainbow Lake, AB T0H 2Y0 Phone: 780-956-3788 Fax: 780-321-3833

Chestermere

Strathmore Regional Victim Services Society 156 East Chestermere Drive Chestermere, AB T1X 1C1 Phone: 403-934-6552 Fax: 403-204-2138

Claresholm

Ranchlands Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1209 366 – 48th Avenue N Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 Phone: 403-625-4445 Fax: 403-625-3484

Cochrane

Cochrane and Area Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 359 - 1st Street East Cochrane, AB T4C 1Y7 Phone: 403-851-8055 Fax: 403-932-2842

Cold Lake

Cold Lake Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 4710 – 55th Street Cold Lake, AB T9M 1N4 Phone: 780-594-3302 ext#3 Fax: 780-594-4900

Boyle

Breton

Brocket

Brooks

Calgary

Athabasca Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 58 4901 Taylor Road Boyle, AB T0A 0M0 Phone: 780-689-3622 Fax: 780-689-2560 Leduc and District Victim Assistance Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 117 4724 – 50th Avenue Breton, AB T0C 0P0 Phone: 780-987-3414 Fax: 780-987-4343 Ranchlands Victim Service Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 3099 Brocket, AB T0K 0H0 Phone: 403-965-2001 Fax: 403-965-2110 Brooks & District Victims’ Assistance Association Victim Service Unit 310 – 4th Street West Brooks, AB T1R 0Z7 Phone: 403-794-4455 Fax: 403-641-4516 Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Support Team 5111 – 47th Street N.E. Calgary AB T3J 3R2 Phone: 403- 428-8617 Fax: 403-216-5356

Calgary

Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) Suite 700, 910 – 7th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 3N8 Phone: 403-237-6905 ext. 3

Camrose (City police)

Camrose & District Victim Services Society (Main Office) Victim Service Unit 6220 – 48th Avenue Camrose, AB T4V 0K6 Phone: 780-672-4570 Fax: 780-672-9290

Appendix 8 – Victim Services Unit Directory

59

60

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Coronation/ Consort

Coronation/Consort Victim Services Unit P.O. Box 579 4909 Royal Street Coronation, AB T0C 1C0 Phone: 403-578-3149 Fax: 403-578-3440

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Victim Service Unit, Southwest Division 1351 Windermere Way Edmonton, AB T6W 0P1 Phone: 780-426-8363 Fax: 780-822-7158

Devon

Leduc and District Victim Assistance Society Victim Service Unit 13 Columbia Avenue West Devon, AB T9G 1Y7 Phone: 780-980-7232 Fax: 780-986-9569

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Victim Service Unit, North Division 14203 - 50 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5A 5H6 Phone: 780-426-8163 Fax: 780-426-8111

Didsbury

Chinook Arch Victim’s Services Society Victim Service Unit 2425 – 19th Street Didsbury, ABT0M 0W0 Phone: 403-556-6777 Fax: 403-556-1202

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Victim Service Unit, Southeast Division 104 Youville Drive East NW Edmonton, AB T6L 7H6 Phone: 780-426-8263 Fax: 780-426-8211

Drayton Valley

Cardium Region Victim Services Unit Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 6060 5409 Industrial Road Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1R6 Phone: 780-542-7009 Fax: 780-542-9303

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Victim Service Unit, West Division 16505 - 100 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5P 4X9 Phone: 780-426-8063 Fax: 780-426-8011

Edmonton

Driftpile First Nation

Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council Victim Service Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 269 Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 Phone: 780-849-4943 Fax: 780-849-4975

Edmonton John Howard Society Victim Assistance Program 401, 10010 – 105th Street NW Edmonton, AB T5J 1C4 Phone: 780-428-7590 Fax: 780-425-1699

Edmonton

Drumheller

Big Country Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1030 75 Riverside Drive E Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0 Phone: 403-823-4233 Fax: 403-823-7505

