National Missing Persons Week 2020: Police call on community to help solve eight long-term missing persons cases

Thursday, 30 July 2020

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is calling on the public to help solve eight long-term missing persons’ investigations as part of a digital campaign marking National Missing Persons Week 2020 (2-8 August 2020).

The initiative – titled ‘I’ll see you later’ – has been developed by the AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) and includes a series of short videos which describes the emotions felt by the families of long-term missing people.

AFP Coordinator National Missing Persons Coordination Centre Jodie McEwan said she hopes the initiative gives both families and investigators answers to long-held questions, as well as provide the community with insight into the unresolved grief and loss felt by the loved ones of missing persons.

“In telling the stories of these missing people via social media, outdoor advertising spaces and traditional media, we hope to draw out new leads and piece together these sad and enduring puzzles,” Jodie McEwan said.

“The short videos illustrate these are real people, with hobbies and dreams, who continue to live in the memories of those left behind. They are more than just statistics or photos on a missing persons poster.

“We hope the community connects with these stories and if you have any piece of information – no matter how small – please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Father of long-term missing person, Peter English, Gary English says “Campaigns like this are invaluable and allow families, who like us, are seeking answers to tell the story of their missing loved one.”

“Peter was a very loving father who enjoyed his children very much and loved spoiling them with gifts. We just want answers and to know he is safe and well.”

The following long-term missing persons were nominated by the AFP’s State and Territory counterparts to be featured in the campaign:

To request an interview with a family member or case officer of one these long-term missing persons, please contact media@afp.gov.au.

Media is encouraged to read the Counselling Framework for guidance when working with families of missing people.

The NMPCC developed the campaign in partnership with creative agency Three Scoops, to shed light on the fact that when a person goes missing, their loved ones are always searching. Even as time passes and logic whispers that the missing person is unlikely to be found, some part of the loved one can’t stop looking.

Members of the community sharing their stories and support throughout National Missing Persons Week 2020 are encouraged to use the hashtag #NMPW2020 in support of this year’s campaign.

National Missing Persons Week is supported by the Outdoor Media Association. For more information on the NMPCC and NMPW 2019 and to watch the campaign unfold, visit www.missingpersons.gov.au or https://www.facebook.com/AFPNMPCC

About missing persons in Australia

In Australia, a missing person is defined as anyone who is reported missing to police, whose whereabouts are unknown, and where there are fears for the safety or concern for the welfare of that person. A long-term missing person is someone who has been missing for more than three months.

About the NMPCC

The AFP’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre plays an active role in coordinating national police efforts, and educating the Australian community to prevent the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.

The National Missing Persons Coordination Centre is a non-operational arm of the AFP which put simply means, the team is not involved in the investigations of missing persons. All investigations are undertaken by the relevant State and Territory police.

In support of NMPW, the AFP NMPCC coordinates an annual police campaign with State and Territory police, highlighting a different theme each year to raise awareness of the significant issues associated with missing persons and profile long-term missing persons to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia.

The annual police campaign compliments other campaigns, events, initiatives and memorial services run by families with a missing loved one, advocacy networks, government and non-government organisations, and members of the public.

Media enquiries

AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297