The Sierra Vista Police Department will increase juvenile missing persons notifications in alignment with Arizona statutory updates.
The new updates set more precise requirements on how law enforcement responds to missing juvenile cases. Key updates regarding the timelines for posting be on the lookout (BOLO) notifications include:
- Within two hours: Any juvenile reported as missing will be entered into state and national databases.
- Within 24 hours: If the juvenile has not returned, a missing person flyer will be distributed to media outlets and posted on official social media pages. They will also be entered into the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) database.
- Within 30 days: If the juvenile remains missing, they will be entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS).
The updates prohibit law enforcement from using the term “runaway” in public-facing media alerts and social media.
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As a result of these legislative changes, the community may see an increase in juvenile missing person notifications. Listing all as missing persons may also lead some to assume these cases all involve abduction, when that is not necessarily the case. These changes reflect new legal requirements and do not indicate an increase in abductions or criminal activity.
The Sierra Vista Police Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of our community and appreciates the public’s attention and support as these changes are implemented.
