What defines a person as being missing?

A person is defined as being missing when their whereabouts are unknown. This definition captures the essential condition that a person must be unaccounted for and cannot be located, regardless of the context or duration of the absence. Being missing is not solely about the inability to make contact by phone, being abroad, or the length of time since the last sighting. While certain situations may raise concern or be indicative of a missing person, the core definition revolves around the uncertainty of their location, emphasizing the importance of initiating appropriate responses to locate individuals who cannot be found. This can prompt investigations and alerts to ensure their safety and well-being.