Police Clarify Reports of Missing Children in Great Falls

Yesterday, I saw a post on social media regarding missing children in the state of Montana. I decided to investigate the source (Montana Department of Justice) and verified on their page, what they had at the time which was photos and information of said missing children.

Fast-forward to today, and Great Falls police have spoken up about the information that circulated on social media.

Great Falls PD Clears Up Confusion

Now, the Great Falls police department is speaking up about this now-viral post to clear up any confusion about the number or status of missing children.

"Yesterday (8/19/26), we received several requests for information about a screenshot from the Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) Missing Persons Database," the post read referring the same Facebook post I came across.

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"The image shows eight juveniles listed as missing from Great Falls since July 31, 2026."

"Under Montana state law (MCA 44-2-205), when we take a report of a runaway juvenile (under the age of 18), we are required to enter that individual into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a nationwide law enforcement database. Once entered, MTDOJ automatically adds the runaway juvenile to the Missing Persons Database, which provides basic information without additional context."

Different Classes of Missing Persons

Great Falls police also broke down the different classifications of missing persons.

"There are different classifications of missing persons reports, such as Missing/Endangered Person Advisory (MEPA) and AMBER Alerts, that are issued when a child is missing under more suspicious or endangering circumstances," Great Falls police said, "None of the investigations indicated by the screenshot met the criteria for any classification beyond a standard missing persons report."

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Police went on to explain that running away from home in Montana is a "Status Offense" and they say posting a photo of a juvenile with the expectation it will help could actually hurt the investigation.

"Posting pictures of juvenile suspects on the internet without cause or articulable reason to believe it will aid in the safe return of the juvenile can pose serious ethical questions," police said, "In most cases, sharing information about a runaway can hinder the investigation and make it more difficult to quickly resolve the situation."

Great Falls Police Fact-Checks Missing Children Information

Great Falls police conclude their statement with a direct call-out to the original poster of the screenshot.

"As the original post in question indicated, there was no attempt made by the poster to verify the accuracy of the information posted," police said, "As of today, there are two juvenile (not eight) listed as missing persons in Great Falls; one of which has been in phone contact with law enforcement and family since leaving; the other returned home then left again before their return could be verified and cleared from the database."

Great Falls police went on to say they typically keep information and details private unless there is a "specific and immediate safety concern."

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"When we identify circumstances where community assistance may genuinely help or when a child’s safety may be at risk, we quickly share information and ask for the public’s support," Great Falls PD said, "Above all, our decisions are guided by care for the wellbeing of the young people in our community; we remain deeply committed to protecting and supporting every child in Great Falls."

Montana Department of Justice Missing Persons Database

Now, I know police are talking about the original Facebook post and not our article about the Montana DOJ's database for missing children, but I still feel like I should explain my logic for sharing this information.

First, they're missing children. I'm a father of three and as I stated in my article yesterday, I can't imagine the horror that these parents and children are experiencing. It's instinct for me to want to help and do my part.

Second, when I searched the database, I noticed they include "Last Date of Contact", which I and pretty much any average citizen, would assume is when they went missing.

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Within the full details of each missing person, the investigating department asks for information from anyone who has seen the children and include their contact information. So, my logic is: perhaps I can help extend their reach, if even a little bit, to help get the word out and hope someone recognizes a face.

All of the information I shared in our article is as exactly as it was shared by the Montana Department of Justice.

That said, I get where the police department is coming from and hope everyone's intentions here are understood: all we want, like the police, are to see these kids safely reunited with their families.