How to Organize a Search Party for a Missing Person

A good volunteer search is planned with police, not around them. Ask investigators first, then sign in every volunteer, divide the area into small sections, search in pairs, and never touch anything that could be evidence: mark it and call police. Flyers and social media posts bring volunteers and keep the case in the news.

Updated November 15, 2026 · Crime Solvers Central, an independent, volunteer-run cold case site

The Flyer Builder has search party templates with the date, meeting place and police tip line, ready to print or share.

Make a search party flyer

1. Talk to the investigating agency first

Ask whether a volunteer search would help, and where. Police or search and rescue teams may have already searched some areas, or want some areas left alone.
Ask about trained search and rescue: for wilderness, water or large areas, trained teams are safer and more effective.
Agree on how volunteers report finds: usually a call to a named officer or the tip line.

2. Plan the search

Pick a meeting place with parking and restrooms, and a start and end time in daylight.
Get permission before searching private property.
Print maps and divide the area into small numbered sections.
Choose team leaders for every 5 to 10 volunteers.
Make a flyer for the search with the date, time, meeting place and what to bring.

3. At the meeting place

Sign in every volunteer with name, phone number and team, and sign them out when they leave. Nobody should be left in the field unaccounted for.
Brief everyone: who you are looking for (with photos), the area, the safety rules and what to do if they find something.
Check that everyone has water, a charged phone, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and a bright vest or shirt.
Keep children and pets at home unless the search leaders say otherwise.

4. While searching

Search in pairs or teams, never alone, and walk in a line a few arm-lengths apart.
Look for items, not just the person: clothing, bags, phones, shoes.
If you find something, don't touch or move it. Mark the spot, take a photo and the location from your phone, stay nearby, and call the officer or tip line.
Don't post photos of finds or speculate on social media; tell police first.

5. After the search

Give police the map showing which sections were searched.
Thank volunteers and collect contact details for future searches.
Post a short update with the tip line, and plan the next step with investigators.

The Flyer Builder has search party templates with the date, meeting place and police tip line, ready to print or share. See membership options.

Make a search party flyer

Frequently asked questions

How do I organize a search party for a missing person?

Talk to the investigating agency first, pick a daytime meeting place, divide the area into small sections, sign every volunteer in and out, search in pairs, and call police without touching anything you find.

Do I need police permission for a volunteer search?

You should always coordinate with the investigating agency so the search helps and doesn't disturb evidence, and get permission from owners before searching private property.

What should search party volunteers bring?

Water, a charged phone, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a bright vest or shirt, and a printed photo of the missing person.

What should I do if I find something during a search?

Don't touch or move it. Mark the spot, note the location on your phone, stay nearby and call the officer or tip line.

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Crime Solvers Central is an independent, volunteer-run case research and advocacy site, not a law enforcement agency. In an emergency call 911. Questions? Contact us.