Project KARE RCMP Veterans’ Association Edmonton Division c/o RCMP “K” Division 11140 – 109th Street Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4 Phone: 1-877-495-KARE ( 5273) Phone: 780-509-3353 Fax: 780-495-2524

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Victim Service Unit, Headquarters 9620 - 103A Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5H 0H7 Phone:780-421-3322 Fax:780-421-2341

Edson

Edson and District Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 115 – 55th Street Edson, AB T7E 1S9 Phone: 780-723-8813 Fax: 780-723-8816

Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service Victim Service Unit, Downtown 9620 - 103A Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5H 0H7 Phone: 780-421-2761 Fax: 780-421-2207

Elk Point

Elk Point and Area Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 4904 – 50th Avenue Elk Point, AB T0A 1A0 Phone: 780-724-3964 Fax: 780-645-8875

Missing Persons Support Guide

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Evansburg

Cardium Region Victim Services Unit Society Victim Service Unit Box 369 or 215 5015 – 52nd Avenue Evansburg, AB T0E 0T0 Phone: 780-727-2616 Fax: 780-727-2212

Fort Vermilion

Mackenzie Regional Community Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 94 4302 45th Street Fort Vermilion, AB T0H 1N0 Phone: 780-927-3257 Fax: 780-927- 4425

Fairview

Fairview Victims Assistance Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 610 10104 – 113th Street Fairview, AB T0H 1L0 Phone: 780- 835-4557 Fax: 780-835-3950

Fox Creek

Eagle Tower Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 670 Fox Creek, AB T0H 1P0 Phone: 780-622-7726 Fax: 780-622-2200

Gleichen

Faust

High Prairie and District Victims Assistance Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 40 13A 4th Street W Faust, AB T0G 0X0 Phone: 780-355-3670 Fax: 780-355-3730

Strathmore Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 340 508 – 4th Avenue Gleichen, AB T0J 1N0 Phone: 403-934-6552 Fax: 403-734-2770

Grande Cache

Fort Chipewyan

Fort McMurray Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 328 117 Mellor Avenue Fort Chipewyan, AB T0P 1B0 Phone: 780-697-3931 Fax: 780-697-3624

Grande Cache Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 270 9906 Shand Avenue Grande Cache , AB T0E 0Y0 Phone: 780-827-3440 Fax: 780-827-5742

Grande Prairie

Fort Macleod

Ranchlands Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1088 2018 8th Avenue Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0 Phone: 403-553-4407 Fax: 403-553-3884

Grande Prairie and District Victim Services 10202 – 99th Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2H4 Phone: 780-830-5755 Fax: 780-830-5703

Grimshaw

Peace Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 5002 Wilcox Road P.O. Box 527 Grimshaw, AB T0H 1W0 Phone: 780-332-4666 Fax: 780-332-2444

Hanna

Big Country Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1209 104 – 3rd Avenue W Hanna, AB T0J 1P0 Phone: 403-854-3393 Fax: 403-854-4857

Fort McMurray

Fort Saskatchewan

Fort McMurray Victim Services Society Victims Services Unit 105 Paquette Drive Fort McMurray, AB T9K 0P5 Phone: 780-788-4250 Fax: 780-788-4251 Volunteer Programs Association Victim Service Unit 200 Town Crest Road Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 0G7 Phone: 780-992-6126 Fax: 780-998-5299

Appendix 8 – Victim Services Unit Directory

61

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

High Level

High Level Community Policing Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 30 10203 – 100th Avenue High Level, AB T0H 1Z0 Phone: 780-926-5000 Fax: 780-926-3444

Kitscoty

Battle River Victim Assistance Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 239 5010 – 50th Street Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0 Phone: 780-846-2897 Fax: 780-846-2943

High River

Foothills Regional Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit 1104 – 14th Street SE High River, AB T1V 1W2 Phone: 403-652-2359 Fax: 403-652-3167

Lac La Biche

Hinton

Hinton District Victim Support Services Society Victim Service Unit 111 Civic Centre Road Hinton, AB T7V 1T8 Phone: 780-740-2227 Fax: 780-865-1410

