PRACTICAL GUIDANCE

When someone is missing

A clear first step is more useful than a confusing checklist. Contact local police promptly, keep important details together, and decide carefully what should be shared publicly.

01 · ACT NOW

Contact the police

Tell the nearest police station when and where the person was last seen, why you are concerned, and how officers can reach you. If you believe there is immediate danger, say so clearly. An Okay News appeal does not notify the police or replace a report to them.

02 · GATHER DETAILS

Keep a useful record

Have a recent clear photograph, the person’s name and approximate age, a broad last-seen area and time, clothing or distinguishing features, and a way for police to contact you. Keep sensitive medical details, exact home addresses, and private family contact information out of public posts.

03 · CONSIDER PUBLICITY

Decide what is safe to share

Publicity can help people recognise someone, but it can also expose them. Discuss concerns about children, exploitation, domestic abuse, or other vulnerability with the police and with our editor before any public appeal. Our newsroom may keep a report private or decline publication.

04 · KEEP US UPDATED

Correct or close an appeal

If details change, use the private link emailed to the original submitter. Tell us promptly if the person is found or the appeal should be removed. We hide the page without publishing the person’s whereabouts.

SHARE WITH CARE

Using a missing-person poster safely

When a reviewed appeal has the necessary public details, its page offers a printable poster with a QR code back to the current appeal. Check the page before sharing or printing it. Leave private phone numbers, exact home addresses and sensitive details off public copies, and tell the newsroom promptly when the appeal changes or closes.

Browse reviewed appeals

QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK

Before you share an appeal

Will my report appear immediately?

No. It stays private until an editor checks whether publication is appropriate and approves the details to show.

Will my contact details be public?

No. The contact address supplied in the form is for the newsroom. Public appeals invite sightings through a private tip form.

What happens when the person is found?

The original submitter can mark the person found through their private link. We hide the appeal and review any remaining copies we control.

Can I submit on behalf of someone else?

The form asks for your relationship and authority. An editor may request further confirmation before publication, especially for a child or a sensitive case.