National Missing Persons Coordination Centre launch new website
The AFP-led National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) has launched a new website today (Monday, 9 December, 2024) aiming to increase exposure of the cases of about 2500 missing Australians who have not been located.
The missingpersons.gov.au website has been upgraded with an improved search function, along with a new streamlined design, and clear and concise language to enhance accessibility.
It also features important information on support services, investigative processes, and prevention tools, along with the ability to search profiles of missing persons on the public register.
About 50,000 missing persons reports are made to police in Australia every year, with someone considered to be a long-term missing person if they have been missing for more than three months.
More than half of all missing persons reports relate to a young person aged between 13 and 17.
The majority of people reported missing to police in Australia are located within a short period of time, usually within one week. The NMPCC data shows that people go missing for a variety of reasons including family violence and disputes, being a victim of crime, misadventure, alcohol or drug abuse, and mental or other health issues.
The NMPCC’s main role is to drive national coordination in response to missing persons in Australia, while supporting the investigative role of state and territory police.
AFP Commander Forensics Joanne Cameron said the NMPCC would continue to enhance and improve the overall functionality of the website over time.
“We encourage the community to visit the new website and view the hundreds of profiles of Australians, missing onshore or offshore, who remain front of mind for the AFP, along with our state and territory counterparts, as well as their families and friends,” Commander Cameron said.
“Missing persons is a complex and serious issue, and we rely on support from members of the public to report information that could be crucial in locating a missing person.
“The impact of a missing person is not just felt by family and friends, but across schools, towns, workplaces, and communities. It is a traumatic experience and a lot of people are left to endure psychological, emotional, financial, legal or health struggles in the search for their loved one.
“Anytime you have concerns for the safety and welfare of someone and their whereabouts are unknown, you can report them missing to your local police. You do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing.”
Visit the new Missing Persons website
If you need to report a missing person, visit your local police station or call 000.
If you have any information about a missing person case, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au. You can provide information anonymously.