Report a missing person
A missing person is defined as anyone who is reported missing to police, whose location is unknown, and where there are fears for the safety or concern for the welfare of that person.
When to report a person as missing
If you’re concerned about a person’s safety or welfare, contact Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station.
If the matter is urgent, phone Triple Zero (000).
There is no time limit for reporting someone as missing.
If you see a missing person
If you see someone who is missing, contact your local police station.
You can also phone
- Policelink on 131 444
- Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (free call in Australia).
You can stay anonymous.
If you are reported missing
If you’ve been reported missing, someone is concerned about you. Please go to a police station or contact the police by phone to let them know you are safe and well.
Being a missing person is not an offence and you are not in trouble with the police for being reported as missing.
Police need to see you to ensure that you are safe and well, and to confirm your identity.
If you are over 18, safe and well, and you ask police not to disclose your location, they will not share it. The person who reported you missing will only be advised that you have been located safe and that you are safe and well.
If you are under 18, police will not disclose your location if it will endanger you. They will ensure your safety before releasing this information.
The primary concern in missing person investigations is the safety and welfare of the missing person.
Missing Persons Unit
The Missing Persons Unit:
- receives information about missing people—from government agencies, not from the public (report a missing person to your local police station)
- oversees and helps investigate all missing person reports
- reviews all missing person reports, and refers suspicious and out-of-character disappearances to the Homicide Investigation Unit
- maintains a record of unidentified bodies in Queensland and helps to identity them.
Postal address
GPO Box 1440
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Street address
2nd Floor, Police Headquarters
200 Roma Street
BRISBANE QLD 4001
More information
National Missing Persons Coordination Centre