- Report them missing right away. You do not need to wait 24 hours to contact the police. The sooner a missing person is reported, the sooner an investigation can begin.
- Call 9-1-1 if there is immediate concern for the person’s safety. If the situation is not urgent, contact the Durham Regional Police non-emergency line at 905-579-1520.
- You do not need to be a family member to report someone missing. Anyone — including friends, coworkers, neighbours, or support workers — can file a report.
- A person's age does not determine whether they can be reported missing. Children, adults, and older adults can all be reported missing at any time.
Missing Persons
When someone you know goes missing, the experience can be overwhelming and it’s often difficult to know where to begin or who to turn to for help.
If you are concerned for someone’s immediate safety or well-being, call 9-1-1 right away. For non-urgent situations, you can contact the DRPS non-emergency line at 905-579-1520 to request a wellness check.
In all missing persons investigations, DRPS officers remain committed to finding the individual. A case will not be closed until the person has been located and their identity has been confirmed – either in person by a uniformed officer or through another reliable method deemed acceptable by police.
Definition & Key Information
When is a person considered missing?
Missing Person (Defined under the Missing Persons Act, 2018 and adopted by the DRPS)
A person is considered missing if both of the following circumstances exist with respect to the person:
1. The person’s whereabouts are unknown and,
i. the person has not been in contact with people who would likely be in contact with the person, or
ii. it is reasonable in the circumstances to fear for the person’s safety because of the circumstances surrounding the person’s absence or because of any other prescribed considerations.
2. A member of a police service is unable to locate the person after making reasonable efforts to do so.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
What you can do when someone goes missing
If you believe someone is missing or are concerned for their safety, it’s important to act quickly. Early reporting gives police the best chance to locate the individual and ensure their well-being.
What to do when someone goes missing
Staying organized during a missing person’s case
The DRPS has prepared an extensive missing persons guide, explaining the missing person process in Durham Region. Please take the time to review the document to provide you with important information to assist you and your loved ones.
DOWNLOAD: The Missing Persons Guide for Durham Region
The DRPS has also prepared an important checklist itemizing a missing person’s important information to assist police when preparing a police report. You can also use this checklist as a preventative measure and save for a future instance.
Remember, completing this Checklist does not replace an official police report. You must still report the missing person to the Durham Regional Police Service.
DOWNLOAD: Preparing to File a Missing Persons Report Checklist
A helpful aid is included below with assistance of the Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR). You can use this aid to record essential information when police respond to a missing person report, such as the report number, officer in charge, support worker’s name, and important contact numbers.
DOWNLOAD: Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR)
What you can do before and after contacting police
- Reach out to friends, family, or individuals close to the person to see if anyone has heard from them or knows their whereabouts.
- Check if anyone has access to a location-sharing app on the person’s phone (e.g., Find My iPhone, AirTags, Life360, or Google Maps location sharing).
- Gather any relevant information or materials, especially if the person is considered vulnerable due to age, health, or other circumstances.
- If you have access, review video footage (from a doorbell camera, security system, or local business) near the person’s last known location.
- Inform police right away if any footage exists so they can collect and preserve it as part of their investigation.
What Happens After You Make A Report
Once you have filed a missing person report:
- You will be given an incident number for reference
- Police will begin searching the last known location of the individual, including their residence or the place they were last seen.
- Follow-up actions will be taken based on the information you provide police
When someone goes missing
The Investigation Process
Occurs when police are officially informed when someone is missing.
The Durham Regional Police Service responds in-person to every missing person report with a uniformed member. The DRPS recognizes the importance of every missing person and ensures a uniformed member meets with you to obtain all information and conduct the appropriate immediate searches.
Remember, you may use the Checklists, as described earlier, to assist you in properly recording all information for your missing person report. The Checklist are not necessary to make a police report.
DOWNLOAD: Preparing to File a Missing Persons Report Checklist
Ensure you share your thoughts on where and what may have happened to the person you are reporting missing. Studies show this information is crucial to assist police in determining an investigative direction in locating the missing person.
