There are around 3,500 missing persons in Michigan at any given time, and Michigan State Police are drawing attention to the problem with this Missing Persons Awareness Month. MSP Persons Coordinator Jolene Hardesty tells us about a third of those who are missing in the state are juveniles, often runaways. Adults can go missing for several reasons, often mental health-related. Hardesty says it’s a myth that police won’t look for a missing person until a certain length of time has gone by.
“I think that’s one of the biggest myths that we fight constantly, educating the public on when is a loved one an actual missing person? When can you report them because that is huge…To answer your question, there is no time limit.”
The state’s annual Missing in Michigan gathering will be this Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Madonna University in Livonia with loved ones of missing persons who will learn about the latest developments. The event is open to the public. Hardesty says if someone you love goes missing, it’s important to stay calm and contact police once you have made a good faith effort to find them. Also, keep the home, living space, or vehicle of a missing person untouched to preserve possible evidence.
