Exploring the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Number of Reported Missing Persons in Canada during 2020

Authors

Alexandria Connolly, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Sensitive and Specialized Investigative Services, Strategic and Operational ServicesFollow
Mauranne Ste-Marie, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Sensitive and Specialized Investigative Services, Strategic and Operational ServicesFollow
Kevin O'Shea, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Sensitive and Specialized Investigative Services, National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified RemainsFollow

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in notable social and economic impacts in many countries, including Canada. This study examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of reported missing persons, adults and children, in Canada during 2020. Results indicate that there was a decrease in the number of reported missing persons cases during 2020 as compared to 2019 by 20.20%. All provinces and territories experienced a decrease, with the exception of New Brunswick. The pandemic had notable impacts specifically on the number of reported missing children, missing teenagers, and missing male individuals in general. This study provides a better understanding of how the restrictions of the pandemic affected missing persons numbers and the nature of who goes missing. These findings can also be used to inform strategies under similar future states to allow for effective response.

Recommended Citation

Connolly, A., Ste-Marie, M., & O'Shea, K. (2023). Exploring the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Number of Reported Missing Persons in Canada during 2020. International Journal of Missing Persons, 1(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.55917/2769-7045.1002