Missing person appeals: A UK perspective

Abstract

Missing person appeals are a common feature of missing incidents across the world. In the case of large-scale disasters or man-made atrocities, spontaneous congregations of missing posters are frequently observed. In the UK missing person appeals are varied, regular, commonplace and innovative. They are conducted by the families and friends of missing people, by police forces and by the national charity, Missing People. This chapter will discuss the nature and scope of publicity appeals in the UK, the main methods used and recent developments and the extent of knowledge about their effectiveness. The chapter will also outline the main aims and perceived benefits of publicity appeals, as well as the potential risks, risk assessment and attempts to mitigate these. In order to address these issues, this chapter draws on published and unpublished literature as well as analysis of survey and interview data gathered by the charity, Missing People, and the Geographies of Missing People research project.