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MISSING PERSONS

HOW TO REPORT A MISSING PERSON:

What should I do if I have a family member missing?

  • Search your immediate area where missing person was last seen to include the entire house or business
  • Call a friend or neighbor for support and aid
  • Check with family, friends, co workers and people who know your missing person to determine if they have seen the person
  • Call the police or go to your nearest police department and file a report. Generally, a report should be filed in the jurisdiction where the person was last seen.

How long should I wait until I report a missing person to police?

There is no waiting period to report a missing person. The first 24 hours is the most important time frame to locate a missing person. Contact the Police Department as soon as you realize a family member is missing. Contact numbers for the Rocky Mount Police Department – 911 for emergencies and 972-1411 for non-emergencies.

What will I need to provide to police for a complete and accurate police report to assist with the investigation?

It is important to provide the police department with information to aid in the investigation. You may be asked to provide the following information:

  • physical description of the missing person including distinguishable features and clothing description
  • a list of scars, tattoos, any artificial limbs, etc.; photographs of tattoos are helpful
  • a recent photograph of the missing person; three photos are better to include a facial photo and full body photos.
  • where and when the person was last seen or heard from
  • places the missing person may visit and any addresses he/she may have lived in the past
  • a list of any medical problems or medications the person may need to include medical records if available and the contact information for his/her doctor
  • dental records or contact information for the missing person’s dentist
  • names and contacts of family and friends associated with the person and their addresses and contact information
  • the description of travel: direction headed, the means of travel
  • vehicle description including make, model, color and registration number
  • cell phone number of the missing person
  • bank records of the missing person
  • habits and unusual behaviors of the missing person
  • romantic relationships involving the missing person
  • any suspicious persons in the area or having contact with the missing person to include physical description and vehicle description
  • a list of articles on the person, examples include braces, headgear, jewelry, glasses, lenses, hat, belt, purse, wallet, money, ID, credit cards, etc.
  • a listing of items missing from the residence such as a suitcase, personal items, etc.
  • a total view/account of the situation surrounding the when the person became missing, including accurate places, times, and dates
  • a hairbrush, toothbrush or other personal item that may contain DNA of the missing person

What should I do after I file a report?

  • Obtain a copy of the public record report and the report number.
  • Obtain the name of the investigating officer and a contact number.
  • Contact the police with any follow up information or leads you may have obtained during the course of the investigation.
  • Keep in contact with the investigating officer and the investigating agency.
  • Do not assume the case is not being investigated. Investigations on these types of cases are ongoing and all leads must be tracked down
  • Assist the investigating agency throughout the investigation with all requests for information and records.
  • Obtain support from family, friends and the community.
  • Be careful of the information you release to the media as it may hinder the investigation.
  • Check with the local law enforcement agency about what information can be released to the media.
  • Work with the law enforcement agency; remember working together aids the investigation.
Missing PersonName: Yolanda Renee Lancaster
Classification: Involuntary/Undetermined Missing Adult
Alias / Nickname: Snap
Date of Birth: 112672
Date Missing: 033009
From City/State: Rocky Mount, NC
Missing From (Country): USA
Age at Time of Disappearance: 37
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Height: 5 ft. 3 inches
Weight: 150 pounds
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Complexion: Light
Identifying Characteristics: None.
Circumstances of Disappearance: Unknown. Yolanda was last seen at approximately 4:00 p.m. on 2/5/09 leaving from 507 E. Grand Avenue.
Investigative Agency: Rocky Mount Police Department
Phone: (252) 972-1411
Investigative Case #: 2009003189
NCIC #: M-808074877
Missing PersonName: Joyce Renee Durham
Classification: Involuntary/Undetermined Missing Adult
Alias / Nickname: N/A
Date of Birth: 070561
Date Missing: 080907
From City/State: Rocky Mount, NC
Missing From (Country): USA
Age at Time of Disappearance: 46
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Height: 5 ft. 2 inches
Weight: 118 pounds
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Complexion: Medium
Identifying Characteristics: None.
Circumstances of Disappearance: Unknown. Joyce was last seen at approximately 2:30 p.m. on 6/17/07 leaving from 1505 Harper Street.
Investigative Agency: Rocky Mount Police Department
Phone: (252) 972-1411
Investigative Case #: 2007008994
NCIC #: M-346741153
Missing PersonName: Deborah Elaine Deans
Classification: Endangered Missing Adult
Alias / Nickname: Debbie
Date of Birth: 1974-09-26
Date Missing: 2004-01-19
From City/State: Rocky Mount, NC
Missing From (Country): USA
Age at Time of Disappearance: 29
Gender: Female
Race: White
Height: 68 inches
Weight: 160 pounds
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Complexion: Light
Identifying Characteristics: Tattoo of a red "heart" with the name "Jessica" inside of it chained to another red "heart" with the name "Robbie" inside, tattoo of a "rose" with the name "Thomas" underneath on shoulder, tattoo of a "dreamcatcher" above navel on abdomen.
Circumstances of Disappearance: Unknown. Deborah was last seen at approximately 9:00am at an acquaintance's residence in the vicinity of the 1400 block of Wiley Rd. in Spring Hope, NC. She has a medical condition.
Investigative Agency: Rocky Mount Police Department
Phone: (252) 972-1411
Investigative Case #: 2004003979
NCIC #: M-343976784
Missing PersonName: Linda Williams Lawerence
Height: 5'07"
Weight: 138
Age: 44
Last seen: Lawerence was last seen on June 13, 1996 leaving the High Meadows swimming pool in Rocky Mount, NC. She has not been seen since.

If you have any information as to the whereabouts of these persons, please call Twin County Crime Stoppers at 252-972-1111 or e-mail missing@rockymountnc.gov

Send comments to rmpd@rockymountnc.gov