Investigating reports of missing persons is an every-day activity for all police forces in the UK, but it is a rather underrated and mostly low-profile police function. Although the vast majority of persons reported as missing will return alive and well shortly after their disappearance, a small number will remain missing for an extended period of time, and a very small fraction of missing persons will be found to have been the victim of serious crime. Thus, the police must respond effectively to all reports of missing persons in order to identify those individuals who may require a greater concentration of resources. The report discusses the following key issues: (1) initial response upon receipt of a missing person report; (2) searching for missing persons; (3) classifying cases; (4) reviewing missing person investigations; (5) circulating details of missing person reports; and (6) the end response upon finding a missing person. It addresses strategic issues in responsibility, recording information and interagency working. Figures, tables, references, appendix