Someone missing right now? Call 911 first. What to do next

Community Search Network

Volunteer with CSN

You don't need search experience. If you'd drop everything to help find a neighbor's kid or a lost grandparent, there's a place for you here.

Find your spot on the team

Searches need all kinds of help. Some of it happens on foot. A lot of it happens from a front porch. Pick the level that fits your life.

  • Spotter

    Eyes and ears, right where you are.

    You get the alert, then check your door camera, look out the window, sit on the porch or walk your own yard. If you see something, you report it. Perfect for stay-at-home parents, seniors, people at work, and anyone who can't head out on a search.

  • Searcher

    Out the door and moving.

    You get the alert, pick an area, go search it, and report what you find. This is the most hands-on way to help.

  • Pro searcher

    First responders.

    Police, fire, EMS, search and rescue, and federal agency staff. You already have the training. We confirm you through your agency.

  • Assistance responder

    The calm in a crisis.

    Professionals who work with neurological conditions, and CIT-trained officers. When someone is found scared or in crisis, you help regain control, make the space safe and bring the danger down.

The four levels side by side
LevelWho it's forWhat you doHow we verify you
SpotterAnyone who wants to help without leaving home or workGet alerts. Watch cameras, windows, porch and your own property. Report what you see and answer requests for information.ID verification. No background check.
SearcherAnyone ready to get out and searchGet alerts. Choose areas to search and go search them. Report what you see and answer requests for information.ID verification and a background check.
Pro searcherPolice, fire, EMS, search and rescue, federal agenciesBring professional training to the search.Verified through your agency.
Assistance responderProfessionals in neurological conditions; CIT-trained officersRespond to a crisis: regain control, create a safe space, de-escalate.We confirm your professional role or CIT training.

Everyone, at every level, can report a sighting and answer a request for information.

Apply to volunteer

How you'll train

Everyone starts with the same basics. Then you learn the skills for your role.

The basics, for everyone

How a search works and where you fit in, how to stay safe, how to treat families with care, and what to know about autism and dementia.

  • Spotter

    What to watch for from where you are, how to check your own property, and exactly what to do if you spot the person.

  • Searcher

    Choosing and covering an area well, and what to do when you find a clue.

  • Pro searcher

    You bring the training. We show you how CSN volunteers fit in beside you.

  • Assistance responder

    How CSN calls on you, and how searchers hand off to you when someone is found in crisis.

Who volunteers

Parents home with little ones. Retirees. Teachers, nurses, hikers, college students, people at their desks. Mostly regular people who have seen a missing person post and wished they could do something. Now you can.

Requirements

  • 18 or older
  • Verify your identity (spotters and searchers)
  • Pass a background check (searchers)
  • Finish your training
  • Follow the search leader's lead
  • Work as a team and cooperate with law enforcement, during a search and after

How much time it takes

Training happens on your schedule. After that, you say yes when you can and no when you can't. No one keeps score.

We're starting in Northern Virginia. Apply now, and if your area isn't open yet, we'll reach out as soon as it is.

Apply to volunteer Log in

From sign-up to ready

Your account shows you what's done and what's next.

  1. Apply

    Pick your role and tell us where you live.

  2. Profile

    When you're free, what you're good at, and who to call in an emergency.

  3. Verification

    ID verification for spotters and searchers. A background check for searchers, only after you say okay. Agency or credential checks for pros.

  4. Training

    The basics, then your role.

  5. Ready

    You'll get the call when a search needs help.

Common questions

Does it cost anything?

Money should never be the reason you can't help. If cost is a problem, ask us about a scholarship. You'll always know about any cost before you sign up.

Can I switch roles later?

Of course. Life changes. Tell us and we'll help you move to a role that fits.

Do spotters need a background check?

No. Spotters help from where they already are, so we verify your identity and that's it.

Why do searchers get a background check?

Because families are trusting us with the people they love most. You'll see exactly what's checked and okay it before anything runs. Our privacy policy has the details.

Will there be a waitlist?

Maybe, if lots of people sign up in your area. If so, you keep your place and we'll stay in touch.

Do I have to go on every search?

Nope. Go when you can.