National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

In addition to the IPC program, AZDPS is mandated by Executive Order 88-24 to act as the clearinghouse for missing and exploited children for the state of Arizona and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The purpose of the Clearinghouse is to provide information and resources to the public concerning children reported missing in the state. The Clearinghouse is also responsible for assisting local law enforcement agencies in the collection and analysis of information for missing children, and in a collaborative effort with other agencies, assist in the investigation and search for missing children. 

 

Reports of missing children can be among the most challenging, and emotionally charged cases a law-enforcement agency will ever experience. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (ADPS) provides resources to the community that will help keep children safe and reduce the number of reports of missing children. Additionally, it provides the assistance law enforcement needs to allow them to respond, investigate, and promptly recover children who are missing.​

 

During FY2016, the Arizona Clearinghouse processed approximately 50 juvenile research requests. These were most commonly requested to identify possible location information of the missing juvenile, case history with other agencies, and information to identify and locate parents or guardians. More than half of the research reports were initiated based on tips received from NCMEC. Research reports and relevant information regarding the missing children was forwarded to the investigating agency with jurisdiction for the missing person’s cases. Additionally, during FY2016, several other law enforcement agencies requested assistance from the NCMEC Clearinghouse directly.

 

In collaboration with Human Trafficking task force efforts in Arizona, the Clearinghouse assisted the Southern Arizona Anti-Trafficking and Urban Response Network (SAATURN) task force with the identification and case support of several sex trafficking operations and suspected sex traffickers in the Tucson area. 

 

Missing Children Resources

 

Additional Resources 

 

Who To Call

 

If you have information about a missing child: