In 2020, 10,524 new missing person cases were filed in Harris County. 7,355 of those cases were missing children. Missing person cases can include runaway children, family abductions, victims of kidnapping or other violent crimes, and persons with mental disabilities who have wandered.
On Saturday, August 7, we join the Texas Center for the Missing and other agencies with a mission to find missing persons for Missing in Harris County Day. This annual event brings together law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, and missing person networks to help our community navigate the missing person system through connections, resources, and support.
Missing in Harris County Day
Saturday, August 7
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Children’s Assessment Center
2500 Bolsover St. Houston, Texas 77005
You can complete the 3-step process for filing a missing persons report, and learn about the next steps to take:
- Report a Missing Person
- Missing Persons Database Entry
- Voluntary Identification Swab Submissions
A Joint Effort To Bring Our Loved Ones Home
- The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department will take reports for missing persons and updates from the families of the missing.
- A representative will enter missing person information into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) information clearinghouse and resource center.
- Forensic professionals will collect voluntary familial DNA identification samples onsite to submit into a missing person database.
- Bilingual staff will be in attendance to help Spanish speakers access resources and complete a missing person report.
- Family members with a missing loved one can participate in a private roundtable discussion and support group.
- There will be panel discussions addressing the issue of missing persons.
What To Bring
Loved ones should plan to bring information to the event for data entry or information updates in the national missing persons database.
- Photos of the missing person with any identifying features, such as tattoos or birthmarks, or personal items, such as favorite earrings
- X-rays, dental or medical records
- Police reports or other identifying documents that can be filed
- At least one biological relative from the mother’s side of the missing person to submit DNA identification samples via cheek swab
- Photos, posters, or literature to display on the Wall of the Missing to commemorate missing loved ones and for all event attendees to view information on the missing persons
Collaborative Approach
The Texas Center for the Missing is a valuable partner that plays a significant role in impacting the issue of missing persons through awareness, prevention education, training, and emergency programs. Our partners at TCM understand the need for shared resources and strategic collaborations.
“It’s a privilege to put this badge on every day and do what I do,” said Investigator O’Leary, who focuses on cold cases in our Missing Persons Unit.
“For me, staying in contact with the families of the missing, no matter how much time passes, lets them know someone still cares about finding their loved one.”
Our Missing Persons Unit takes a coordinated approach to search for and locate people who have disappeared.
Our investigators gather critical information to locate the missing person, conduct thorough interviews, identify the circumstances of the disappearance, and initiate the collection of DNA samples from the missing person’s family members.
They work with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, such as Texas DPS and the FBI, and advocacy organizations.
Our hearts are with the families of every missing person. May you find hope and strength as you continue your search for answers. We are with you. For more information on Missing in Harris County Day, visit the TCM website or email support@tcftm.org.