MOBILE BASED APPLICATION SYSTEM FOR MANAGING MISSING PEOPLE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the Study

The issue of missing persons is a significant concern worldwide, with thousands of cases reported annually. Timely reporting and efficient management of missing persons' cases are critical in increasing the chances of locating them. Normally, missing persons are reported through various channels such as police stations, community announcements, and social media. However, these methods often suffer from fragmentation, delays in information dissemination, and a lack of centralized data, making it challenging to respond swiftly and effectively.

Traditional reporting methods often involve manual processes, such as filling out forms at police stations or contacting multiple agencies. This can lead to significant delays in the critical early hours when finding a missing person is most crucial. According to Sahu and Singh (2018), such delays reduce the likelihood of recovering missing individuals, as timely information dissemination is essential for successful outcomes.

In many cases, the systems used to report missing persons are not well-integrated across jurisdictions or agencies. Different platforms may be used by the police, social workers, and other stakeholders, resulting in fragmented communication. This lack of coordination hinders the flow of information and can cause duplication of efforts or, worse, missed opportunities for collaboration. Dutta and Mishra (2019) highlighted the importance of developing a centralized, mobile-based system to reduce these inefficiencies.

Traditional reporting systems often rely heavily on posters, media broadcasts, or websites that may not reach a wide audience quickly enough. Additionally, there’s a limited mechanism for community involvement in actively helping to locate missing persons. Public awareness campaigns are sporadic, and the absence of real-time updates can prevent the community from contributing to search efforts in an organized and effective manner. Shiffrin (2024) pointed out that integrating social media into reporting systems could significantly enhance public engagement and speed up search efforts.

The development of a mobile dashboard application for reporting missing persons in Nigeria marks a crucial step forward in enhancing public safety and community response. While traditional reporting methods have provided some support, the integration of mobile technology offers a more effective, accessible, and timely solution for both families and law enforcement (Gupta & Sharma, 2020). Oduwole and Alabi (2021) emphasize that mobile applications can facilitate swift communication between relevant agencies and the public, centralizing the data for quicker response times.

Furthermore, international organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice have recognized the need for digital solutions to missing persons reporting. Their National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), for example, is a vital step towards streamlining these processes through technology (U.S. Department of Justice, 2022)Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advocated for integrating technology into mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings, which is particularly important when dealing with vulnerable populations affected by missing persons cases (World Health Organization, 2023).

Shankar & Malhotra (2024) conducted a comparative study of mobile applications designed for missing persons, identifying key features that enhance their functionality, including real-time notifications, geolocation tracking, and integrated community involvement. As this application continues to evolve, its role in facilitating quick responses and improving communication will be vital in the ongoing effort to locate missing individuals and support their families.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This Project aims to create an efficient and accessible platform that addresses the challenges associated with traditional methods of missing persons reporting. The application will provide a centralized, mobile-based solution that facilitates the timely reporting of missing persons, enhances coordination among law enforcement agencies, and promotes community involvement.

By integrating features such as real-time updates, geolocation tracking, and social media sharing, the application will streamline the process of disseminating information, reducing delays in response times, and improving the chances of locating missing individuals. The system will also serve as a digital hub for families, police, and the public to collaborate more effectively, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of missing persons' search efforts in Nigeria.

1. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to develop a mobile application dashboard system for managing missing people. The specific objectives are as follows:

To develop a mobile user-friendly dashboard for reporting of missing persons.
To implement features for real-time information sharing, including detailed descriptions, photos, and last known locations of missing individuals
To include features that allows people to easily share the missing person update on social media platforms.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This project will be significant to the following stakeholders:

Families

The mobile dashboard application offers a centralized platform for families to report missing persons instantly and receive real-time updates. Families often experience significant stress and anxiety when a loved one goes missing, and the traditional reporting methods can be slow and fragmented. With this application, families can act swiftly, reducing delays in initiating search efforts. By streamlining the reporting process and providing immediate access to information, families are empowered to take proactive steps in finding their loved ones, improving the likelihood of a timely recovery.

Law Enforcement Agencies

For law enforcement agencies, the application provides a more efficient way to manage and respond to missing persons reports. The system improves communication and coordination between agencies, ensuring that vital information is disseminated quickly and accurately. By using a centralized platform, officers can track reports in real-time, collaborate across jurisdictions, and deploy resources more effectively. The application also reduces the manual burden of processing reports and provides law enforcement with data that can be analyzed for trends, which could aid in preventing future cases.

Community Organizations

Community organizations, including local search and rescue teams, will benefit from the application’s ability to mobilize and coordinate search efforts. The application allows these organizations to receive notifications about missing persons within their region, enabling them to respond promptly. It also provides a mechanism for organizing community involvement in search efforts, improving the likelihood of finding missing individuals quickly. Community organizations can also use the platform to raise awareness and educate the public about safety measures and best practices for preventing disappearances.

The General Public

The public plays a crucial role in the search for missing persons. By using this mobile application, the general public can actively participate in search efforts by receiving notifications, submitting information, and sharing alerts on social media. This collective effort increases the chances of recovering missing individuals and fosters a sense of community responsibility and solidarity. The application promotes a safer environment by encouraging vigilant and proactive participation in locating missing persons.

1.5 Scope of the Study

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