Missing Vulnerable Person BOLO Notification Program
The Missing Vulnerable Person BOLO Notification Program is a mass-notification initiative used by York Regional Police (YRP) to distribute pre-approved critical information to the community when a vulnerable person goes missing. The program is designed to quickly reach a broad audience and assist in the safe and timely recovery of missing vulnerable individuals.
York Regional Police encourages residents of York Region to subscribe to the program. Community awareness and assistance can play a vital role in reuniting missing individuals with their families and loved ones.
The Missing Vulnerable Person BOLO Notification Program helps locate vulnerable missing persons as quickly as possible, increasing the likelihood of a safe return and positive outcome.
Notifications are sent in real time via email to a predetermined subscriber list. Each notification may include a current photograph of the missing person, the area from which they are missing, where they were last seen, a physical description, and contact information for reporting sightings or information to police.
A notification is activated when the missing person is deemed vulnerable and public awareness is believed to be critical to supporting their safe recovery.
What is a missing vulnerable person?
Under YRP Procedure LE-026, a vulnerable missing person is defined as:
"A person who has a cognitive, physical, intellectual/developmental disability, or other condition that may place them at an increased risk of misadventure leading to injury or death and who may require assistance from emergency services."
Counsel Christopher Deevy of the Legal Department has cited Section 7 of the Missing Persons Act, which authorizes the Chief of Police or their designate to disclose information to the public by any means deemed appropriate. This legislation provides police with broad discretion to share information necessary to assist in locating a missing vulnerable person, including the details contained within these notifications.
How it works
Here's a look at how the Missing Vulnerable Person BOLO Notification Program works.
Missing person reported
When a vulnerable person is reported missing, York Regional Police activates a full team approach, engaging members from the Search and Resuce, Canine, Air Support units and the frontline.
BOLO notificiation issued
If the vulnerable person is registered with the BOLO program, a notification is sent to a list of subscribers. This notification includes approved information, including a description of the missing person.
The search continues
Members of York Regional Police, along with our partners and subscribers to the BOLO notification program search for the missing vulnerable person.
Missing person found
In the best case scenario, with the help of the community, our partners and the collaboration of various York Regional Police units, the missing vulnerable person is located safely and reunited with their loved ones.
