**FAQS**
**When does Search & Support San Antonio begin the search for a missing person?**
Search & Support San Antonio accepts missing persons cases only after the family has filed a missing person report with the law enforcement agency in the city where the person was last seen. If you have a missing family member, your first step should be to contact local law enforcement.
**What is the process for requesting our help?**
A family representative should submit a request form through our website and undergo a questionnaire with our Case Intake Manager, Lori Wittmeyer, after filing a missing person report with law enforcement. Our Case Intake Manager will then speak with family members about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance. To help you prepare for your conversation with our Case Intake Manager, please gather the following items:
- A detailed description of the missing person
- A recent photograph
- The case number from the law enforcement agency and the name and contact information of the investigator
- The law enforcement agency flyer
- Close-up pictures of the missing person without filters, if possible
Search & Support San Antonio does not consider a missing person's race, age, gender, income bracket, social status, faith, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other category when deciding whether to search for the individual.
**What is the cost of our service?**
Our services are free of charge. Search & Support San Antonio is entirely funded by private donations and sponsors. The availability of our volunteers determines our ability to search.
**What is the purpose of our searches?**
The primary purpose of our searches is to locate missing persons who may be in danger. In some cases, the person may be deceased. Families, often distressed, request our help. Our searches aim to provide answers and support to families in their time of need. We prioritize cases involving:
- Individuals with mental disabilities who may be unable to make rational or logical decisions, making their safe recovery urgent.
- Cases of foul play, where law enforcement agencies request our assistance to help gather evidence and expand the scope of their investigation.
- Missing persons who may have been victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, or other crimes.
Our efforts can provide families with peace of mind, knowing that every effort is being made to locate their loved ones. Additionally, we work to raise public awareness about the missing person, which can lead to new leads and information.
**When do we conduct searches?**
Search & Support San Antonio activates a search based on the circumstances surrounding the missing person's case. We will not search for anyone who has left on their own accord. Our response and search activation can be delayed if we learn that the missing person's family and friends have not been truthful with us, withheld relevant information, or avoided sharing crucial details. Runaways may be accepted into our program after careful consideration and if the circumstances warrant. We also assist parents and families in distributing missing person flyers. We initiate searches as soon as possible for individuals with Alzheimer's, Autism, intellectual disabilities, or similar conditions. We also search for persons who may have been victims of foul play, conducting searches after law enforcement requests our assistance or authorizes us to enter the case.
If information is submitted untruthfully or manipulated to the advantage of the family or friends, we will seek to terminate our involvement and help.
**How does Search & Support San Antonio search?**
The method of conducting a search depends on the type of case, the circumstances of the disappearance, the terrain and environment of the search area, weather conditions, and other factors. The location and manner of the disappearance will influence whether we use unmanned aircraft, ground searchers, horses, K9 units, or other resources.
**How long will Search & Support San Antonio search?**
The length of time we search for a missing person depends on many elements, including the person's background and history. These factors help determine how long we will actively search before suspending or canceling a search. If it becomes clear that continuing the search is no longer practical or safe, we will support the family through our outreach and awareness programs.
**What additional support does Search & Support San Antonio provide?**
We are committed to supporting families through our outreach and awareness programs, including:
- AI video awareness campaigns to raise visibility for missing persons
- Age progression image resources to help visualize changes in appearance over time
- Support for families of victims of unsolved crimes in San Antonio
- Advocacy and awareness events to bring attention to missing persons, victims of crimes, domestic violence, and human trafficking
**Where do we operate?**
Search & Support San Antonio operates exclusively in San Antonio and the surrounding counties. We work closely with local law enforcement and respect their guidance. If law enforcement makes it clear that they do not wish any interference from outside organizations, we will not get involved.
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