# Public Safety (GPS)

## Title 3. Law Enforcement

### Subtitle 6. Missing Persons

#### Section 3-601

(a)

  (1) A law enforcement agency may not establish a mandatory waiting period before taking a missing person report.

  (2) A law enforcement agency shall make every effort to inform the general public and the family of a missing person that the agency does not impose a mandatory waiting period before taking a missing person report.

(b) In accordance with subsection (a) of this section, a law enforcement agency:

  (1) shall accept without delay a report of a missing person provided in person; and

  (2) may accept a report of a missing person by phone or other electronic means if:

    (i) that form of reporting is consistent with the policy of the law enforcement agency; and

    (ii) the reporting person completes the report in person as soon as possible.

(c) With regard to a missing person as defined in Sec. 3-604 of this subtitle, a law enforcement agency shall enter all necessary and available information into the National Crime Information Center computer network within 2 hours after receipt of the minimum information necessary to make the entry.

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Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)