The Cop Column
April, 2001
Rick Hord, Public Information Officer
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
If Your Child Runs Away...
Teenagers often act impulsively. For reasons that make perfect sense to them, some decide to go AWOL from home. To say that's troubling for the parents would be an understatement. We hope you never have to call us because your teen can't be found... but just in case, here's some advice:
*-Knowledge is power. The more of it you have, the better chance of recovering your child quickly. Who are his or her friends? Do you know their parents? Their addresses and telephone numbers? What kind of cars do they have? Where do they like to "hang out?"
*-We'll need some information for the report, including: time and location last see, plus any possible destinations; a recent photograph; physical description (height, weight, color of hair & eyes, hair style, etc.); date of birth and place of birth (including the name of county); social security and driver license of ID card numbers; cash, credit cards and clothing the child may have; and information about any recent problems that may have played a role in the child's decision to run away.
*-Write down the name of the Deputy or police officer, and the case number of the report. Share this information with teachers, other parents or anybody who might later hear rumors or otherwise learn information about your child's whereabouts. Encourage these people to call you or the appropriate law enforcement agency to report any possible leads.
*-Make some posters. They don't have to be fancy and professional, but they should include at least one good photograph of the child, the case number and telephone number of the investigating agency, the child's age and description, and the date missing. Since you know the shops, restaurants, and other locations favored by your child and others (you do, don't you?), those are the first places to go with the posters. If the business won't post it publicly (some will, some won't), thank them anyway, and ask them to keep your poster and at least show it to their employees. You may post your poster at the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Substation at Santa Rosa Mall. Do not, however, expect publicity through the media. It's common for us to take three or more runaway teenager reports a day in Okaloosa County alone, and most media outlets cover several counties. The TV stations might not have time to show all the day's runaways in a half hour newscast even if they skipped the sports and weather.
*-When you child returns or is located, call the locations you visited with your posters and thank them for their help. They'll be glad to know your child is safe, and they also need to know the posters are no longer needed.
Runaways sometimes stay at a friends house by telling the friend's parents they have permission. For that reason, the law requires anybody housing an un-married minor for more than 24 hours to notify that minor's parents. Some kids have been able to talk their way out of that notification by claiming it's not safe for them to go home. The law has anticipated that, as well... instead of notifying the parents, you may notify local law enforcement.
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