What is the first action a Protective Security Officer should take when informed of a missing child in the facility?

When a Protective Security Officer is informed of a missing child in a facility, the first critical step is to obtain a detailed description of the child. This is essential because having an immediate and accurate description can aid in quickly disseminating information to other staff members and potentially to law enforcement. A detailed description should include key identifiers such as the child's age, height, weight, hair color, clothing, and any unique characteristics.

Gathering this information helps to create a clear visual reference for everyone involved in the search and ensures that if the child is spotted, they can be recognized easily. Accurate descriptions can also be vital in alerting the public or responding authorities, enabling a more effective search operation.

While securing the area, contacting law enforcement, and searching the facility are important actions that may follow, they should be initiated after first ensuring that everyone involved has the necessary details about the child to refine and direct those responses effectively.