How missing persons cases work
State police: 39 people missing in county since 2005
It isn’t difficult to get lost in the varied, unpredictable terrain of Northern New Mexico, but that’s just one of the possible reasons why a total of 39 people have been reported missing in Taos County since 2005, according to New Mexico State Police.
The missing person process might be frustrating for those involved, but it actually has a swift start, as was the case with the search for Gregory Nelson, who was reported missing on Jan. 23.
Once a missing person is reported in Taos County, state police issues an alert and then local agencies begin researching possible whereabouts by inquiring with friends and relatives of the missing person, learning about the individual’s habits, acquaintances and regular locations. They also investigate medical issues, as they can change the course of action of a search, as well as determine whether or not the individual qualifies for a special alert.
Alerts can come in different forms. Many people are familiar with Amber Alerts, which notify the public about missing juveniles. Brittany Alerts are issued for missing and endangered individuals with a developmental or physical disability, while Silver Alerts are for seniors with degenerative mental conditions, such as dementia.
Missing persons are also entered into the National Crime Information Center — along with their birthdate, driver’s license number and other methods of identification. If a missing person’s information is obtained and checked by a law enforcement officer, the flagged information will show up as that belonging to a missing person. The officer will then proceed to notify a local law enforcement agency.
“It’s not illegal to be missing,” said Ray Wilson, a public information officer for the state police. “If you’re an adult, and
there are no other factors, other than your family just doesn’t know where you are, it’s not illegal for you to be missing. If a law agency does encounter that person, they’re not going to arrest them or take them into custody. They’re just going to notify the police department that that person has been located.”
Those who purposely leave home without notifying friends or family are allowed to go about their day. According to Wilson, this happens most often among victims of domestic violence, although even that is rare, as they usually have places to go within their communities. However, if the missing person is a juvenile or has a disability, they will be taken into custody and reunited with their family.
Another common historical source of missing persons cases in Taos County has been the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the site of many suicides since 1965, when its construction was completed. Holly White, perhaps the most wellknown among these cases, has still not been found after her car was discovered in the bridge’s visitorarea parking lot in May 2016. Melissa Crabtree is another Taos County resident whose vehicle was found near the bridge in 2020 but who has not been found.
In cases where state police have to get involved, organizations like Taos Search and Rescue (TSAR) can be enlisted. Taos Search and Rescue is a Taos-based volunteer organization that has been assisting law enforcement since 1978, and falls under the command of state police. Taos Search and Rescue, which is funded by the community, is well-equipped with whatever they need on the field, from medical kits to all-terrain vehicles.
Taos Search and Rescue members have a variety of backgrounds. Some have no related professional training going in, while others have worked in medicine or as EMTs. Regardless, all TSAR members are trained in using basic medical equipment, which they carry with them in backpacks filled with nearly 40 pounds of additional supplies and equipment.
Sources of confusion
According to Taos County Sheriff Steve Miera, civilians often don’t understand how the missing person process works, which can lead to conflict.
Miera addressed certain myths that people extract from television or movies and then wrongly insert into reality, such as unlimited and seamless DNA testing or satellite imaging. According to Miera, not only are these expectations unrealistic; they also require resources and time that the sheriff’s office might not have.
Miera said the “48-hour wait period” is another myth, which implies a 2-day wait between the moment a person is reported missing and the beginning of the investigation. According to the sheriff, the process begins right when the person is reported missing, and they soon have boots on the ground investigating. Despite the myths that surround these cases, it’s regular practice to treat those who are close to a missing person with respect and dignity.
“The deputy or supervisor dealing with these people has to understand that these people are dying for information on somebody that they love and care for, and it’s harder to not know anything,” Miera explained. “That’s why I believe that followup phone calls are so important, because it gives them the feeling that their case is important. Even if we don’t have any [new] information. To many people, that means so much.”
According to Wilson, missing persons can remain on databases, such as Missing Persons Clearing House and the National Crime Information Center, indefinitely, unless they are found or pronounced dead by local agencies.