Remember, you may use the Checklists, as described earlier, to assist you in properly recording all information for your missing person report. You may also provide them to the responding uniform member.
DOWNLOAD: Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR)
Review & Initial Investigative Process
DRPS has a robust missing person investigative process.
Initial investigative process includes:
- Upon contacting DRPS to make a report, the DRPS Communications member will triage your information for the appropriate police response
- A uniform member will be dispatched and will respond in-person to every missing person report;
- An extensive initial report will be obtained
- The missing person will be placed on a police database called the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), so police agencies across Canada will be aware should interaction occur with the reported missing person
- A police supervisor will review the case to understand the circumstances, assess any risks to the missing person’s safety, and decide on the appropriate resources and response. Possible responses include:
- Aerial search using drones or helicopters
- Ground search
- Search with K9 units
- Further discussion with trained investigators
The DRPS uses a unique 20-point risk factor list to appropriately assess a missing person investigation. This 20-point risk factor list was created using various metrics including:
- Past Inquests (such as the Missing and Missed Report)
- Missing person literature; and,
- Past missing person investigations.
The risk factor list includes, but not limited to:
- Indications of a crime are present
- No contact with family
- No cell phone activity
- Change in social media behaviour
- From a marginalized community
- Experienced loss of a signification other
- No previous history of missing
- Indications of suicide are present.
It is important to note, the missing person investigation will not be treated any differently if none of the 20-point list is identified. The list simply provides DRPS members an extra level of awareness.
At DRPS, every missing person is treated as high-risk unless information reasonably supports an alternative approach.
Officers will start by searching the area where the person was last seen. If the person was last seen at home, police will conduct a thorough search of the residence, checking places such as under beds, inside closets, rooms, and the exterior of the premise.
If the initial search is unsuccessful, a supervisor will coordinate a wider search, usually within a 300-meter radius of the last known location. Missing people are sometimes found within this radius early in the investigation.
Police may release the first name and photo of the missing person if they believe there is a risk to the individual’s safety. However, this does not happen in every case.
DRPS may also place a missing child (missing persons under 18) on the Missing Children Society of Canada (MCSC) Child Search Network if certain criteria are met. See the section titled ‘Missing Children Society of Canada (MCSC)’ below to learn more about this partnership and how the MCSC works.
What if the missing person you’re reporting resides (or was last seen) in another jurisdiction outside of Durham Region?
If you reside in Durham Region, please report your loved-one to the DRPS. At DRPS, we make it easy for you to file a report and ensure the missing person is placed on the CPIC system as quickly as possible. If the investigation reveals the missing person resides (or last seen) in another jurisdiction, the DPRS will contact the police agency in the identified area and transfer the investigation to the respective police agency.
For example, you reside in Durham Region and report the matter to DRPS. Investigation reveals the reported missing person resides and last seen in Mississauga. The DRPS will connect with Peel Regional Police Service, discuss the case with them and coordinate a transfer to them. You will be notified if and when this happens.
As a reminder, to make a missing person police report, either contact 9-1-1, if the situation is an emergency, or contact the DRPS non-emergency line at 905-579-1520.
Why would DRPS transfer a file to another police service and not retain a file where the missing person resides (or was last seen) in another jurisdiction?
While this may be frustrating for you or your loved-one filing report, the DRPS may transfer the file to ensure the reported missing person receives the best possible care and support; in hopes of locating the missing person as quickly as possible. The DRPS has limited knowledge of the terrain, environment, or community resources in other jurisdictions as local police services do. It is important to remember, the DRPS will always be available to assist in the investigation and be a resource for you should you have any questions or concerns.
The DRPS will not transfer a case if investigation reveals the missing person is briefly sighted in another jurisdiction. In these cases, DRPS will most likely retain the file and investigate accordingly.
If the missing person is not located during the initial investigation by uniformed DRPS members, the report will be immediately assigned to a DRPS investigative member (Detective or Detective Constable) who is assigned to the Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB). The Missing Persons Coordinator will also monitor the missing person file closely.
