The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for the University of Nebraska at Kearney to response to and assist with reports of missing students. This policy applies to students who reside in campus housing.
For purposes of this policy, a student may be deemed a “missing person” if the university is notified a person is missing for more than 24 hours without any known reason or which is contrary to his/her usual behavioral pattern or within the 24 hour period if there is unusual circumstances.
- Procedures for designation of an emergency contact
- Students will be given the opportunity yearly during the housing registration process to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the university no more than 24 hours after the time the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below. This individual will further be updated as to the progress of the investigation into the missing person. This designated emergency contact will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.
- If a student decided to complete this form at a time other than housing registration or they need to make updates to this form they may contact Residence Life at (308) 865-8519 or at their office located at 2615 11th Avenue, Conrad Hall.
- Students under the age of 18 who are not emancipated will have their custodial parent or guardian notified no more than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing in addition to notifying any emergency contacts they have listed.
- Procedures for missing students notification
- Any individual who believes a residential student may be a missing must notify either the Office of Residence Life at (308) 865-8519, 2615 11th Avenue, Conrad Hall, or Police and Parking Services at (308) 627-4811, 2507 19th Avenue immediately.
- If an individual who lives off campus is believed to be missing, the reporting person will be immediately referred to their local police department. All
- University departments will work with these agencies to assist them in their investigation.
- The Office of Residence Life and Police and Parking Services will work together to gather all essential information about the residential student to determine the validity and credibility of the report.
- If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student or it is apparent immediately that the student is a missing person (e.g., witnessed abduction) the Office of Police and Parking Services will report the missing person to the National Crime Information Center of the Department of Justice and contact the appropriate law enforcement agency to report the student as a missing person and request their assistance as the lead investigating agency on the case.
- No later than 24 hours after determining that a residential student is missing, the Office of Residence Life will notify the emergency contact for the students. In addition the parent/guardian for students under the age of 18 will be contacted.
- The Universities Administrative and Emergency Operation Teams will also be notified at this time.
- Campus communications about missing students
The lead investigating agency will be the contact point for the release of any information pertaining to the case. This agency may consult with the universities Office of Communications. All inquiries to the University regarding the missing student’s case, or information provided to any individual about a missing student, shall be referred to the Office of Police and Parking Services who shall refer such inquiries and information to the lead investigating agency.
Prior to providing any information about a missing student, university employees shall consult with the Office of Police and Parking Services and investigating law enforcement authorities to ensure that communications do not hinder the investigation.