True/False: During a missing child investigation, police officers should determine as soon as possible a timeline as to how long the child has been gone, when they were last seen, and when they were discovered missing.

Establishing a timeline in a missing child investigation is crucial for several reasons. First, knowing when the child was last seen provides context which can assist in piecing together potential movements and interactions leading up to their disappearance. This information is vital in focusing the investigation.

Additionally, the timeline helps law enforcement prioritize resources and responses based on how long the child has been missing. The urgency of the situation can change considerably if the child has been missing for several hours versus several days. In cases involving younger children, such as those under the age of 10, the timeline is even more pressing due to their vulnerability and the potential for danger.

Determining the timeline should occur early in the investigation, rather than being postponed until evidence collection is complete. Immediate action enables officers to gather witness statements and other evidence while it is still fresh, leading to a more effective search and recovery effort. Overall, understanding the timeline is a key step in efficiently directing investigative resources and efforts to locate the missing child.