A task force of law enforcement, forensic, and counseling experts will be assisting anyone seeking information about or reporting a missing loved one at the 3rd annual Missing in Arizona Day event. It takes place Saturday, October 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Arizona State University West, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Glendale, AZ.
Top investigators from The Maricopa and Pima County Sheriffs Offices, along with Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson Police Departments, and the Maricopa Medical Examiner’s Office are sponsoring the event.
Over the past two years, Missing in Arizona has led to over 14 case resolutions with half of the missing individuals found alive. All services are available in English and Spanish.
“The cases run the full range of outcomes, from homicides to individuals purposely dropping contact with their families,” said Sheriff Paul Penzone. “We have 2,000 people Missing in Arizona with an additional 1,500 unidentified remains. The process of locating and identifying depends greatly on events like Missing in Arizona.”
“The disappearance of a loved one is always traumatic and leads to despair among family, friends, and the wider community. As a law enforcement agency, our investigators understand the challenges and complexity of missing persons investigations and are mindful of the emotional toll such investigations have on the family,” said Mesa Police Chief Ramon Batista. “Our department is committed to providing the needed resources and personnel to locate individuals as quickly as possible before any harm befalls the missing. In these cases, law enforcement becomes the voice of the missing and the voice of the family and it is our purpose to always use that voice to advocate for victims until we realize a safe recovery.”