Lac La Biche Society Victims Services Unit Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 810 11 Nipewon Road Lac La Biche , AB T0A 2C0 Phone: 780-623-7770 Fax: 780-623-2588

Lacombe

Lacombe Victim Service Association Victim Service Unit 5211 – 50th Avenue Lacombe, AB T4L 1E8 Phone: 403-782-3279 Fax: 403-782-7377

Lake Louise

Bow Valley Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 10 102 Village Road Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0 Phone: 403-760-0197 Fax: 403-762-3120

Leduc

Leduc and District Victim Assistance Society Victim Service Unit #1, 4119 – 50th Street Leduc, AB T9E 7L9 Phone: 780-980-7232 Fax: 780-986-9569

Lesser Slave Lake

Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council Victim Service Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 269 Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 Phone: 780-849-4943 Fax: 780-849-4975

Lethbridge (RCMP)

Lethbridge Corridor Victim Services Unit 427 Stafford Drive S Lethbridge, AB T1J 4G2 Phone: 403-329-5042 Fax: 403-329-5063

Innisfail

Jasper

Kananaskis

62

Innisfail & District Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 4904 – 45th Avenue Innisfail, AB T4G 1S6 Phone: 403-227-3342 Fax: 403-227-2070 Jasper Victims Services Society Victim Service Unit 600 Bonhomme Street P.O. Box 2781 Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Phone: 780-852-2275 Fax: 780-852-3883 Bow Valley Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 38 2 Boundary Road Kananaskis Valley, AB T0L 2H0 Phone: 403-760-0197 Fax: 403-762-3120

Kapowe’no First Nation

Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council Victim Service Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 269 Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 Phone: 780-849-4943 Fax: 780-849-4975

Killam

Flagstaff Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 329 Killam, AB T0B 2L0 Phone: 780-385-3509 Fax: 780-385-2440

Missing Persons Support Guide

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Lethbridge (City Police)

Lethbridge Regional Police Service Victim / Witness Services City of Lethbridge and the Township of Coaldale 135 - 1st Avenue S Lethbridge, AB T1J 0A1 Phone: 403-330-5023 Fax: 403-328-6999

Milk River

Lethbridge Corridor Victim Services Unit P.O. Box 537 605 Main Street NW Milk River, AB T0K 1M0 Tel: 403-329-5042 Fax: 403-647-3874

Morinville

Sturgeon Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit 10512 - 101 Avenue Morinville, AB T8R 1K9 Phone: 780-939-4590 Fax: 780-939-3774

Nanton

Foothills Regional Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit 2501 – 21st Street P.O. Box 340 Nanton, AB T0L 1R0 Phone: 403-652-2359 Fax: 403-646-5531

Okotoks

Foothills Regional Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit 325 Woodgate Road Okotoks, AB T0L 1T5 Phone: 403-652-2359 Fax: 403-938-2598

Olds

Chinook Arch Victim’s Services Society Victim Service Unit 5110 – 65th Ave Olds, AB T4H 1L8 Phone: 403-556-6777 Fax: 403-556-1540

Oyen

Big Country Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 539 317 – 1st Avenue E Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 Phone: 403-664-3505 Fax: 403- 664-2075

Paddle Prairie

High Level Community Policing Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 180 Paddle Prairie, AB T0H 2W0 Phone: 780-981-3400 Fax: 780-981-3350

Lloydminster

Midwest Victim Services Victim Service Unit 5106 – 44th Street Lloydminster, AB T9V 0W2 Phone: 780-874-5022 Fax: 306-825-6356

Manning

Manning RCMP Manning Detachment P.O. Box 123 304 6th Avenue NE Manning, AB T0H 2M0 780-836-3007

Maskwacis

Maskwacis Victim Services Society P.O. Box 2410 Highway 611, Samson Townsite Maskwascis, AB T0C 1N0 Phone: 780-361-7494 Fax: 780-585-4611

