App launch for Missing Persons Week

Queensland Police are trialling a Missing Persons Application for their mobiles which will allow police to take missing persons reports without the need for people to visit a station.

Acting Police Minister Dr Anthony Lynham welcomed the use of mobile technology to deliver better services. 

Each week police receive an average of 100 missing persons reports across the state, with each report requiring detailed information including photos, detailed descriptions, medical, bank account and social media information and family contacts.

“Traditionally, members of the public reporting a person missing were required to visit a police station to complete a report,” Dr Lynham said.

“As we all know, time is of the essence in locating a person that has gone missing and the need for police to get on with the job of finding the person is crucial.

“Now with the introduction of the Missing Persons App designed for mobile devices, police equipped with the app can take these reports on the spot.”

The Missing Persons App, the first of a suite of tools to be introduced over the coming months, will allow officers to capture at the scene, the details required, including photos and authority to release details to the media.

Tasks will also immediately be set and should an Amber Alert need to be activated, the officer will be given immediate access to the relevant process to ensure information is broadcast promptly across the whole of the QPS, relevant government agencies and where necessary, to the community.

“We understand this can be a very traumatic time for families,” Dr Lynham said.

“Having to locate the details required can take some time.

“By having the officer available to take all necessary details on the spot, we hope it will ease the burden on the families who are already suffering.”

Ferny Grove MP Mark Furner joined Commissioner Ian Stewart to announce the launch of the trial of the app today.

The announcement coincides with National Missing Persons Week, which runs from July 31 until August 6.

Coordinated by the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, the week aims to generate publicity for missing persons issues and also the hundreds of persons still outstanding across the nation.

“In Queensland, an average 6000 people are reported missing a year,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“We have great success in locating many of these people, with a 99.7% recovery rate, however each year a tiny few remain outstanding.

“Currently there are 350 people on the Queensland long term missing persons register.

“The theme of this year’s Missing Persons Week is Stay Connected and it is certainly something we fully endorse.

“There are certainly groups within our community who are more vulnerable, including elderly and young people and there are a variety of reasons people can go missing, including emotional or mental issues, financial and family breakdowns or worse, abduction or murder.”

The app will be trialled on mobile devices in the Ipswich and Moreton areas from August 22.

Following the trial and evaluation, it is envisaged the app will be rolled out to all police equipped with devices across the state.

ENDS 

Media contacts 

Police Minister’s office:              0400 622 433

Police Media:                               (07) 3015 2444