/24-7PressRelease/ - OVERLAND PARK, KS, June 25, 2008 - In recent weeks there have been several news stories of missing people ranging from children to senior citizens. There are two in today's news. According to Michael Tabman, owner of SPIRIT Asset Protection, a security consulting firm that focuses on risk management and workplace/school violence, there are certain steps that family members and friends should take when someone is missing. Recently, Tabman commented in the media on the Kansas City, KS Police Department handling of a missing person who later turned up dead.
Following specific procedures is key to getting the family member back home, Tabman says. When adults are unaccounted for, the family needs to determine whether the person is in fact missing. They can do this by noting anything out of the ordinary from the person's usual behavior - normal activities for that time of day, leaving the door unlocked or leaving food cooking, as examples. Then they need to contact the proper authorities. Tabman states that people do not always know whether to call Police or the FBI. They should always call their local police department first; the police are equipped to provide an immediate response. Here is the information they need to give to authorities: complete description of the missing person and clothes worn, if known, with and a recent photo. Describe any specific conditions that increase the danger: mental illness, required medications, physical ailments or carrying a lot of money. Be alert to any unusual activities immediately preceding the disappearance or any unfamiliar people who have been around the missing person recently. If you know someone is prone to go missing, here are some preemptive steps that you can take to help ensure they are found: have a schedule for "checking in" with the person. The longer the time between disappearance and the discovery, the greater the danger. Know their habits and routines - would they leave the house without their keys or do they have a favorite place to go when they get scared or do they like to walk a certain path? Cooperating with law enforcement is critical.
If you know that the person will be unable to provide identity or explain their circumstances, have them carry some identification and an emergency phone number written down on a piece of paper in their wallet or pocket. Try to be sure that the person knows how call for help or approach a police officer. Prevention, planning and preparation are the keys to avoiding tragedy.
Tabman's company is conducting a full day seminar concerning workplace and school violence October 6, 2008 in Johnson County, KS. For more information visit: http://www.spiritllc.biz.
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