Mayerthorpe

Highway 43 RCMP Victims’ Service Unit Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 359 5112 - 45th Avenue Mayerthorpe, AB T0E 1N0 Phone: 780-786-2291 Fax: 780-786-2900

McLennan

Peace Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 419 404 – 3rd Avenue NE McLennan, AB T0H 2L0 Phone: 780-324-3693 Fax: 780-324-2366

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat Police Service Victim Assistance Unit 884 – 2nd Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8H2 Phone: 403-529-8480 Fax: 403-529-8444

Appendix 8 – Victim Services Unit Directory

63

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Peace River

Peace Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit Bag 500 9200 – 99th Street Peace River, AB T8S 2A4 Phone: 780-624-6626 Fax: 780-624-6650

Redcliff

Redcliff Victim Service Unit Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1335 301 Mitchell Street SE Redcliff AB, T0J 2P0 Phone: 403-548-7848 Fax: 403-548-3637

Picture Butte

Lethbridge Corridor Victim Services Unit P.O. Box 299 520 Watson Avenue Picture Butte, AB T0K 1V0 Phone: 403-329-5042 Fax: 403-732-4464

Red Deer

Red Deer City RCMP Victim Service Unit 4602 - 51st Avenue Red Deer AB, T4N 2N2 Phone: (403) 406-2345 Fax: (403) 346-1365

Pincher Creek

Ranchlands Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1118 1369 Hunter Street Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0 Phone: 403-627-6040 Fax: 403-627-4954

Red Earth Creek

Peace Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 80 Lot 153 - Highway 88 Red Earth Creek, AB T0G 1X0 Phone: 780-649-4441 Fax: 780-649-3858

Redwater

Redwater - Smoky Lake Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 399 4811 – 58th Street Redwater AB, T0A 2W0 Phone: 780-942-3704 Fax: 780-942-2525

Rimbey

Rimbey and District Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 919 5117 – 50th Street Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0 Phone: 403-843-8494 Fax: 403-843-2750

Rocky Mountain House

Rocky and District Victim Services Unit Society Victim Service Unit 4428 – 45th Street Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1P3 Phone: 403-844-4421 Fax: 403-845-6515

Saddle Lake

St. Paul and Area Victim Service Society Victim Service Unit 4806 – 55th Street St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 Phone: 780-645-8858 Fax: 780-645-8875

Ponoka

Provost

64

Ponoka Victims Services Association Victims Service Unit P.O. Box 4068 5120 – 50th Avenue Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6 Phone: 403-783-6539 Fax: 403-783-2840 Battle River Victim Assistance Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 567 5012 – 53rd Avenue Provost, AB T0B 3S0 Phone: 780-842-4490 Fax: 780-842-5516

Rainbow Lake

Assumption Region Community Policing Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 746 Rainbow Lake, AB T0H 2Y0 Phone: 780-956-3788 Fax: 780-321-3833

Raymond

Lethbridge Corridor Victim Services Unit Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1130 179 W 200 N Raymond, AB T0K 2S0 Phone: 403-329-5042 Fax: 403-752-3614

Missing Persons Support Guide

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Sawridge Band

Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council Victim Service Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 269 Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 Phone: 780-849-4943 Fax: 780-849-4975

St. Paul

St. Paul St. Paul and Area Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 4806 – 55th Street St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 Phone: 780-645-8858 Fax: 780-645-8875

Stettler

Sherwood Park

Strathcona County RCMP Victim Services Unit 911 Bison Way Sherwood Park, AB T8H 1S9 Phone: 780- 449-0153 Fax: 780-449-1265

Heartland Victim Services Unit Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1298 5902 – 44th Avenue Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 Phone: 403-741-7841 Fax: 403-742-1530

Stony Plain

Victim Services Society of Stony Plain, Spruce Grove and District Victim Service Unit 4601 – 44th Avenue Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1W9 Phone: 780-986-7272 Fax: 780-963-0917

