### No 72-Hour Waiting Period Required to Report Missing Persons: FGE
The Specialized Units Prosecutor, Alejandro López Reyes, of the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), has clarified that families do not need to wait 72 hours to report a missing person. Contrary to common belief, reports can be filed immediately once a person is deemed unlocatable.
López Reyes explained, “Families have mentioned they were told to wait 72 hours before reporting. This is false; we accept reports as soon as it is confirmed that the person is missing.”
On a daily basis, the FGE in Tijuana receives between five and six reports of missing individuals. The prosecutor emphasized that while families often report disappearances to the municipal police and are sometimes advised to wait 72 hours, such reports should be directly submitted to the FGE.
Reports can be filed in person or electronically, with a recent and visible photograph required for the report. This process involves communication with a public prosecutor and a commander to gather as much information as possible.
López also mentioned an increase in reports of missing youths and adolescents, often due to them running away from home. He elaborated, “We can’t provide a fixed standard, but often they are cases where individuals leave home and are found the next day, or a few that have taken flights or taxis.”
In addition, Angélica Ramírez, coordinator for the collective “A Nation Searching For You,” reported a 50% increase in disappearances among people aged 15-25. She stated, “Daily, we have between 5 to 10 new disappearances. The situation is overwhelming, and even if we had 50 more collectives, we would still be overwhelmed.”
### Related News
#### Increase in Use of Technology to Combat Missing Persons Cases
As the number of missing person cases rises, authorities are increasingly turning to technology to improve their search efforts. Innovative techniques, such as facial recognition software and advanced databases, are being deployed to assist in locating missing individuals more efficiently.
Facial recognition technology can quickly scan public cameras and match images with the database of missing persons, potentially providing locations within hours of a report being filed. Additionally, improved data-sharing agreements between various state and national security agencies enhance the speed at which information is gathered and acted upon.
Experts are also advocating for the use of social media and public awareness campaigns to quickly disseminate information about missing persons, ensuring the wider community can assist in search efforts. The integration of technology and community efforts is proving crucial in tackling the growing issue of disappearances in urban areas.
Stay updated with TJGringo.com for the latest information and developments regarding missing persons and law enforcement news.