The Queensland Police Service has announced the theme for the current 2022 National Missing Person’s Week is Without Them.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said that on average 25 people were reported missing to police every day in Queensland with 98 per cent located within the first 48 hours, often thanks to information from the public.
“There are many reasons why people go missing and while, thankfully, most of those reported to us are located quickly, we never forget those whose whereabouts remain unknown and the devastating impact this has on family and friends,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“It is estimated that for every missing person reported to police, at least 12 people are affected.”
She said finding the missing person and being able to provide answers to their family remained a priority for Queensland Police, working alongside the National Missing Persons Coordination Centre and Agency partners.
There are currently 394 people in Queensland on the long-term missing persons’ register — those missing for more than three months. Of these, many were reported as lost at sea. A missing person’s report remains active until the person is found.
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan acknowledged the crucial role members of the public had in assisting police to safely locate a missing person.
“In 2021 more than 53,000 people were reported missing in Australia,’’ Mr Ryan said.
“During National Missing Persons Week, I encourage people to reflect on the fact that behind the statistics, behind the police appeals, are real people who remain missing.”
More information on this year’s Missing Persons Week can be accessed at this PS News link with information on Queensland’s long-term missing persons register at this link.
