Which unit handles cases of long-term missing persons?

The Special Victims Unit (SVU) is typically focused on specific types of offenses, such as sexual crimes and cases involving vulnerable populations, rather than exclusively handling long-term missing persons cases.

The correct choice is the Missing Person Unit. This unit is specifically tasked with addressing cases involving individuals who have been reported missing for an extended period. They specialize in these complex investigations, conducting outreach, using specialized techniques for locating missing individuals, and coordinating with families and communities to gather leads. This targeted approach is crucial for handling the unique challenges presented by long-term missing persons cases, including the potential for foul play or the need for community support.

While other units, like the Criminal Investigation Unit or Homicide Unit, may become involved in missing persons cases under certain circumstances—particularly if foul play is suspected or if they escalate to a homicide investigation—the Missing Person Unit is specifically designed to deal with the intricacies of such cases from the outset.