The Montana Department of Justice announced Wednesday that it’s hired Brian Frost as the state's new Missing Persons Specialist.
Frost says education will be a focus for him as he takes over this position. The Missing Persons Specialist position was created by the 2019 Legislature as part of Hanna’s Act to work closely with local, state, federal and tribal governments and families on missing persons cases.
Frost says it’s especially important to educate families about when to report someone missing.
"One of the positions as outreach or goals of this position as outreach is to shoot down those myths there is no minimum or maximum waiting period for someone. You can report your loved one right away to law enforcement," Frost said.
He also wants to educate loved ones on what kind of questions law enforcement will ask.
"I mean these are traumatizing events. it’s not pleasant for anybody. But at least if you have a heads up about what questions you might be asked or what information law enforcement is looking for, it might be beneficial," Frost said.
Frost says it is all about communication, talking to loved ones of missing person and law enforcement and bridging the gap in communication that sometimes occurs.
Frost has worked for DOJ for more than ten years. Last year he taught at the Missing Persons Training Summit and presented at task force meetings.
He replaces Misty LaPlant, who resigned earlier this year for personal reasons.
