Different journalists have different interviewing and reporting techniques and styles. Whilst most journalists will be sympathetic, some may behave in ways which seem insensitive to what you are going through. It is likely that you’ll be asked probing and personal questions.

You should think carefully about whether you want your circumstances, or the circumstances of your missing loved one, made public. It’s worth thinking about how this will make both you and your missing person feel.

Some cases will attract lots of media attentions. For some others, it’s difficult to gain any media interest at all. This can be frustrating, but we will support you however we can.

• People may report sightings or provide valuable information.
• The missing person may see or hear the message, and choose to make contact.
• You may find comfort from feeling you are doing all you can to find them.
• Other families in the same situation may come forward to offer support.
• Repeated coverage will keep the search fresh in people’s minds

• It could feel overwhelming, intrusive or frightening. You may feel that your privacy has been invaded.
• Speaking to the media can make you feel emotional, and having gone through it, there is no guarantee that your story will be used, or that it will be represented in the way that you would like.
• The missing person may not welcome the attention or wish to be ‘found’ and it can be hard for someone who has been missing to then ‘walk back into their life’ knowing that this publicity exists.
• Publicity may put vulnerable people at even greater risk, by forcing them further away if they do not wish to be found. This is a decision that the police can help you make based on their circumstances.