At what point in missing persons cases do police check credit card activity, phone records, etc?

I am writing a story, but know very little about this aspect of the law, so I want to check for accuracy.





When an adult goes missing, and they are assumed to be in danger- either of another person or to themselves, how do the police handle it? I know it is different than with children because technically, adults are allowed to go missing. But on the news, you often hear about credit card activity being checked, and so forth. What steps to police take when this happens, and what is the criteria for them to do these types of investigations when someone is simply missing?





Also, does LE have the authority to look at credit card records without getting a judgement?At what point in missing persons cases do police check credit card activity, phone records, etc?
If the person is an adult, police state that the individual has a legal right to ';go missing';. If the missing adult is a danger to themselves or others, has a medical condition or special needs then more attention will be given to the case. Cases involving minors are given greater attention because they are under a guardian's control - not able to legally be on their own.





Once you call in to file a missing persons report, the police will come by to take a report. You will need to know the address of missing persons residence, where they were last seen, when they were last heard from and, if possible, what they were last seen wearing and/or driving.





After you have filed the initial police report, you must then go to Police HQ to file the missing persons affidavit. This will officially begin the search. If you do not file the affidavit, the report will go away after three days.





Law Enforcement does have the right to look at credit card records if provided to them by a third party, such as a spouse or family member. They will also take cell phone records so that they may call those numbers last used by the missing person. Police will not ping the cell phone signal unless there is suspicion of foul play.





If the police DO locate the missing individual - they will not be able to tell you where he is - they can only tell you that they are ok.





If ever you find yourself in this situation, call the local jails. The police will run a jail/warrant search after you file a report, but you could eliminate contacting the police if you do this first yourself.





Call all area hospitals. Ask not only for the missing person, but whether there are any unidentified persons in the hospital.





Hope this helps!At what point in missing persons cases do police check credit card activity, phone records, etc?
Common sense says they check these things right away, the longer the case goes on the colder the trail.*

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