2018 Maryland Code
Public Safety
Title 3 - Law Enforcement
Subtitle 6 - Missing Persons
§ 3-601. Procedure for taking missing person reports
(a) Mandatory waiting period prohibited. --
(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) Acceptance of reports made in person; taking electronic reports. -- 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) Entering information into National Crime Information Center computer. -- With regard to a missing person as defined in ยง 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.