The number of people reported missing has increased notably in recent years, particularly among minors. While 305 minors were reported missing in 2020, this figure rose to 930 in 2024. For adults, the number increased from 132 to 203 over the same period. This represents an overall rise from 437 to 1,133 cases.
As part of this year’s Fact-Checking Day, RTL asked what procedures are followed by the police and the public prosecutor’s office when a missing person report or witness appeal is issued.
According to the response to parliamentary question 3814, various factors determine how quickly the police issue a witness appeal in the press or on social media. The process begins as soon as a family member or acquaintance files a missing person report. In some cases, the situation can already be clarified through internal information and initial investigations. Depending on the case, the judicial police may also be involved. If a larger search operation is required, the Criminal Investigation Department’s Crime against persons section is called in.
When contacted by RTL, police said that decisions related to missing persons are taken on the orders of the public prosecutor’s office. The prosecution may then request that the press issue a statement. However, this is considered a last resort. A photo of a missing person is therefore only published if other steps have been unsuccessful.
The response does not specify how long individual procedures take. If a minor disappears, this is in principle considered a cause for concern. However, whether a case is made public depends on several factors, which were not specified. In the case of adults, the circumstances of the disappearance are also taken into account, including the person’s health and whether they rely on regular care or medication. In emergencies, a report is sent to the press as quickly as possible.
Authorities also consider whether a public appeal is likely to be effective. Such reports can give a person significant visibility and may constitute a serious intrusion into their privacy. In some cases, individuals may simply wish to take some time off and not be found.
On its website, police also explain how witness appeals are handled in criminal cases, such as the theft of a bank card. After a complaint has been filed, the responsible officer has a 40-day period to forward the case to the public prosecutor’s office, although initial investigations are carried out in the meantime.
If it is determined where money was withdrawn using a stolen card, the bank is informed. However, the decision to seize surveillance footage lies with the judicial authority. The footage is then forwarded to the public prosecutor’s office by the examining magistrate or analysed upon request.
Both the public prosecutor’s office and the police underline that witness statements can still be useful weeks after a crime. Individuals may be identified at a later stage, while others may change their behaviour if they realise they are being sought. In some cases, suspects may even turn themselves in following a public appeal.