Strathmore

Strathmore Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 500 Westlake Road Strathmore, AB T1P 1M7 Phone: 403-934-6552 Fax: 403-401-7943

Sucker Creek First Nation

Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council Victim Service Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 269 Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 Phone: 780-849-4943 Fax: 780-849-4975

Sunchild O’Chiese First Nation

Rocky and District Victim Services Unit Society Victim Service Unit 4428 – 45th Street Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1P3 Phone: 403-844-4421 Fax: 403-845-6515

Sundre

Chinook Arch Victim’s Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 900 215 – 6th Avenue NE Sundre, AB T0M 1X0 Phone: 403-638-3675 Fax: 403-638-2566

Siksika Reserve Siksika Crisis Response Team P.O. Box 1130 Siksika, AB T0J 3W0 Phone: 403-734-2610 Fax: 403-734-2614 Slave Lake

Smoky Lake

Spirit River

Spruce Grove

St. Albert

Slave Lake Victims Services Society Victim Service Unit 1005 - 6th Avenue SE Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A3 Phone: 780-849-6884 Fax: 780-849-2133 Redwater – Smoky Lake Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 239 5212 – 44th Avenue Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0 Phone: 780-656-1323 Fax: 780-656-3567 Grande Prairie and District Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 420 4501 – 50th Street Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0 Phone: 780-864-3525 Fax: 780-864-4355 Victim Services Society of Stony Plain, Spruce Grove and District Victim Service Unit 410 King Street Spruce Grove, AB T7X 1Z2 Phone: 780-986-7272 Fax: 780-962-2254 St. Albert Victim Service Association Victim Service Unit 96 Bellerose Drive St. Albert, AB T8N 7A4 Phone: 780-458-4353 Fax: 780-458-7971

Appendix 8 – Victim Services Unit Directory

65

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Swan Hills

Barrhead Community Victim Services Unit Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 4436 5538 Main Street Barrhead, AB T7N 1A3 Phone: 780-674-4848 Fax: 780-674-2061

Tsuu T’ina First Nation

Tsuu T’ina Nation Band Victim Service Unit 3700 Anderson Road SW P.O. Box 70 Calgary, AB T2W 3C4 Phone: 403-238-5649 Fax: 403-238-5864

Swan River First Nation

Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council Victim Service Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 269 Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 Phone: 780-849-4943 Fax: 780-849-4975

Turner Valley

Foothills Regional Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 389 Turner Valley, AB T0L 2A0 Phone: 403-652-2359 Fax: 403-933-3183

Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake and District Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit 4260 – 50th Street Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 0H3 Phone: 403-858-7255 Fax: 403-887-2930

Two Hills

Taber

Taber Community Action and Prevention Society Victim Service Unit 5700 – 50th Avenue Taber, AB T1G 2H7 Phone: 403-223-8991 Fax: 403-223-5540

Two Hills and Area Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 100 5209 – 50th Street Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 Phone: 780-657-2820 Fax: 780-657-2046

Valleyview

Thorsby

Leduc and District Victim Assistance Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 499 5005 55th Avenue Thorsby, AB T0C 2P0 Phone: 780-789-3951 Fax: 780-789-3949

Valleyview Victims Assistance Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 1050 4702 – 51st Street Valleyview, AB T0H 3N0 Phone: 780-524-3184 Fax: 780-524-3599

Vegreville

Crisis Association of Vegreville Victim Service Unit 4945 - 49 Avenue P.O. Box 1022 Vegreville, AB T9C 1S1 Phone: 780-632-2718 Fax: 780-632-2296

Vermilion

Battle River Victim Assistance Society Victim Service Unit 5115 - 50th Avenue P.O. Box 3353 Vermilion, AB T9X 2B3 Phone: 780-853-2839 Fax: 780-853-4100

Viking

Beaver County Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 209 5215 - 52nd Avenue Viking , AB T0B 4N0 Phone: 780-336-3441 Fax: 780-336-3330

