At MPU there are a number of questions that we are frequently asked. We have tried to provide the answer for some of these questions here.

What is a Missing Person?

A person whose location is unknown and who might be:

  • in need of assistance to be reunited with his/her family, or to return home;
  • the victim of an offence;
  • in critical need of medical attention; or
  • mentally impaired and unable to care for himself/herself or who might pose a danger to his/her safety or to that of others; and
  • a runaway or AWOC (absent without consent).

What is a Runaway or AWOC (Absent without consent)?

A runaway is a child or young person who leaves the home, group home, or other place of residence for an indefinite period of time, often as a result of potential or actual serious problems that require clinical or social intervention.

Why do people go missing?

There are many reasons for people to go missing. Some of these reasons include leaving an abusive relationship/situation, relapsing with respect to drug and alcohol addictions, medical issues, mental health issues, or simply wanting a break from life.

How long are people normally missing?

Most people return within a short period of time of being reported missing. However, there are some files in which people have gone missing for years before they are located.

How do I report someone missing?

You simply have to call the police and tell them that you need to report someone as missing. The call taker will guide you through the rest of the process.

How long do I have to wait before reporting someone missing?

You do not have to wait to report someone missing. In fact, we encourage people to report someone as missing immediately so that we can commence the investigation and efforts to locate the missing person as soon as possible.

How can I report someone missing who has been missing for a long time, even years?

Absolutely. Just like any other missing person, call the police and tell them that you need to report someone as missing. The call taker will guide you through the rest of the process.

How many people go missing in Surrey every year?

  • In 2009, the Surrey RCMP investigated 1682 missing person files.
  • In 2010, the Surrey RCMP investigated 1685 missing person files.
  • In 2011, the Surrey RCMP investigated 1810 missing person files.

How many of those missing persons were not located?

  • In 2009, only two of the 1682 missing persons were not located.
  • In 2010, every one of the 1685 missing persons were located.
  • In 2011, four people of the 1810 missing persons were not located.

Missing Persons Unit

The Missing Persons Unit ("MPU") at the Surrey Detachment reviews all missing person investigations conducted at Surrey Detachment. MPU provides investigative supervision and direction on missing person files. In the case of select medium and high risk missing person investigations, including files where foul play is suspected, MPU assumes the investigation to ensure timely and effective investigations and to prevent the possible victimization of persons reported missing.

MPU is responsible for the review and investigation of historical missing person investigations at Surrey Detachment. MPU builds relationships with outside agencies and stakeholders, in an effort to support the development of policies and procedures that make missing person investigations more efficient and to reduce the number of missing person investigations. MPU initiates creative and proactive measures when dealing with chronically missing youth.

How does Missing Persons Unit (MPU) find people?

MPU uses many techniques to locate missing persons, techniques that are tailored to the person who is missing. Some of these techniques include:

  • Interviewing friends, family, and associates of the missing person
  • Making public appeals for assistance through the media
  • Tracking contact with government agencies by the missing person
  • Tracking banking transactions of the missing person
  • Tracking cellular telephone usage of the missing person
  • Passing out missing person posters in areas frequented by the missing person
  • Accessing Social Media that the missing person is using

How do I contact the Missing Persons Unit (MPU)?

The Missing Persons Unit can be reached via email at:
Surrey_Missing_Person@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

If you wish to provide information to the Missing Persons Unit anonymously, you can always call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.