The federal police missing persons cell was created in the wake of the Dutroux affair. In 25 years of existence, more than 28,850 files have been opened, including 8,300 concerning minors. 85% of the missing were found alive. This success is due to a team of 17 motivated police officers led by a dedicated commissioner.
We met Alain Remue. You have certainly already heard the commissioner of the missing persons cell on the radio or on television. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes for the worse. He confided in RTL INFO in a long interview to describe his work and share his vivid memories. We transcribed his interview which you can see in video at the top of the article. The words below are his.
What I especially learned from parents of missing children is that giving an answer is very important
If you want to describe our work in three words, it is to give answers. Giving answers to people who are waiting. What I have learned most of all from parents of missing children is that giving an answer is very important. Even if it’s an answer they don’t want to hear.
It gave me unique, unforgettable moments … But on both sides. I remember the Léonard, Stacy and Nathalie neighborhood. The Abdallah Ait Oud affair is horrific. That’s all I can say about it, it’s horror.
But on the other hand there were some unique moments. I remember the Easter holidays, in 2006. Little Alizée, which had been reported as missing in the Ardennes. There you can find the little one and she is alive. These are unique moments. And these are times when you say that’s why we do this work.
It’s the big difference if we compare with what there was 25 years ago
Because of the Dutroux affair, there have been a lot of changes. If it is about a worrying disappearance, today and since the cell was created, the colleagues of the local police force now have the obligation, to warn us other specialized service of support and to warn necessarily the parquet floor. And at that moment there is a whole machine that starts up. And that is the big difference for me if we compare with what there was 25 years ago.
I have always said, when you do something, you have to do it 200% or else you don’t. Here too it is not possible to say “we will look a little”. Non, it is not OK.
It has become a passion, it’s not a job like any other. Fortunately.
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