Post by HOPE on May 14, 2005 8:10:31 GMT -5
Work as a Team
Try to establish a teamwork approach with law enforcement. They need you as a part of their team, cooperating is essential.
Your Family Will Be Investigated
You should be aware that law enforcement will need to investigate the family since approximately 85% of abductions are by family members or someone who is known to the family.
You can also expect them to ask some hard and difficult questions. This is a routine part of the investigation, do not take this personally.
Remember, if they do not examine you they will not be able to eliminate you as a suspect.
Have a Law Enforcement Contact Person
Establish or have law enforcement establish one contact person for you to get information about the ongoing investigation. Set up a time to meet with this contact on a regular basis.
Use this person as a resource to inform yourself consistently and accurately of ongoing developments.
Ask them where the Command Center will be set up. We do not recommend that the family’s home be used as the Command Center.
Ask For Help
Request that the FBI and/or your state clearinghouse to assist in the investigation. You can contact the State Clearinghouse directly at 651-793-1107.
Call the Governor of the state if need be to ask him/her for a show of support of your cause. S/he could also call in the National Guard for a ground search.
Confirm with the Assigned Investigating Agency that they have contacted the Department of Safety.
There is a possibility your child’s case may fit the criteria for an AMBER Alert. Ask if there is enough information (license plate number, suspect) to issue an Alert.
Make sure the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 800-843-5678 has a case manager assigned to our child’s case. Communicate with this person regularly as they are an excellent resource.