Police missing person searches
Failures in police search procedures for missing persons, including inadequate thoroughness and lack of follow-up.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
IOPC learning recommendation
98match
Police search for missing man -Greater Manchester Police, August 2021
The IOPC recommends Greater Manchester Police issues a reminder, to all police officers and police staff whose role includes working with communications date as part of missing persons investigations, of what resources are available within GMP to assist with analysing communications data, as well as the investigative opportunities available from communications data, specific to missing persons investigation. This...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
94match
Recommendation - Avon and Somerset Police and Wiltshire Police, April 2026
The IOPC recommends that Wiltshire Police and Avon & Somerset Police create and maintain an up-to-date list of STORM Codes and Transfer Codes on their STORM systems to allow the effective use and transfer of incidents between the two forces. This follows an independent investigation into Wiltshire Police and Avon & Somerset Police’s handling and response to the...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
94match
Recommendation - Staffordshire Police, December 2025
The IOPC recommends that Staffordshire Police amend their Missing Persons Procedure to ensure that the Force Control Centre (FCC) pro-actively notifies the Local Operations Inspector (LOI) whenever a new missing person is recorded on the COMPACT system (a missing persons’ case management system used by Staffordshire Police and some other forces). The procedure should outline what constitutes an...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
93match
Rosario Cordero-Sanz
Concerns were raised regarding special police officers' lack of tablets for system access and insufficient understanding of missing person processes and mental health protocols. Communication issues between officers and CAD operators, including search capabilities, led to a missed opportunity to identify a high-risk individual.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
90match
Recommendations - West Midlands Police, April 2021
The IOPC recommends that West Midlands Police should amend missing persons policy to expand on Chapter 9 “Concern for Welfare or Safe and Well” and the missing persons flow chart. This follows an IOPC investigation where the incident type was originally classified as “Concern for Welfare” but then later changed to a “MISPER” (missing person). The investigation found...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
90match
Woman reported as missing found dead - Metropolitan Police Service, August 2018
The IOPC recommends that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) ensures that all Local Resolution Team members across the MPS are aware of their roles and responsibilities under the Revised Missing Persons Investigation Protocol. This follows an investigation where two missing person reports were received in relation to a woman who was later found dead. Our investigation found that...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
89match
Anthony Ingram
The coroner noted a lack of standardised information sharing protocols between police forces for cross-border missing persons investigations, which meant crucial details, including possession of a means of suicide, were not consistently relayed.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
89match
Katherine Wright
The coroner noted a lack of training and guidance for frontline officers on how to conduct adequate searches of premises in missing person cases. Concerns were also raised about the absence of protocols for officers to escalate safety concerns during searches.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, searche
IOPC learning recommendation
89match
Investigation into police response to a report that a person was missing from home -Northumbria Police, August 2020
The IOPC recommends that Northumbria Police revise the ‘Northumbria Procedure – Investigations of Missing Persons’ document to ensure that the following are clear: • Who is responsible for appointing (and communicating) a single point of contact for the family, during each shift, and for considering the use of a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) • What information should be...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
89match
Recommendation - Hertfordshire Constabulary, April 2026
The IOPC recommends that Hertfordshire Constabulary take steps to assure itself that police officers and staff likely to be involved in the handling of cross-border missing person investigations, especially those where mental health and safeguarding risks are present, are aware of: - Significant local policy, guidance (including Concern for Welfare Policy), standard operating procedures (SOP) (including the Missing...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
86match
Response to missing person’s report - Metropolitan Police Service, June 2015
It is recommended that the MPS consider the need to remind despatch operators of their collective responsibility to highlight or challenge the grade of a call if required.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
85match
William Hafele
The coroner identified gaps in training for police and hospital staff regarding missing persons procedures and responsibilities. Ineffective communication between police and the hospital led to critical risk assessment information being omitted and reclassification not being communicated.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
85match
James Barrett
The coroner raised concerns regarding the efficiency of missing persons searches, noting issues with the reliance on volunteer organisations for mapping and the absence of police-controlled stand-alone mapping systems and tracking devices for searchers.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police, searche
PFD report
85match
Ozeivo Akerele
The coroner identified failures in the police search operation, including not finding Mr Akerele's body close to his last sighting and inadequate searches of a disused graveyard where he was later found. Concerns were also raised about the Police Search Advisor being unaware of recommendations for a more thorough search and the cursory nature of an earlier search.
