SECTION 27.42. Criteria for Entry into the Missing Persons Online Bulletin

The guidelines in this section must be met before information on a missing or unidentified deceased/living person can be entered into the Texas Department of Public Safety Missing Persons Online Bulletin.

(1) Missing person (information on a Texas missing person or a person missing from another state but believed to be in Texas).

(A) The parent, spouse, or guardian must contact a law enforcement agency and file a missing person report. The missing person must be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) files by the law enforcement agency.

(B) The prescribed form must be signed, completed, and returned to the Missing Persons Clearinghouse (MPCH). (Forms can be obtained from MPCH.)

(C) A current, original photograph must be received by MPCH. (Note: do not write on back of photo.)

(D) In cases of parental abductions, a copy of the court-certified custody order stating that the reporting parent has custody must be received by MPCH. (Note: if it is requested that the noncustodial parent's photograph be included in the bulletin, a copy of a court-certified active felony warrant, which is presently in Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC), must be made available to MPCH prior to publication of the photograph.)

(E) The parent, spouse, guardian, or investigating officer must notify MPCH immediately of the location or return of the missing person.

(2) Unidentified deceased/living person.

(A) The unidentified deceased/living person must be entered into the NCIC files by the law enforcement agency.

(B) Submit as much pertinent information on the unidentified person as possible to include photographs, dental records, fingerprints, etc.

(C) The law enforcement agency must notify MPCH immediately upon identification.

Source Note: The provisions of this §27.42 adopted to be effective March 27, 1987, 12 TexReg 829; amended to be effective March 16, 2014, 39 TexReg 1726