CIB Investigators follow a unique and structured ‘MP Investigative Checklist’ to guide the investigation and monitors the case closely to ensure all leads are pursued.
The MP Investigative Checklist reduces investigative gaps and contains all known possible tools and techniques to assist investigators and locate a missing person as quickly as possible.
Investigative actions may include:
- Expanding the search area
- Requesting and reviewing video footage
- Obtaining legal authorization to access records
- Contacting community agencies and using social media
- Reaching out to people who may have useful information
Why are missing person investigations handled by the Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB)?
It may be alarming for a missing person investigation to be handled by a member of the Criminal Investigative Branch. The CIB handles many cases such as thefts, assaults, break and enters, including missing persons.
Rest assured, members of CIB treat every missing person investigation with the utmost level of care and urgency the investigation deserves. The approach is not taken from a ‘criminal’ lens, but to ensure the missing person is found safe.
At DRPS, there are five (5) CIB offices, staffed by investigators who work 24/7, across Durham Region:
- North Division (Townships of Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation) | Contact: 905-579-1520 ext. 1505
- East Division (Municipality of Clarington) | 905-579-1520 ext. 1605
- Central East Division (City of Oshawa) | 905-579-1520 ext. 1705
-
Central West Division (Town of Whitby and northern boundaries of Oshawa) | 905-579-1520 ext. 1805
-
West Division (City of Pickering and Town of Ajax) | Contact: 905-579-1520 ext. 1905
The missing person investigation will be assigned to the CIB office where the report was taken. In some circumstances, the report may be transferred to the CIB office where the missing person was last seen or would likely be located.
Additionally, the missing person investigation is also managed by the DRPS Missing Persons Coordinator.
Missing Persons Coordinator
Detective Constable Paul Grigoriou #3425 is the Missing Persons Coordinator for DRPS and is an expert in missing person investigations. While a missing person investigation is assigned to a member of CIB, the Missing Persons Coordinator reviews every missing person file and continually assesses risk, manages outstanding files, and works closely with the assigned investigator to ensure the case is effectively managed and prioritized.
Communication During the Investigation
DRPS understands the significant emotions family and / or friends may feel when a person is missing and is aware the importance of providing updates on the investigation in a timely manner.
If possible, identify a single point of contact within the family for communication with the assigned police investigator.
When a Missing Person is Found
Once located, the person’s identity will be confirmed by a uniformed officer, either in person or through other reliable means. After confirmation, Victim Services Durham Region (VSDR) may be notified.
A Crisis Intervention Counsellor (CIC) will try to complete a voluntary return interview and offer support (in cases assigned to VSDR).
What if the missing person is found deceased?
DRPS will thoroughly investigate the circumstances if a missing person is found deceased to determine if ‘foul play’ is involved. Additionally, after confirming the identity with the assistance of the coroner, notification will be made by a uniformed member of the DRPS.
The family or friends of the missing person will be offered supports through VSDR.
Sometimes, the identity of a deceased missing person may require the assistance of family members and DNA.
Why police may request DNA samples or dental
In some cases, police may ask for a DNA sample either from personal items belonging to the missing person or directly from immediate family members. This helps confirm the missing person’s identity during the investigation.
Items collected may include:
- The missing person’s toothbrush, shaving blades, or other items where the missing person’s DNA is likely to be located
- Blood samples from close family members
Being asked for a DNA sample can feel overwhelming, but this process is handled with the utmost respect and care by police. Participation is always voluntary and, when used, DNA can be a vital tool in helping officers locate and identify your loved one.
Once DNA items are collected, the police will submit the items to the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR) for entry onto the National DNA Databank (NDDB) managed by the RCMP. You can learn more about this program by clicking here.
Dental x-rays are another useful tool to confirm the missing person’s identity. Police may request information if a missing person was seen by a dentist in order for police follow-up with the identified dental location.
The officer in charge will close the case once the individual is safely returned. *The person and their family may be offered connections to resources and supports to help prevent future disappearances.
