Panama City Police ask for help locating Missing Juvenile

Panama City Police are asking for the public's help locating a missing juvenile.

According to the authorities, 17 year old Drion Long has been missing since Monday afternoon. Long was last seen in the area of East 24th Plaza. East 24th Plaza is one street North of 23rd street and runs from Highway 77 to Highway 231. Long was last seen wearing Nike shorts and a blue North Bay Haven T-shirt with black bubble slide sandals. He is approximately 5'7" and 135 lbs with short brown dreads. Anyone who has seen or sees Drion Long can contact Panama City Police directly at 850-872-3100 or contact crimestoppers at 850-785-TIPS.

According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), there were over 365,348 reports of missing children made to law enforcement agencies in the United States in 2020. The recovery rate for missing children has improved over the years. In 2020, NCMEC reported a recovery rate of 98.7% for endangered missing children, meaning nearly 99% of those children were successfully recovered. To help solve the issue of missing children in the US, you can take the following steps:

1. Stay Informed: Stay informed about missing children cases in your area by following local news reports, social media updates, and alerts from law enforcement agencies and organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
2. Share Information: Share information about missing children cases on social media platforms to increase visibility and reach a wider audience. Retweeting or sharing posts from official sources can help spread the word quickly and may lead to valuable tips or sightings.
3. Be Vigilant: Stay vigilant and observant of your surroundings, especially in public places like parks, malls, and transportation hubs. Keep an eye out for children who may appear lost, distressed, or accompanied by individuals who seem suspicious.
4. Report Suspicions: If you have any information or suspicions about a missing child or a potential sighting, report it to local law enforcement immediately. Time is often critical in missing children cases, and your timely report could make a difference in the outcome.
5. Volunteer: Many organizations involved in missing children cases rely on volunteers to assist with search efforts, distribute flyers, and provide support to families. Consider volunteering your time and skills to help with outreach and awareness campaigns or participate in community search efforts.
6. Educate Others: Raise awareness about the issue of missing children and educate others about safety precautions and resources available for prevention and response. Encourage parents and caregivers to teach their children about personal safety, including how to recognize and respond to potentially dangerous situations.
7. Support Families: Offer support and empathy to families of missing children, who often endure emotional turmoil and uncertainty. Respect their privacy and dignity while providing practical assistance, such as helping with childcare, meals, or errands.
8. Advocate for Policy Changes: Advocate for policies and legislation that prioritize the safety and well-being of children, including measures to prevent abduction, improve law enforcement response, and support victims and their families.

By coming together as a community and taking proactive steps to raise awareness, share information, and support efforts to find missing children, we can make a meaningful difference in bringing them home safely.

Photo byMatt PopovichonUnsplash