A 13-year-old girl who disappeared after getting into a car with an acquaintance has been found safe and well, with police confirming that she voluntarily reported to a police station. Experts have explained how the initial procedures work and why the first hours of a search for missing children are crucial.
German police had been searching for the 13-year-old girl of Serbian origin, who was last seen on Friday, June 5, around noon in Gelsenkirchen, after which all trace of her was lost.
According to available information, the girl left a relative’s apartment and then got into a car with an acquaintance, prompting a police search and a public appeal several days later. The entire area was placed under increased surveillance, while the case sparked public concern and intensive efforts by authorities to determine the circumstances of her disappearance. The girl was eventually found after appearing at a police station on her own, after which her family was notified. Legal expert Jelena Prodanić spoke about the case on Kurir Television’s program Redakcija.
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Found After a Police Search
Jelena Prodanić explained that, in practice, reports involving missing minors are subject to an urgency assessment, which influences the initial steps of the search.
“Based on the information available to me, nothing concrete has yet been determined regarding the circumstances. However, when children go missing, there is theoretically a very strict protocol that clearly defines which institution is responsible for what. In practice, though, things can be different. When you report a missing minor, authorities often first try to reassure you and explain that children of that age sometimes leave home on their own. They also ask whether there have been family problems or arguments,” Prodanić said.
She added that the first hours are critical and that, in her opinion, the response should be faster and more decisive.
Prodanić emphasized that police services exchange information quickly and that additional measures are taken depending on the assessment of the situation.
“Police stations are well connected, and information is quickly shared with both the media and the public, including the child’s description and last known location. After a certain amount of time, authorities assess whether streets should be blocked off or border crossings checked, but everything depends on the specific circumstances,” she explained.
She also noted that social media plays an important role in such cases because it allows information to spread rapidly and enables the public to participate in the search effort.
“As for social media, it operates very quickly, and citizens often get involved by sharing information. In situations like these, the internet truly plays a major role and can contribute to a faster response,” Jelena Prodanić concluded.
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Source: Kurir; Foto: Gelsenkirchen Polizei