Missing and Wandering Persons Course for Guards 2026
This course is for security workers at malls, hospitals, care homes, campuses and events. It covers how to respond to a lost child, how to find and approach a person living with dementia, when to call police, how Amber Alerts work, and what information police need.
Quick answer
This free course has about 25 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Report a missing person to police without delay
- Run a fast, organized lost-child response
- Recognize and calmly approach a lost person who may have dementia
- Explain the Amber Alert criteria
- Preserve footage and records that help police
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: B. There is no waiting period; report right away if you are concerned
The RCMP says do not wait 24 hours. Call police or 911 immediately if you are concerned about the person's safety.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: B. Name, physical description, last place seen, clothing, any vehicle, and a recent photo
The RCMP lists full name, height, weight, hair and eye colour, last place seen, clothing, vehicle details and a recent photograph.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: C. About 6 in 10
The Alzheimer Society says six in ten people with dementia become lost at some point, often without warning.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: D. Because the risk of injury or death rises sharply the longer they are missing
The Alzheimer Society warns that risk rises sharply if the person is not found within 12 hours, and that half of those missing 24 hours or more are seriously injured or die.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: C. Within about 1.6 km
Most are found within about 1.6 km of where they were last seen, so focus the search close by first.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. They cannot say their name or address and are dressed for the wrong weather
Confusion about name, address or time, and clothing that does not suit the weather, are common signs listed by the Alzheimer Society.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: A. From the front, slowly, introducing yourself calmly
Approach from the front, move slowly, and identify yourself. Startling the person can increase fear.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: B. Use simple words, one idea at a time, and yes/no questions, and give them time to answer
The Alzheimer Society advises simple, one-idea sentences, yes/no questions and patience.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: A. Because a uniform can increase the person's anxiety
A uniform may frighten a confused person. A calm voice and removing your cap can help them feel safer.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: D. In secluded spots such as bushes, creeks or drainage areas, or near roads and railways
They often walk in a straight line until stuck and are found in brush, creeks, drainage areas or near roads and railways.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: A. Because a person with dementia may not call out or answer to their name
People with dementia may not call for help and may even fear searchers, so listen for sounds like singing or crying.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: C. MedicAlert Safely Home
The Alzheimer Society recommends registering with MedicAlert Safely Home for engraved ID.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: D. The child is under 18 and police believe the child was abducted and is in imminent danger
Criteria include a victim under 18, reasonable grounds of abduction and imminent danger, enough descriptive information, and time to make the alert useful.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: B. Only authorized users in law enforcement agencies
Amber Alerts are only activated by authorized users within police agencies.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: C. Generally no, unless the situation is life-threatening
Parental abductions are generally excluded unless the child's life is in danger.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: B. Get a quick description and alert all staff by radio right away
Speed matters. Get the child's name, age, clothing and where last seen, and alert the whole team immediately.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: C. Posting staff to watch the exits
Watching exits while others search reduces the chance a child leaves the property unseen.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: A. Stay with the child in a public place, reassure them and radio your team
Never leave the child alone. Stay in a visible place and let your team reunite them with a verified parent or caregiver.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: D. That the child clearly recognizes the adult and the adult's details match the report
Confirm the relationship before handing over a child, and call police if anything seems wrong.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. Early, especially if the child is very young, at risk, or not found quickly
There is no waiting period. Calling early gives police the best chance to help.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: A. Camera footage, logs, and the person's belongings, with a record of who handled them
Footage and logs can show where and when the person left. Preserve them and give them to police.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: D. An RCMP centre that supports police, coroners and medical examiners with missing persons cases and runs canadasmissing.ca
The NCMPUR gives specialized investigative support and runs the public Canada's Missing website.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: A. Follow the home's plan, use door alarms or checks, and gently redirect rather than argue
Alarms, supervision and gentle distraction work better than confrontation. Never lock a person alone in a room.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: C. That the caregivers are calm and able to cope
The Alzheimer Society notes the person may not recognize caregivers right away, so make sure the situation is calm before leaving.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: A. Read current missing-person and police notices at the start of each shift and report sightings to police
Knowing who is missing helps you spot them. Report sightings to police with time, place and direction of travel.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- There is no waiting period to report a missing person. The RCMP says do not wait 24 hours.
- Six in ten people living with dementia become lost at some point, often without warning.
- Most people with dementia who go missing are found within about 1.6 km of where they were last seen.
- Only authorized police users can activate an Amber Alert, and the child must be under 18 and believed abducted and in imminent danger.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wait 24 hours before calling police?
No. This is a myth. Call police or 911 right away if you are worried about someone's safety.
Can security issue an Amber Alert?
No. Only authorized police users can activate one. Your job is to report quickly and give police good information.
What should I do if I find someone who seems lost and confused?
Approach from the front, introduce yourself calmly, use simple words, keep them safe, and call police or 911 so they can be reunited with family.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.