Decoding "policespeak"?

[gnbrotz]

From my local paper:

A Chambersburg man who didn't arrive at his workplace yesterday is being reported as "missing and endangered" by Pennsylvania State Police, Chambersburg.

Steven Baird, 33, of Chambersburg left his home at approximately 7:40 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2 to go to work at Menno Haven. He never arrived at his place of employment.

Baird is driving a black 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Pennsylvania registration FDY-1398. Police have entered Baird and his vehicle information in a national database and are trying to locate him using financial tracking and phone calls made. Police said that there is not any information currently that makes them believe that Baird's disappearance is the result of foul play.

Anyone with information about possible whereabouts is asked to contact PSP Chambersburg at 264-5161.

So what does "endangered" indicate?

[Pa. Patriot]

Sounds like the paper's words.
They always spice thing up unnecessarily...

Especially since "Police said that there is not any information currently that makes them believe that Baird's disappearance is the result of foul play."

[gnbrotz]

The paper is catching alot of flak in the online comments for the vagueness of the article. Their response:

Police released no further information. We are trying to get more. The term police used was "endangered."

They are maintaining this is a direct quote from the PSP.

[soberbyker]

Here's an example of the terms I found ...

Missing Vs. Endangered Missing

ColdCases member - and advisor to many amateur sleuths - Sam Pokey Gipson. Sam is retired from long time role as Senior Detective of the Criminal Investigation Division at the Benton Police Department of Arkansas. http://www.law-enforcement.org/bentonpd/

Sam has explained the difference between Missing and Endangered Missing to the members of www.ColdCasesGroup.com
__________________________________________________ ____

Missing vs. Endangered Missing

This is just an example, of Arkansas Law on Missing Vs. Endangered Missing.

Missing: A family member, friend, etc, as turned up missing. Unknown reasons. This meets the Arkansas State and FBI stats of Missing Persons.

Endangered Missing: Customer goes and gets gas at an all night convenience store. Enters the store. Blood on the floor, register open and empty, employee is no where to be found. This is Endangered Missing.

Car door open, keys in the ignition, engine running, lights on, purse and driver are not present, and Police can not locate anywhere. This too is Endangered Missing.

Circumstances indicate the seriousness of the Missing Person.

- Sam Gibson

__________________________________________________ ____

[gnbrotz]

Seems like "missing and endangered" and "no information indicating foul play" contradict each other.

[Pa. Patriot]

Seems like "missing and endangered" and "no information indicating foul play" contradict each other.

Huh?
The police would never release contradictory info

[Boomer]

This person may have a medical issue or mental problem that requires specific medicines at specific times. The problem may not make the individual dangerous to others, i.e diabetes. It may be something more serious than that and the family has asked that it not be released to the media.

[Pa. Patriot]

This person may have a medical issue or mental problem that requires specific medicines at specific times. The problem may not make the individual dangerous to others, i.e diabetes. It may be something more serious than that and the family has asked that it not be released to the media.

Duh! {to me}

Good point!

You smart, me stoopid. Didn't even think of anything close to that...

[Frenchy]

Endengered could also mean they need medication that was not with them at the time they left, IE: an insulin user can be endangered if missing with out his/her Insulin.