The following scenario is based on a real-life situation in Germany. It could differ from a similar situation in any other country due to the specifics of national law enforcement regulations. For more details go to the section Country Specific Information of this module and choose the respective country.
Police officer Schultze is on duty at police station C. Today he is working at the front desk and is dealing with members of the public who come to report an incident. A man comes in. His daughter left the house yesterday and has been missing since.
Good morning sir. I am officer Schultze, how can I help you?
Good morning, officer. My name is Igor Khomyakov. My daughter has disappeared. Yesterday at about 4 pm she went to the city centre by bus. We agreed that she would return by 8 o’clock at the latest. I am very worried.
Please try to stay calm I am going to ask you some questions. Try to focus on them.
How can I stay calm? Would you stay calm, if it happened to one of your children?
I understand you are worried. I am trying to help you. Just take a deep breath and let me ask you some questions.
What’s your daughter’s name?
Olga. Olga Khomyakova
How old is Olga?
She is 13. She was born on 2nd October.
Could you please describe what she looks like?
My daughter is about 1 metre 60. She is tall for her age, slim, has blonde shoulder length hair, blue eyes and wears black-framed glasses.
Do you have a picture of Olga with you?
Yes, I have one in my wallet. Here it is. But it is five years old. I have some more on my mobile, but I don’t have it with me. Sorry.
Could you possibly bring an up-to-date picture later today?
Yes, certainly. I will.
Can you remember what she was wearing when she left for the town centre?
Olga was wearing black trousers, a green jacket and a white scarf. She had her light-blue backpack with her.
Was she wearing anything particularly noticeable?
No, I don’t think so.
Have there been any disagreements or troubles at home or school lately?
No, absolutely not. She is a very good pupil and we have had no disagreements at home recently.
Does she have a mobile phone?
Of course.
Have you tried to reach her by phone?
Yes, but it’s turned off.
Would you please write down your daughter’s number on this piece of paper? My colleagues will try and locate it.
(The father writes down Olga’s mobile phone number.)
Are there any places where she likes spending her time?
Yes, in the town park. She is often there with her friends. They meet near the fountain.
My colleagues will check if she is there. Could I ask you to make a list of her friends’ names and perhaps their addresses and telephone numbers?
I will do it at home. I need my wife’s help as she knows Olga’s friends better. Then I will bring the list around.
Do you think she could have a boyfriend? Is she in a relationship?
I don’t think so. She has never mentioned a boyfriend.
Has she ever been this late before? Has she ever disappeared before?
No, never. It is really worrying not to know what is going on.
Can I reach you by phone? Could you give me your number?
Sure, it is 0174 6990762.
Now, the missing person’s report is filed. We will do everything we can to find your daughter. Please, make sure we can reach you at all times. And call us if your daughter shows up at home.
Certainly. Please let me know as soon as you have any news.