*Not all missing person cases will be referred to VSDR. Cases will be assessed by the Missing Persons Coordinator who may refer the case to VSDR based situational factors present. Factors include the nature of the incident and the circumstances involved.
Please see the section on ‘Support and Advocacy’ below for further information on DRPS’ partnership with Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR).
Does Previous History Affect the Investigation?
No. A missing person’s history—whether previous disappearances, criminal record, or legal issues—does not change how the case is handled. Every case is treated with the same care, respect, and urgency.
Why is the Missing Persons Coordinator embedded within the Homicide Unit?
In Durham, the Missing Persons Coordinator works closely with the Homicide Unit on missing persons cases. While it might sound alarming to hear that the Homicide Unit is included, their involvement reflects the seriousness, coordination, and thoroughness applied to these investigations.
Partnering with the Homicide Unit allows the Missing Persons Coordinator to:
- Access officers with extensive expertise in urgent and complex investigations
- Conduct structured and comprehensive investigations similar to major case protocols
- Utilize national resources critical to missing persons cases, such as the National Center for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR)
- Ensure consistent and clear communication between police officers and the family members throughout the investigation
What if the reported missing person has Outstanding Warrants?
DRPS will investigate a missing person using the same level of care and urgency, regardless of outstanding warrants. Safety concerns of the missing person may outweigh the concern for the warrant. The priority of the police is to ensure the safety of any reported missing person. However, in these circumstances, DRPS must weigh each situation, based on existing situational factors, prior to utilizing authorizations under the Missing Persons Act of Ontario.
Sometimes, the individual may not want to be found because of the warrant. If contact is made verbally with the missing person, officers will decide—based on the situation—whether to continue the investigation. This decision is made at the discretion of the police.
What if the missing person investigation is determined to have a strong possibility of ‘foul play’?
The MP investigation may be transferred to the Homicide Unit for continued investigation if the MP investigation is determined to have a strong possibility of ‘foul play’. The Homicide Unit investigators have extensive training in managing complex cases to ensure a successful case conclusion. Additionally, the Homicide Unit conducts investigations in a structured and comprehensive manner utilizing Major Case protocol.
Missing Children Society of Canada (MCSC)
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) partnered with Missing Children Society of Canada (MCSC) to utilize an important tool to locate missing children. For missing children cases, a media release may not always be issued. Instead, some cases are shared quickly through a progressive web application called ‘Rescu’.
In some cases, ‘Child Search Alerts’ may be issued, serving as stopgap notification, similar to Amber Alerts for high-risk missing youth in the Durham Region.
MCSC is a national organization that supports families and police by increasing exposure to missing children cases and providing a network of resources.
MCSC Rescu is an easy-to-use application created for MCSC by Esri Canada and is populated with information on missing children cases pulled from databases by technology developed by Microsoft that sends missing child alerts to users.
People can access MCSC rescu on their phones and other devices by visiting rescu.mcsc.ca, where they see continuously updated information from police on missing children in Canada. Active cases are divided by region and tips on specific cases can be submitted with one click on the platform’s case page. Critically, users are also invited to share that case page to their contacts, through networks, including text, email and other social media such as Instagram, Facebook and X.
Rescu users can also register to receive SMS alerts on cases in their area police deem critical that do not meet the specific criteria required to become an AMBER Alert.
Scan the QR code to download the MCSC Rescu app
The Durham Regional Police Service may sometimes add missing children (persons under 18 years old) to the MCSC Rescu application. Persons are added based on criteria which will guide investigators whether to add a missing child on the application.
Adding a missing child to the Rescu application may be done prior to issuing a media release; as the circumstances may not warrant a release to the media. Once added to the MCSC Rescue application, the MCSC will release the information on the Rescue application and will push the information, via social media channels, for greater public exposure.
For particularly ‘high-risk’ missing youth, police can also trigger a push notification, called ‘Child Search Alerts’ to all smartphones to receive the Rescu app information. The notification will appear similar to an Amber Alert on your smartphone.
