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Missing Person Policy and Procedures

The Higher Education Act of 2008 (HEOA) requires that all institutions that provide on-campus student housing must establish a student notification policy and procedures.


Statement of Policy: Each resident in university housing has to identify and register confidential contact information for an individual to be contacted by the institution no later than 24 hours after the time that the student in question is determined missing. This is done via the Missing Person Emergency Contact Form at housing check-in. In the event a student is under 18 years of age, and has not been legally emancipated, the student’s parents will also be contacted. 

If a member of the university community has reason to believe that a resident is missing for 24 hours, they should immediately notify the Director of Security at (808) 544-1400 or (808) 236-3597. The Director of Security will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation with the assistance of housing staff. 

Should the Director of Security determine that the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours, they will notify the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), and the Dean of Students will contact the resident’s emergency contact or the resident’s parents if the resident is under the age of 18 and not legally emancipated, no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. 

For students who live off-campus in non-university housing, the Director of Security will investigate any report of a missing student and take appropriate action. Non-residential students are highly encouraged to identify and register contact information for an individual to be contacted in the event a student is determined missing. This can be done via MyHPU Portal. 

Missing Person Procedures: The following procedures are in place in the event a report is made regarding a missing student. These procedures apply to university housing residents and students residing in non-university housing. 

For the purposes of this policy, a student may be considered to be a missing student if the student’s absence is contrary to their usual pattern of behavior and unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances could include a reasonable/reliable report or suspicion that the missing student may be endangered. Examples may include the missing person is the victim of foul play, is in a life-threatening situation, or has been with persons who may endanger the student’s welfare.

 

  • Any and all reports of missing students shall be directed to the Director of Security at (808) 544-1400 or (808) 236-3597.

  • The Director of Security will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation with the assistance of university personnel as appropriate. The investigation includes:

    • Gathering essential information about the student

    • Making contact with the student via their cell phone and email address.

    • Interviewing the person(s) who filed the report.

    • Interviewing the student’s roommates, friends and professors.

    • Getting the student’s course schedule.

    • Following up on leads given by those who are interviewed.

  • If the Director of Security makes contact with the reported missing student, the Director will pass on the information to contact those that have expressed concern.

  • If the report is determined valid and credible, and the student has been missing for more than 24 hours, the Director will notify the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and submit a missing person report.

  • Once the HPD report has been filed, the Director will notify the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will contact other senior university administration as appropriate.

  • If the reported missing student is under 18 years of age and has not been emancipated, the Dean of Students or their designee will notify the custodial parent or legal guardian that the student is believed to be missing no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the policy.  

  • If the reported missing student is 18 years of age or older, the Dean of Students or their designee will contact the Emergency Contact listed on the student’s HPU account no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the policy. 

  • Note: If the student lives in university housing, they will provide emergency contact information during the application process. For a student that lives in non-university housing, the emergency contact information can be saved on their MyHPU Portal account throughout the year. The student may also contact the Registrar’s Office (808-544-0239) to designate an emergency contact person. This information will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.

  • Once a reported missing student is found and needs assistance with the transition back to HPU, the student will work with the Dean of Students or their designee.

  • Campus communication about missing students: Honolulu Police Department will be responsible for media communications regarding missing students.

  • Students and employees who want to make a report or aid in the search of a student should contact the Director of Security, who will work closely with the Honolulu Police Department. 

Prior to notifying the university community, HPU’s Strategic Communications staff will work with the Director of Security, the Dean of Students, and the Honolulu Police Department to ensure notifications do not hinder investigation efforts and that they comply with university policies and FERPA guidelines.