Missing Persons Unit

The Missing Persons Unit is under the direction of the Homicide Unit commander and is staffed with one sergeant and four detectives. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office averages over 5,000 missing persons calls for service each year. Approximately 80% of those calls involve juveniles between the ages of 13 and 17. This same age group also constitutes the largest number of habitual runaways. Historically, a large majority of habitual runaways are located or return on their own within 10 days.

Reports of habitual runaways (when foul play is not suspected) are investigated by patrol officers for the first 10 days. If the habitual runaway is not located by patrol officers within the first 10 days, the case is referred to the Missing Persons Unit for additional follow-up by detectives.

A common misconception is that a missing persons report cannot be filed unless the person has been missing for at least 24 hours. While there is no such time limit, a report of a missing adult will only be taken if there is an indication of an accident, foul play, or unusual circumstances. Unusual circumstances can include the need for urgent medical treatment, mental incompetence, emotional instability, suicidal threats, and drug or alcohol dependency to the extent they pose a danger to themselves or others.

On average, Missing Persons detectives investigate over 2100 cases per year, and in any given year less than 10 reports actually involve foul play.
 
For more information about the Missing Persons Unit

Contact Us:
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

Missing Persons Unit

Police Memorial Building

501 E. Bay Street

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

(904) 630-2627