Matched on
terms: police, searche
PFD report
85match
Ewan Brown
The coroner noted the absence of a joint policy and multi-agency structure for police and health professionals to share information regarding vulnerable missing persons with mental health difficulties, and a lack of mandatory refresher training for officers on mental health issues.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
85match
Lewis Bates
The coroner noted a lack of guidance for 999 call handlers regarding 'reasonable enquiries' for missing persons reports and confusion between these and the Right Person Right Care initiative. This impacted the appropriate police response, alongside concerns about the advice given to contact healthcare providers for information.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
85match
Recommendations - Sussex Police
The IOPC recommends that Sussex Police amend its missing persons policy to clearly reflect the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice for notifying the British Transport Police of when a missing person may potentially use the rail network. This follows an IOPC investigation in which a 15-year-old child was found deceased, having taken their own life after being...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
84match
Contact with man before his death – North Wales Police, November 2021
The IOPC recommends that North Wales Police allocates a dedicated Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to families/next of kin during Missing Person Investigations where possible. The SPOC should ensure the family know who their SPOC is, provide regular, meaningful updates and explain the actions taken by police.’ This follows an IOPC investigation where the family of a missing...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police, searche
PFD report
81match
Nimo Younis
Concerns were raised regarding C&I ward staff's lack of understanding about police procedures for missing patients, including necessary information for escalation. This was coupled with delays in police classification of the patient as high-risk and incomplete information for police decision-makers.
Matched on
terms: missing, police
PFD report
81match
Anthony Preston
The coroner highlighted the need to review the Police Missing Person Policy to ensure its effectiveness and suitability for purpose.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
81match
Charlotte Tetley
The coroner expressed concern about the police's narrow interpretation of policy, requiring explicit intent to end life before leaving A&E for a high-risk missing person. This, combined with ambulance services not responding to unknown whereabouts, risks delays in assistance.
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
81match
Mansoor Zaman
The coroner noted ward staff failures to instigate MHA authorisations or reassess Mr Zaman's risk level following incidents of absconding and aggression. Concerns also included delays in reporting him missing to police and inadequate documentation.
Matched on
terms: missing, police
IOPC learning recommendation
80match
Recommendation - West Mercia Police, March 2020
The IOPC recommends that West Mercia Police revises its risk assessment to consider the availability and distribution of water kits, including whether they may be carried in response vehicles. As a result of reviewing a DSI investigation it became apparent that police water safety kits are not available for all response officers if needed. In this particular case,...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
IOPC learning recommendation
76match
Recommendations - Sussex Police, March 2020
The Sussex Police and Sussex NHS Partnerships should also review the ‘Missing Persons Police – Appendix E – Absent Without Leave (AWOL)’ with a view to establishing which agency is responsible for conducting checks to ascertain the wellbeing and whereabouts of patients absent from hospital. A specific emphasis should be placed on instances where there is either; a)...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
73match
Zeyna Partington
GMP officers lacked understanding of ACT markers, causing delays in vehicle marking for missing person investigations. The national ANPR notification system also lacks full implementation across all forces.
Matched on
terms: missing, person
PFD report
73match
William Savory
There was a delay in initiating the missing persons protocol, and some staff were not aware of the requirement to commence procedures immediately for informal patients, creating a risk of future delays.
Matched on
terms: missing, person
PFD report
73match
Hannah Warren
The coroner noted a mismatch between the COMPACT risk assessment and the ACT stop priority for a missing person's vehicle, due to a lack of formal guidance, training, or protocols for correlating these two systems. This absence of guidance on how these critically important systems operate together safely appears to be a national issue.