Three Hills

Tofield

66

Three Hills Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 520 719 2nd Street N Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0 Phone: 403-443-5539 Fax: 403-443-7140 Beaver County Victim Services Association Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 540 5515 – 49th Street Tofield, AB T0B 4J0 Phone: 780-662-2258 Fax: 780-662-2200

Missing Persons Support Guide

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

LOCATION

VICTIM SERVICE UNIT

Vulcan

Vulcan Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 1650 75A Range Road 244 P.O. Box 776 Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 Phone: 403-485-6163 Fax: 403-485-2781

Westlock

Westlock Community Victim Services Unit Association Victim Service Unit 10807 – 104th Avenue Westlock, AB T7P 1B3 Phone: 780-349-4492 Fax: 780-349-6660

Wetaskiwin

Wabasca

Wabasca Regional Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit P.O. Box 270 Wabasca, AB T0G 2K0 Phone: 780-891-3114 Fax: 780-891-3883

Wetaskiwin & District Victim Services Society 5005 – 48th Avenue Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 0N1 Phone: 780-312-7287 Fax: 780-352-3363

Whitecourt

Eagle Tower Victim Services Society Victim Service Unit 4244 - 42 Avenue Whitecourt, AB T7S 0A3 Phone: 780-778-2238 Fax: 780-778-4707

Wainwright

Battle River Victim Assistance Society Victim Service Unit 826 – 3rd Avenue Wainwright, AB T9W 1R3 Phone: 780-842-4490 Fax: 780-842-5516

www.victims.alberta.ca

Appendix 8 – Victim Services Unit Directory

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APPENDIX 9

Media Contacts ONLINE: PRINT:

DATES CONTACTED

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Click here for a list of Media Contacts (print, television and radio) in Alberta.

Check out www.mediainalberta.ca for a list of all media contacts in the province.

FAMILY CONTACT

Appendix 9 – Media Contacts

NAME OF NEWSPAPER, TV OR RADIO STATION

REPORTER NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION

NOTES (WHAT WAS DISCUSSED)

APPENDIX 10

Media Events And Fundraising Events Events are a great way to get public attention, support and attract media attention.

Anything that brings the community together can make an event successful. Here are a few ideas from the Native Women’s Association of Canada (www.nwac.ca): • Organize information booths and formal presentations • Be creative – consider colored ribbon campaigns, theatre and poetry events, traditional craft and art events • Hold a vigil • Tag onto a larger event • Contact the workplace of the missing person to see if they can help spread the word • Hold a rally or march • Partner with a local church or community service agency

Things to consider When you are setting up your event, consider.

• How many people do you expect to come?

• Where will it be held?

• Do you need any permits, insurance, etc.?

• Do you want speakers/presenters? Who will invite them?

• Will there be activities/entertainment?

• Do you need to feed people at the event? Who will provide the food?

• What kind of publicity/promotion can you do? Social media, event calendars, printed programs, signs • What, if anything, is your budget?

• Will you get sponsors? How will you recognize/thank them?

Appendix 10 – Media Events And Fundraising

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For a helpful toolkit with ideas on organizing special events, check out this link to NWAC’s complete toolkit.

Also, check out the City of Edmonton’s Event Planning Guide. It is designed for organizations hosting larger events but may still give you a general sense of what you need to consider.

Fundraising Many events have a fundraising component to them for costs associated with the search. Funds raised can go to a charity with which the missing person is aligned (it may further encourage public participation and media attention).

Volunteers may also want to help to raise money to assist in the search.

Ask for assistance from organizations like local businesses, the Lions and Rotary Clubs and participation from local celebrities and/or community leaders. Help on writing letters for appeals can be found at the Charity Village website (www. charityvillage.com).

Ideas for events and fundraising: • Benefit concerts, Sausage Sizzles, t-shirts, wristbands • Sign up with a crowdfunding website (e.g. Indegogo, FundRazr , GoFundMe) – make sure you are aware of all set-up and transaction fees before you commit to this.

