Record a possible sighting without turning it into a claim

A possible sighting can matter even when the witness is uncertain. The useful response is to preserve what was actually observed and pass it through the appropriate channel. Avoid announcing that someone has been found based on a resemblance or a single message.

Ask open, practical questions

Record where and when the observation happened, what the witness saw, and why they thought it might be relevant. Distinguish the person's own observation from something they heard from another person.

Do not coach the witness toward a particular answer or supply details they then repeat back. Note their uncertainty in their own terms. If they are willing, retain a private contact route for authorized follow-up.

Keep the record concise

• Event location and approximate time.
• Date the information was received.
• Description of the direct observation.
• Reason the witness connected it to the appeal.
• Whether the source can be contacted privately.

If someone is in immediate danger, contact the local emergency service promptly instead of completing a form first.

Avoid a public pursuit

Do not ask a witness to follow, confront, restrain, or secretly track the person. Do not post an exact current location in a public group. Pass the information to the responsible authority using the agreed case reference.

Mark your working record as submitted or awaiting assessment. That is an administrative status, not confirmation that the sighting is correct. Update the family only within the agreed process so an uncertain lead does not become a false reunion announcement.