Latest news with #ForcerProtocol
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Norfolk and Suffolk police sign up to missing veterans scheme
Norfolk and Suffolk police have joined a scheme that gives officers instant information about vulnerable military veterans who have gone Forcer Protocol was founded by Claire Lilly, from Essex, after her ex-husband Lance Corporal Alan Forcer took his own life in May 2020. The digitised system holds information about the veterans who have been signed up, including whether they pose a risk to themselves and where they were found if they went missing Hedges, who helped create the scheme with Ms Lilly, said: "It can take away some of the anguish when you report someone missing." Mr Hedges, a former missing children chief at the National Crime Agency, added: "The idea of the Forcer Protocol, together with similar ones for those living with dementia, is to pre-record that information, and then it is held securely and made instantly available to police at the point at which a missing person's report is made."We talk about the golden hour - the initial response - the longer it's left the further the person can travel, the more complications arise, and information and witness memories become eroded."It's really, really important to get that quick response and recover the person quickly, and give them the assistance they deserve should they be at the risk of doing, sadly what Alan did, and contemplating suicide."Ms Lilly, from Rochford, previously told the BBC that Mr Forcer had suffered from PTSD and depression after serving in Kosovo and Northern Ireland, and had been missing for three days. If you or someone you know is feeling despair or emotional distress, BBC Action Line has a list of organisations that offer advice and support. Norfolk and Suffolk police have joined 11 other forces to have taken up the have encouraged those who wish to take part to complete the Forcer Protocol details on the Safe and Found Online Ch Insp Brett Harris, at Suffolk Police, said the force was "proud to be part of the Forcer Protocol - a vital initiative that reinforces our unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals who go missing"."This protocol represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect those at risk, particularly individuals who may face unique challenges due to age, health or personal circumstances." Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cumbrians urged to pre-register details to help find missing people
Cumbrians are being urged to register details with two protocols designed to assist police in the event of a search for a missing vulnerable person. Cumbria Police are signed up to the Herbert Protocol and Forcer Protocol, which provide officers with fast access to pre-registered information should a person with dementia or an armed forces background go missing. According to the police, access to this information helps officers with initial enquiries, with locations that the missing person may have gone to, and ultimately can lead to a person being found safely and quickly. Rob McCulloch-Graham, chair of the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board, said: "It is vital that people are made aware of the existence of the Herbert Protocol and Forcer Protocol so they can be used to help locate vulnerable adults who have gone missing. "Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board commissioned the local adaption of an animation about The Herbert Protocol, and we are grateful for the support from Cumbria Constabulary in helping to launch the animation and raise awareness to support professionals and the wider community contribute to safeguarding adults." The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family, and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a person with dementia going missing. Information that can be provided includes details about the person, their past, their habits, and places they go. The Forcer Protocol is a similar tool aimed at people who have served or currently serve in the armed forces. This protocol provides officers access to veterans' details such as any known vulnerabilities or risk factors, and where they were found if they went missing before. Cumbria Police were the first force nationally to adopt the Forcer Protocol following a trial by Greater Manchester Police. This week, safeguarding professionals from across the county received a briefing from Cumbria Police on how both protocols work and what they can do to assist police ahead of a potential missing person incident. The briefing was organised by the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board. Detective Inspector Matthew Rees, who led the briefing and is the force's missing persons Coordinator, said: "It was really pleasing to be able to update safeguarding professionals from different agencies and sectors about how they can play a crucial role in keeping vulnerable people safe from harm. "Both the Herbert Protocol and Forcer Protocol provide officers with pre-registered information in the event of a person going missing. "This information can accelerate our initial enquiries and help inform our search operations." David Allen, Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: "A vulnerable loved one going missing is most families' nightmare. "That's why tools such as Herbert Protocol and Forcer Protocol can be so vital in helping locate those who need our help. "Taking a few minutes to fill in details about your family members or those in your care can literally be lifesaving. "I would urge anyone who cares for someone with dementia or has family who were in the armed forces to register and fill in these crucial details. "We all hope we won't need to use them but it is worth covering all our bases when it comes to our most vulnerable friends and family."
