where?

June 2, 2012 7:58 PM

I'm worried about the safety of my dad, and I'm not sure what to do. He helped me move to a new city. Things had been stressful for a while, and this evening he took his bag and left.

I asked him if he was going and he said "I don't want to talk about it." He has a history of bi-polar disorder.

I've tried calling and texting, but he won't answer. I tried to get some other family members to call him, but it seems his phone is off now.

I know he's on foot. He left around 6:30 PM and it's well into the evening now. He went on a walk before he left, so my theory is that he checked into a hotel. I've been calling hotels in the area, but it's their policy to say the person under a certain name isn't checked in. I've mentioned that it's an issue of safety, but I don't know how useful it is.

As I understand it, a person needs to be missing for at least 24 hours to file a missing person's report.

I don't know what else to do. Is there anything else I can do, or should I just try to relax and hope for the best?

posted by cupcake1337 to Human Relations (6 answers total)

As I understand it, a person needs to be missing for at least 24 hours to file a missing person's report.

This is false. Let the police tell you what they will and won't do instead of deciding for them. Call the police.
posted by brainmouse at 8:02 PM on June 2, 2012 [14 favorites]

Call the police. They may be able to help even if you can't file a missing person's report yet.

I'm so sorry, this must be so stressful.
posted by quiet coyote at 8:02 PM on June 2, 2012

Have you called your local police's non-emergency line and asked for advice? This does sound like a safety issue for him, and it would absolutely be worth calling. Before you do, I'd write down these facts so you don't become flustered if the officer asks questions. They'll probably want to know:

-His description, including what he was wearing and anything he was carrying with him
-The last time you saw him, last direction of travel
-His name and date of birth
-His Cellphone number
-Any places you think he may have gone

They may not be able to do a lot, but at least they'll have a record that you're worried for his wellbeing in case they come into contact with him.

I hope he turns up really soon.
posted by Sweetchrysanthemum at 8:04 PM on June 2, 2012 [5 favorites]

Because I've dealt with this before or have pple close to me who have had something similar happen, especially if there is a history of mental illness...

Call all the hospitals in your city and tell them 1) your father has a history of bipolar, 2) your name and 3) your father's name, and sometimes the hospital will let you know if he has been checked into for the night. It would likely only be for observation, but it would be a relief for you to not need to worry the entire night if you know that he is there. Good luck.
posted by Wolfster at 8:50 PM on June 2, 2012 [1 favorite]

I work in a hotel and we do get police in here at times looking for people whose families are concerned about their welfare. We won't tell a stranger on the phone if such a person is checked in as we don't know who the caller is but will tell a uniformed officer standing in front of us. Please call the police and they will be able to assist you with this.
posted by googlebombed at 10:24 PM on June 2, 2012 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: update: he's safe and made it home ok.
posted by cupcake1337 at 6:59 PM on June 3, 2012 [7 favorites]