How Mesa police is using social media to find missing people

By Connor Van Ligten
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The Mesa Police Department runs a missing persons group on Facebook. In that group, the Mesa Police Department Facebook account posts the names and pictures of missing persons as well as information about their appearance and where they were last seen.

Between June 1 and July 29, 2025, the Mesa Police Department posted 52 missing persons notices on their Facebook group. Of those 52 missing persons, 39 were located successfully.

Additionally, 40 out of the 52 missing were juvenile-aged or younger. Out of those 40, 29 were located successfully.

The Mesa Independent spoke with Mesa Police Department Public Information Officer John Dreyer to discuss how Mesa PD handles missing person cases, how the department uses social media to spread awareness, and what people can do to help.

Do police see any trends or common patterns in missing persons in Mesa?

No, the Mesa Police Department responds to a wide range of missing persons cases, from juveniles to adults, including individuals with dementia or other memory-related issues. Each case is assigned to a missing persons investigator to ensure all possible leads are pursued in locating the individual.

The Missing in Mesa Facebook group is run by Mesa Police. Who manages that page?

The Missing in Mesa Facebook group is managed by the Mesa Police Department’s Public Information Officers. It serves as a platform to share missing person bulletins and currently has over a thousand followers.

How has posting to social media helped in finding missing persons in Mesa?

Social media has become a natural evolution of traditional missing person flyers. It allows us to share information quickly and broadly in hopes of generating leads from the community that can help locate missing individuals.

Are there other platforms or methods MPD uses to spread the word about missing people?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, we may also use RAVE alerts, which notify cell phones within a designated area near the last known location of the missing person. This helps get urgent information out to people who may be in a position to assist.

How helpful is the public when it comes to finding missing persons, especially children?

The public is an incredibly valuable resource when it comes to locating missing persons. In the case of children — especially those without access to transportation — the community can be essential in helping us determine their whereabouts.

What are common reasons for juveniles to go missing or run away?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each case is unique, and sometimes the reason for a juvenile’s disappearance remains unknown, even after they are found.

What should parents do if a child runs away or goes missing?

Contact the police immediately to minimize delays. Be prepared to provide the responding officers with a recent photo and information about friends, family, or locations the child may have gone. This helps us issue a missing persons bulletin as quickly as possible.

What is the process for getting the word out if someone you know goes missing?

First, make sure the person has been officially reported missing to the police. Then, it’s best to have a single point of contact for communication with the assigned investigator. This helps streamline information and avoid confusion caused by multiple people sharing fragmented details.

What is different about an adult going missing versus a juvenile running away?

Each situation is evaluated individually. Regardless of age, every missing person case is assigned to an investigator who follows up on all leads to locate the individual. The approach may vary based on the circumstances, but every case is taken seriously.

What is MPD’s standard protocol when searching for a missing person?

Initially, responding officers use all available resources in the field to locate the individual. Simultaneously, the missing persons investigator assesses the case and determines the best course of action to advance the investigation as quickly as possible.

Do some people go missing to escape allegedly abusive or harmful situations?

Yes, that can be one of the many reasons a person chooses to leave. When a missing person is located, officers always ask for their account of what led to their disappearance. This gives them a safe space to share any concerns, including potential abuse.

How does MPD handle cases where someone has fled an abusive situation?

If there’s evidence of a criminal act, a separate criminal investigation is launched to fully explore the allegations and provide appropriate support to the individual involved.

Are fake or false missing person reports common? What motivates them?

False reports are not common. Individuals filing a missing person report must sign an affidavit confirming the accuracy of their information. This formal process acts as a deterrent to filing fictitious or misleading reports.

The group can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1725896534856362.