The OPI maintains an electronic directory photograph repository of all Montana students for the exclusive purpose of locating missing school-age children.  The repository provides immediate and 24/7 year-round access to a child’s school directory photograph to law enforcement should a child be reported missing.  It uses students’ current school photos that most schools take annually for school directories, ID cards, year books, etc.

 

Image of Camera

What Parents & Guardians Need to Know

 

  • Parents must opt-in for their child’s photograph to be included in the repository. Your school or district will provide you with a form or other means to opt-in.
  • Your child’s photograph will only be used by law enforcement for the express purpose of locating your child should he/she be reported to law enforcement as missing.  No other use by OPI or law enforcement is permitted. Access by OPI staff will be strictly limited and controlled to staff or contractors creating and maintaining the repository. 
  • Photos will be updated annually; if the photo is not updated and the parent doesn’t opt-out, the photos will be purged after two years.
  • Photographs can be added, updated or removed from the repository at anytime upon request by contacting your child's school or district.

    

Important Information for Schools & Districts

 

Click here for instruction on how to upload photos to the State Edition of Infinite Campus

Sample Opt-In Form

Districts using their own opt-in form should include the following information:

  • Information about the electronic photograph repository: The repository is authorized by Montana Code Annotated (20-7-1317, MCA) and requires the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) to create and maintain an electronic directory photograph repository of all Montana students for the exclusive purpose of locating missing school-age children. The repository provides immediate and 24/7 year-round access to a child’s school directory photograph to law enforcement should a child be reported missing.  Annually, districts must provide parents and guardians notice of the repository and a form to opt-in their student(s).
  • Who will have access to my child’s photograph in the photo repository?  Your child’s photograph will only be used by law enforcement for the express purpose of locating your child should he/she be reported to law enforcement as missing. No other use by OPI or law enforcement is permitted. Access by OPI staff will be strictly limited and controlled to staff or contractors creating and maintaining the repository.
  • How do I remove my child’s photograph from the photograph repository?  A parent can opt-out at any time. Contact your school/district to request your child’s photograph be removed.
  • How long will my child's photograph be in the repository? Photos will be updated annually; if the photo is not updated and the parent doesn’t opt-out, the photos will be purged from the repository after two years.
  • Please visit https://dojmt.gov/missing-persons/ to find more information about missing school-age children.