The Missing Persons Problem is significant at the local and national level.
This data is provided annually by the Texas Department of Public Safety Missing Persons Clearinghouse and
the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Missing Children Numbers

• For 2022, of the 546,568 new missing persons reports entered into NCIC, 340,573 missing persons were
  under the age of 18.


• In Texas alone, there were 48,008 missing persons reports in 2023 with 35,181 of those children.


• In 2023, 7,471 new missing child cases were filed in Harris County and 9,531 in the 14-county Houston-Galveston Region.

Missing Children Categories

• Runaways: 80-85% — Just because the child ran away does not mean he/she is safe!


• Family Abductions: 10-15% — Just because the child is with family does not mean he/she is safe!


• Non-Family Abductions: 3-4% — These are the 2nd-most serious cases where bodily injury and death are most likely.


• Stranger Abductions: <1% — These are the most serious cases where bodily injury and death are most likely.

Missing Adult Numbers

• For 2022, of the 546,568 new missing persons reports entered into NCIC, 205,995 missing persons were 18 or older.


• In Texas alone, there were 48,008 missing persons reports in 2023 with 12,827 of those adults.


• In 2023, 3,445 new missing adult cases were filed in Harris County and 4,325 in the 14-county Houston-Galveston Region.

Limited Resources Making Huge Impact

Law Enforcement partners in our area work tirelessly to serve our communities, especially searching families. However, overwhelming numbers make this work incredibly challenging. For example, the 2 largest agencies serving our region, in 2023 alone:

• Worked over 11,100 missing persons cases


• With just 18 investigators!


• Despite the odds, the vast majority of missing persons are recovered through collaboration and dedication.

Search and Recovery Documents