Message from the Director

This is the ninth year the Missing Children's Annual Report has been accessible on the internet. The report enables us to provide a better understanding of the severity of the missing children problem in Colorado. Last year in Colorado alone there were 14,330 children reported as missing.

Since our children are our future, it is our responsibility to provide them with an environment in which they can enjoy their childhood yet are equipped with the knowledge of what to do or where to turn if a dangerous situation occurs.

The report helps to provide a better understanding of Colorado's missing children phenomena. Statistics confirm there is cause for concern, but do not begin to quantify the impact on those who have experienced the preventable loss of a child, nor do they identify the number of people affected by each incident.

Our thanks to the Colorado General Assembly for its support of the Missing Children Project and to law enforcement leaders who have worked so diligently to find and assist so many young people. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation pledges its continuing support to make Colorado a safer place for children.

Robert C. Cantwell
Director, Colorado Bureau of Investigation