• Public relations event to mark a milestone in the search (e.g. All Eyes on Daniel)

(Source: http://www.missingpersonsguide.com/long-term/)

It’s a good idea to ask any online donors if you can contact them to thank them.

Also, ask donors if you have permission to make their names public. If they do not give you permission, do not make their names public, even to thank them.

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Missing Persons Support Guide

APPENDIX 11

Missing Person Poster Template

MISSING PERSON! (insert photo of your loved one here)

INSERT PERSONAL INFO HERE Please bring our loved one home safely!

[Name] has been missing since [date].

[She/he] was last seen in [city/town] at [specific location] on [date] at approximately [time].

[She/he] is a [age] year old [ethnicity] [gender], about [height] tall and approximately [weight].

[She/he] has [length and color] hair, [color] eyes and has [scars/piercing/ distinguishing marks]. [She/he] was last seen wearing [description of clothes, shoes, jewelry].

If you have any information or have seen [name] please contact [investigating police agency] or your local police.

Appendix 11 – Missing Person Poster Template

71

APPENDIX 12

Poster Distribution Worksheet DATE

72

NUMBER OF POSTERS

LOCATIONS POSTED

Appendix 12 – Poster Distribution Worksheet

POSTED BY

APPENDIX 13

Practical Help – List Of Possible Needs TASK

HOW OFTEN/WHEN

NAME OF HELPER(S)

HELPER(S) PHONE NUMBER

Grocery shopping

Meals/Cooking

House Cleaning

Post Office

Banking

Driving

Laundry

Childcare

Appendix 13 – Practical Help - List Of Possible Needs

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APPENDIX 14

Weekly Practical Help - Volunteer Schedule MEAL DELIVERY (DESCRIBE MEAL)

HOUSE CLEANING (DESCRIBE TASKS)

Sunday Who: When: Phone:

Monday Who: When: Phone:

Tuesday Who: When: Phone:

Wednesday Who: When: Phone:

Thursday Who: When: Phone:

Friday Who: When: Phone:

Saturday Who: When: Phone:

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Appendix 14 – Weekly Practical Help - Volunteer Schedule

RUNNING ERRANDS (DESCRIBE)

OTHER (DESCRIBE)

APPENDIX 15

Ground Search Volunteer Sign-In List Keep a list of volunteers, as this may help police later on when collecting further information about your loved one.

DATE

NAME

ID #

PHONE NUMBER/ EMAIL ADDRESS

SEARCH LOCATION

Appendix 15 – Ground Search Volunteer Sign-In List

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APPENDIX 16

Complaints Processes If your complaint is about the RCMP in Alberta: 1. Contact the specific Detachment Commander directly or 2. Contact the head of the RCMP in Alberta:

Commanding Officer RCMP ‘K’ Division 11140 – 109 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2T4 or

3. Contact the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP

Suite 102, 7337 – 137 Street Surrey, British Columbia V3W 1A4 www.cpc-cpp.gc.ca

If your complaint is about another police force in Alberta: 1. Contact the Chief of Police of the municipal or First Nations police service or 2. Contact the chair of the municipal or First Nations police commission or 3. Contact the public complaint director of the municipal police commission or First Nations

police commission or 4. Send a letter of complaint to:

Provincial Public Complaint Director Law Enforcement and Oversight Branch Alberta Justice and Solicitor General 10th Floor, 10365 – 97 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3W7 Phone: 780-644-6935 Fax: 780-427-5916

If your complaint is about a Victim Services Unit: 1. Contact the Coordinator of the specific Victim Services Unit (www.victims.alberta.ca) or 2. Send a letter to:

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Appendix 16 – Complaints Processes

Director of Victims Services Alberta Justice and Solicitor General 10th Floor, John E. Brownlee Building 10365 - 97 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3W7

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General Victims Services www.victims.alberta.ca