Missing Persons Clearinghouse
Services Provided
The Missing Persons Clearinghouse became operational in 1988. Operation of the Missing Persons Clearinghouse is guided by Alaska Statutes: 18.60.170, 18.65.600-660, and 47.10.141.
The Missing Persons Clearinghouse represents all Alaska Police Agencies and aspires to meet the needs of each agency by providing the most current and accurate information available regarding missing persons. Clearinghouse personnel are primarily responsible for:
- Maintaining an intrastate/interstate network of communication to facilitate speedy collection and processing of information regarding missing persons.
- Maintaining a central database which is utilized for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on missing persons for the purpose of identifying, locating, and returning them.
- Coordinating with other Missing Persons agencies in the United States and Canada and with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
- Cooperating with private citizens, local law enforcement agencies, and other state and federal agencies in investigations concerning missing persons.
- Providing training and assistance to law enforcement agencies to promote effective use of the Clearinghouse.
- Composing and distributing Missing Persons Bulletins and media coordination regarding high-profile missing person cases.
- Coordinating efforts to match found bodies or body parts to existing missing persons cases.
- Analyzing missing person trends to detect the possibility of serial criminal cases.
- Acquisition of photographs, fingerprints, dental records, medial records, and other documentation used to verify identity.
- Assistance with entry of missing persons data and information pertaining to unidentified bodies into the APSIN and NCIC Computer Systems.
