New Jersey § 52:17b-212
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-212, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52:17b-212.
As used in this act: 1 “ High risk missing person ” means a person whose whereabouts are not currently known and the circumstances of
the person's disappearance suggest that the person may be at imminent or likely risk
of injury or death. The circumstances that indicate that a person is a high risk missing person shall
include, but not be limited to: a. the person is missing as a result of a confirmed abduction or under circumstances
that indicate that the person's disappearance was not voluntary; b. the person is missing under known dangerous circumstances; c. the person is missing more than 30 days; d. there is evidence that the person is at risk because: (1) the person missing is in need of medical attention or prescription medication
such that it will have a serious adverse effect on the person's health if he or she
does not receive the needed care or medication; (2) the person missing does not have a pattern of running away or disappearing; (3) the person missing may have been abducted by a non-custodial parent; (4) the person missing is mentally impaired; (5) the person missing is a person over the age of 13 and under the age of 21 years
and any other risk factor is known; or (6) the person missing has been the subject of past threats or acts of violence;
and e. any other factor that may indicate, in the judgment of the lead law enforcement
agency, that the missing person may be at risk. “ Law enforcement agency ” means a department, division, bureau, commission, board, or other authority of the
State or of any political subdivision thereof which employs law enforcement officers. “ Law enforcement officer ” means a person whose public duties include the power to act as an officer for the
detection, apprehension, arrest, and conviction of offenders against the laws of this
State. “ Lead law enforcement agency ” means the law enforcement agency with primary responsibility for investigating a
missing person case. “ Missing child ” means a person 13 years of age or younger whose whereabouts are not currently known. “ Missing Persons Unit ” means the Missing Persons Unit in the Division of State Police in the Department
of Law and Public Safety established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1983, c. 467 ( C.52:17B-9.7 ). 1
L.2007, c. 279 (N.J.S.A. § 52:17b-212 et seq.).
Source: official New Jersey text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 52:17b-212
What does New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-212 cover?
Section 52:17b-212 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 52:17b-212?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 52:17b-212" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 52:17b-212 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.