Who can legally sign documentation declaring someone aged 21 or over as missing?

The legal authority to declare someone aged 21 or over as missing is primarily granted to individuals who have a familial or legal connection to that individual. A parent, legal guardian, next of kin, or an authoritative source—such as someone with legal standing or responsibility for the missing person—has the recognition and legal rights necessary to initiate the missing person's report. This ensures that the declaration is handled seriously and appropriately, involving individuals who are likely to have pertinent information about the individual's whereabouts and circumstances.

This approach safeguards the process from misuse and ensures that those who are declaring someone missing are genuinely concerned and have a valid reason to do so. Friends and neighbors, without established legal connections, lack the official standing and often pertinent knowledge needed to responsibly file such declarations. Similarly, the limitations placed on law enforcement officers and government officials highlight the importance of familial or legal connections in matters of reporting a missing person, ensuring that the process is both respectful and responsible.