What happens to a missing person record until an action is taken by the originating agency?

A missing person record is retained indefinitely until an action is taken by the originating agency. This means that the record remains in the system, allowing for further investigation and facilitating the possible return of the missing individual. The indefinite retention is crucial, as it ensures that the information remains accessible to law enforcement, aiding in the ongoing efforts to locate and recover missing persons. The record only changes status or is deleted when a specific action is undertaken by the agency that created it, such as confirming the person's return or updating the person's status. This process underscores the importance of keeping all pertinent information available as long as necessary, reflecting a continuous commitment to resolving missing persons cases.