Policy: Missing Person Notification

For purposes of this policy, a student may be considered to be a "missing person" if the person's absence is contrary to his/her usual pattern of behavior and unusual and/or unknown circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances could include, but not be limited to, a report or suspicion that the missing person may be the victim of foul play, has expressed suicidal thoughts, is drug dependent, is in a life-threatening situation, has been with persons who may endanger the student's welfare, or fails to appear where expected for an extended period of time.

Procedures for Designation of Emergency Contact Information

• Students will be given the opportunity during each semester registration process to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the University no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below. A designation will be confidential and will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.

Persons Under Age 18

• In the event a student who is not emancipated is determined to be missing, pursuant to the procedures set forth below, the University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no more than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

Official Notification Procedure for Missing Persons

• Any individual on campus who has information that a residential student may be a missing person must notify the Oklahoma Christian Campus Police, Resident Directors, Director of Residential Housing, or Vice President for Student Life/Associate Dean of Students.

Note: In order to avoid jurisdictional conflicts when an off-campus and/or commuter student is believed to be missing, the reporting person should immediately notify local law enforcement authorities. The OC Campus Police will assist external authorities with these investigations as requested.

• The OC Campus Police will gather all essential information about the residential student from the reporting person and from the student's acquaintances (description, clothes last worn, where student might be, who student might be with, vehicle description, information about the physical and mental well being of the student, an up-to-date photograph, class schedule, etc.). The OC Campus Police (with appropriate assistance from local law enforcement personnel and others) will pursue leads deemed to be plausible and helpful. Appropriate campus staff will be notified to aid in the search for the student.
• If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student or it is apparent immediately that the student is a missing person (e.g., witnessed abduction), the OC Campus Police will contact the appropriate local law enforcement agency to report the student as a missing person and the local law enforcement agency will take charge of the investigation.
• No later than 24 hours after determining that a residential student is missing, the Dean of Students will notify the emergency contact (for students 18 and over) or the parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) that the student is believed to be missing. Oklahoma City Police Department and Campus Police will also be contacted.
• The University Communications office will be notified in a timely manner to be prepared to respond to inquiries from media and others.

Campus Communications About Missing Students

• In cases involving missing persons, law enforcement personnel are best situated to provide information to the media that is designed to elicit public assistance in the search for a missing person. Therefore, all communications regarding missing students will be handled by outside law enforcement authorities, who may consult with the University Communications office. All inquiries to the university regarding missing students or information provided to any individual at the university about a missing student shall be referred to the OC Campus Police, who shall refer such inquiries and information to law enforcement authorities.
• Prior to providing the university community with any information about a missing student, the University Communications office will consult with Campus Police and with local law enforcement authorities to ensure that communications do not hinder the investigation.