Montana Code Annotated 2019

TITLE 44. LAW ENFORCEMENT

CHAPTER 2. INVESTIGATION, COMMUNICATION, AND IDENTIFICATION

Part 4. Missing Persons -- Unidentified Bodies

Missing Person Reports

44-2-408. Missing person reports. (1) All law enforcement authorities in the state shall accept, without delay, any report of a missing person unless there are extenuating circumstances, including:

(a) the law enforcement authority knows the location of the person reported missing;

(b) the law enforcement authority confirms the safe status of the person reported missing;

(c) the law enforcement authority confirms that another law enforcement authority has or will accept a missing person report for the person; or

(d) other circumstances documented by the law enforcement authority.

(2) All missing person reports must be entered into the database of the national crime information center of the United States department of justice within:

(a) 2 hours of receipt for persons under 21 years of age; or

(b) 8 hours of receipt for persons 21 years of age or older.

(3) If a missing person is not located within 30 days of being reported missing, the law enforcement authority that took the report shall ensure a complete and accurate record of information is compiled for the missing person, including a photograph if one is available.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 275, L. 2019.