Upon arrival at a scene involving a missing child, the initial officer should do what first?

In a situation involving a missing child, the initial response is critical, and conducting a preliminary interview is essential. This first step allows the officer to gather immediate and pertinent information from the reporting party, witnesses, or guardians. Information such as the child's last known whereabouts, description, recent behavior, and potential places the child might go is vital for forming a search strategy.

Establishing a clear timeline of events can help prioritize immediate actions, such as searching nearby areas or canvassing for witnesses. A thorough initial interview also helps to verify details that may aid in locating the child quickly, which is crucial given the time-sensitive nature of such cases.

While securing a recent photo, verifying if the child has been found, and calling for additional resources are all important actions to take in the process, they should follow the initial gathering of information. Conducting the preliminary interview sets the foundation for all subsequent actions and decisions in the investigation, making it a top priority for the responding officer.