St. George police are searching for a 36-year-old man identified as being at-risk, according to an Endangered Missing Advisory. The search for the individual was part of an effort to disseminate information to law enforcement and the media to assist in a safe recovery.
Missing Person Advisory Criteria
The search for the missing 36-year-old man is being conducted through the Endangered Missing Advisory system. This system serves as a communications bridge between law enforcement and local broadcasters to notify the public when a missing person incident does not meet the strict statutory thresholds required for an AMBER Alert activation.
Under the criteria for an Endangered Missing Advisory, investigative supervisors evaluate three diagnostic baselines to determine eligibility. These include an unexplained or suspicious disappearance, evidence suggesting the individual is in immediate physical danger due to factors such as cognitive health deficits or severe mental or physical disabilities, and the possession of actionable public recovery information, such as physical profiles or vehicle specifics.
Advisory Notification Process
Once a local law enforcement agency requests a formal activation and state clearinghouse administrators approve the case file, an immediate notification sequence begins. This process includes a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) entry to allow for nationwide tracking and a formal, synchronized statewide "Attempt to Locate" emergency directive pushed to all municipal police desks and county sheriff communication rings throughout Utah.
Additionally, the advisory triggers a media wire distribution, sending urgent email alerts detailing case variables, physical images, and contact avenues to local newsrooms, verified digital journalists, and public radio desks. However, unlike AMBER Alerts, the Endangered Missing Advisory does not trigger restrictions or modifications to overhead highway message signs.
St. George Investigations Unit
The St. George Police Department is responsible for investigating such cases through its Investigations Unit. The unit's mission is to document and collect evidence and information of crimes to identify, apprehend, and convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent.
The unit is composed of a Lieutenant, two Sergeants, and twelve Detectives. These investigators are trained in various specialized areas, including crime scene processing, evidence collection, interviews, and interrogations. The unit also collaborates with allied law enforcement and supports services ranging from private resources to federal agencies.
Special Victims Unit Role
Within the department, the Special Victims Unit is specifically tasked with investigating a variety of people-related crimes. This unit includes six detectives and one sergeant and is responsible for investigating cases involving sexual assaults, child abuse, runaway juveniles, and missing persons.
Detectives assigned to the Special Victims Unit also work with state and federal partners to conduct investigations and proactive enforcement regarding sex trafficking and child sexual assault material. The unit's leadership includes Sergeant Adam Olmstead.
Department Mission and Scope
The St. George Police Department operates in a city covering approximately 75 square miles in the southwest corner of Utah. The department's mission is to work with citizens to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment.
Chief Kyle Whitehead leads the department, which serves a region with an elevation of 2,760 feet and a climate that promotes year-round recreation with over 300 sunny days per year.
Police Department Overview
The St. George Police Department remains committed to its mission of preserving life and protecting property through specialized investigative teams. The department provides various avenues for community engagement and career opportunities within its specialized divisions.
