Kristin Thorne. SXSW Panel Picker 2024

1. Disappearing in America
Fiction vs. Fact

2. If I go missing, the police are going to
find me right away.

3. Police will be able immediately to
use my phone to find my location
or where I last was.

4. Police will automatically put out a
media alert about my disappearance.

5. If my case goes cold, the press
and my family members will be
able to get the records related to
my case from investigators.

6. My disappearance will get as
much media attention as anyone
else – my sex, age or race doesn’t
matter.

7. Tips to Protect Myself
1. Always tell people where you are and who you are with.
2. Set up locator services on your devices.
3. Give the username and password of your Apple ID, email
accounts and social media to family and friends.

8. If a family member or friend disappears
1. Go to police right away. Do not wait 24 hours. Bring photos of the
missing person in which you can see them clearly. Get a copy of the
missing persons report from police.
2. Register your family or friend in NamUs.
3. If you’re related to the missing person, go to the local medical
examiner to give your DNA.
4. Reach out to the local media.
5. Post about the missing person on social media.
6. Check local hospitals.
7. Do not wait for police to investigate. Plaster the area where the
person lives and/or was last seen with flyers with their picture. Put a
direct contact number or email on the flyer.