Brazil authorities advise immediate reporting of missing persons

Authorities in Brazil are reinforcing guidance that the disappearance of a person must be reported immediately, debunking the myth that one must wait 24 hours to contact law enforcement.

Reports can be made via the 190 or 197 telephone lines. If a report is filed online, a relative or legal guardian must visit a police station to supplement the occurrence, provide a recent photograph, and offer descriptive information to aid searches. While the absence of physical documents does not prevent the filing of a report, providing a CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registry) number is highly recommended to facilitate more efficient location alerts.

Crucial information for effective searches includes physical characteristics—such as height, eye/hair color, tattoos, scars, and birthmarks—as well as descriptions of clothing and objects the person was wearing when last seen. Additional details regarding the time and place of disappearance, intended destination, usual routes, recent contacts, vehicle use, and health conditions (including medications or disabilities) are also vital. In certain cases, police may request genetic material from family members or personal items from the missing person to assist in identification.

To prevent scams, authorities advise against creating unofficial posters or publishing private contact information, addresses, or routines. Instead, citizens should only share official posters available via the @desaparecidos_df Instagram profile or the District Missing Persons Registry. Any information regarding a person's whereabouts should be directed exclusively to the 197 telephone line.