How can I receive these ‘Child Search Alerts’?
You must register your phone number with the MCSC to ensure you receive these Alerts.
Learn more about the MCSC at www.mcsc.ca and https://rescu.mcsc.ca
Support & Advocacy
When someone close to you goes missing, it can bring emotional hardship—stress, confusion, sadness, and uncertainty are common feelings. During this difficult time, knowing about the support available to you is crucial.
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has partnered with Victim Services Durham Region (VSDR) to provide immediate crisis support for those affected by missing person incidents. Support is available not only during the investigation but also once the missing person is safely located.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable People
Unresolved/Active Missing Persons Investigations
- A link to all DRPS unresolved/active missing persons investigations will be posted and updated soon.
- Visit the Missing Persons page on the DRPS Newsroom for all issued Media Releases.
MISSING PERSONS
Annual Report
In accordance with O.Reg.182/19 under the Missing Persons Act, 2018 the contents included in the following report must be made publicly available.
Definitions & Key Information
Understanding the language and roles involved in a missing person’s case can help families and communities navigate the process with greater clarity. Below is a list of key definitions you may come across.
Resources
Crisis Lines (24/7 Support)
- Community Crisis Response Service (COPE):
- 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada-wide):
- 9-8-8
- Kids Help Phone:
- 1-800-668-6868
- Distress Centre Durham:
- 905-430-2522 or 1-800-452-0688
- Mobile Crisis Services (Adults, Youth, Children):
- 905-668-0483 or 1-800-742-1890
- Lakeridge Health Crisis Services:
- 905-576-8711
- Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous-specific):
- 1-855-242-3310
Counselling & Mental Health Services
Counselling & Mental Health Services
General / All Ages
- Durham Community Health Centre
- 1-877-227-3217
- 🌐durhamchc.ca
- Clinical care, mental health, wellness, and chronic disease support.
- Cope Mental Health
- 🌐Community Care Durham – COPE
- Community-based groups and individual support (16+)
- Canadian Mental Health Association (Durham):
- 905-436-8760
- Durham Mental Health Services (DMHS):
- 905-666-0831 or 1-800-742-1890
- Family Services Durham:
- 905-666-6240 or 1-866-840-6697
- Renewal Psychotherapy (CFS Durham) Oshawa:
- 905-725-3513 | Ajax: 905-428-1984
- 🌐cfsdurham.com – Renewal Psychotherapy
- Individual, couple, and family counselling.
- One Stop Talk (Free Online Counselling for Youth & Parents)
- 1-855-416-8255
- 🌐onestoptalk.ca
Youth & Child Services
- Frontenac Youth Services (Ages 12–18):
- 905-723-2802
- 🌐frontenacyouthservices.org
- Kinark Child & Youth Services
- Autism Services:
- 1-800-283-3377
- Child & Youth Mental Health / Youth Justice:
- 1-888-454-6275
- Durham Youth Walk-In Counselling (Ages 3–19)
- Durham Region Crisis Response (Under 18):
- 905-666-0483
- Resources for Exceptional Children & Youth Durham:
- 905-427-8862
- Durham Children’s Aid Society:
- 905-433-1551
Resources for Aging Population
Resources for the Aging Population
- Seniors Support Program (55+ in Durham Housing):
- 905-666-0483 or 1-800-742-1890
- Alzheimer Society of Durham Region
- 1-888-301-1106
- 🌐alzheimer.ca/Durham
- Region of Durham – Seniors' Safety Advisor:
- 905-668-7711 ext. 2460
- Seniors Crime Stoppers:
- 1-800-222-8477
Find Local Services: 211 Ontario
- Call or text 2-1-1
- 🌐211ontario.ca
- Search for community resources in your area.
Contact Us
Durham Regional Police Service
605 Rossland Rd. E.,
Box 911, Whitby, ON
L1N 0B8
webmaster@drps.ca (Please use this email for website feedback ONLY, NOT crime reporting)