08/20/2026
Yesterday (8/19/26), we received several requests for information about a screenshot from the Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) Missing Persons Database. The image shows eight juveniles listed as missing from Great Falls since July 31, 2026.
Under Montana state law (MCA 44-2-205), when we take a report of a runaway juvenile (under the age of 18), we are required to enter that individual into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a nationwide law enforcement database. Once entered, MTDOJ automatically adds the runaway juvenile to the Missing Persons Database, which provides basic information without additional context.
There are different classifications of missing persons reports, such as Missing/Endangered Person Advisory (MEPA) and AMBER Alerts, that are issued when a child is missing under more suspicious or endangering circumstances. None of the investigations indicated by the screenshot met the criteria for any classification beyond a standard missing persons report.
Running away from home as a juvenile in Montana is a "Status Offense" and posting pictures of juvenile suspects on the internet without cause or articulable reason to believe it will aid in the safe return of the juvenile can pose serious ethical questions. In most cases, sharing information about a runaway can hinder the investigation and make it more difficult to quickly resolve the situation.
As the original post in question indicated, there was no attempt made by the poster to verify the accuracy of the information posted. As of today, there are two juvenile (not eight) listed as missing persons in Great Falls; one of which has been in phone contact with law enforcement and family since leaving; the other returned home then left again before their return could be verified and cleared from the database.
As part of our standard practice, we do not share information with the public about juveniles or runaways unless there is a specific and immediate safety concern. When we identify circumstances where community assistance may genuinely help or when a child’s safety may be at risk, we quickly share information and ask for the public’s support. Above all, our decisions are guided by care for the wellbeing of the young people in our community; we remain deeply committed to protecting and supporting every child in Great Falls.
https://dojmt.gov/missing-persons/