Matched on
terms: missing, person
IOPC learning recommendation
73match
Recommendations - West Midlands Police, June 2021
The IOPC recommends that West Midlands Police create a policy on handling concern for welfare calls. This policy should cover the responsibility for informing third parties and should provide guidance for officers and staff members dealing with an enquiry relating to anyone raising concern for the welfare of another person. This recommendation is made following a DSI investigation...
Matched on
terms: person, police
PFD report
69match
Shaun Elliott
The coroner identified gaps in weekend cover for missing person coordinators and noted issues with officers' interpretation of the national "high risk" definition, which led to a delay in risk categorisation.
Matched on
terms: missing, person
PFD report
69match
Tyrone Lock
The jury identified that Tyrone should have been classified as a vulnerable person, not an absconding suspect, based on available police information. This classification would have prompted a second, prioritised helicopter deployment, increasing the chance of finding him.
Matched on
terms: person, police
PFD report
69match
Catherine Horton
The coroner identified insufficient staffing and high workload within the Metropolitan Police Service's persons' unit, which contributed to an incorrect closure of a person investigation before a welfare check was completed. This raises concerns about resource allocation and the recognition of the unit's life-saving function.
Matched on
terms: person, police
PFD report
69match
REDACTED
The coroner noted that guidance within the College of Policing APP could be clearer. This clarity may help officers achieve greater consistency in decision-making when assessing the risk level for missing persons reports.
Matched on
terms: missing, person
IOPC learning recommendation
68match
Recommendations - Surrey Police, April 2020
The IOPC recommends that Surrey Police training and/or policy on the use of mobile data terminals is reviewed to ensure officers are aware of the practical uses this piece of equipment can provide. Surrey Police provide a three hour training session detailing how to take a missing person report and the early actions which officers might need to...
Matched on
terms: missing, person, police
PFD report
65match
Alfred Sykes
The coroner noted inadequate consideration and action for a crucial public sighting report of Mr Sykes, leading to an insufficient police search of the identified sports fields by only two officers. Increased deployment could have led to an earlier discovery.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
61match
Joseph Martin
The PSNI's inadequate recording of critical mental health concerns from medical professionals and family led to crucial information not being relayed between police forces and hospitals, indicating an insufficient systemic safety net for vulnerable individuals.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Michael Sweeney
The coroner noted that the police use of 'excited delirium' is not widely understood by health services, potentially hindering proper diagnosis of medical emergencies. It was recommended that police training, control staff, and ambulance protocols be amended to use 'extreme agitation' to describe such conditions, ensuring appropriate prioritisation.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Rastislav Petrisko
The coroner identified inconsistencies in risk assessment and its application to granting leave, noting a significant delay in police notification for an absconded patient due to a 'period of grace' in the existing policy.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Imane Bouasbia
The coroner noted insufficient communication between officers regarding Ms Bouasbia's expressed wish to end her life, and a risk assessment for self-harm was not completed. The police response to a text message indicating suicidal thoughts was limited.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Steve Cooke
Communication difficulties during the emergency call led to an ambulance being dispatched to the wrong address. The coroner also noted inadequate EOC follow-up and a lack of escalation or re-review of the original call to locate the patient.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
57match
Neil Parkes
Warwickshire police did not act on two requests from hospital staff to identify an unconscious patient, which prevented the hospital from accessing his previous medical history that could have assisted his treatment.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Rebecca Fisher
The coroner noted GMP staff's insufficient understanding of high-risk assessment for missing voluntary mental health patients and applying "golden hour" guidance. Concerns included poor documentation, information sharing, and the unclear effectiveness of new training and systems.
Matched on
terms: missing
PFD report
57match
Heather Findlay
The coroner noted insufficient staff preparedness and policy guidance for safely managing patients who abscond, alongside uncertainty regarding police assistance in such situations.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Helen Kerr
The coroner noted insufficient weight given to collateral information during mental health triage, resulting in untimely referrals for treatment. Concerns were also raised about out-of-hours information sharing gaps between police, mental health agencies, and adult safeguarding.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
57match
Amy Levy
The coroner noted that police attempting to locate an individual did not leave voicemail messages when contacting their parents, which likely delayed obtaining the correct address.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
53match
Mark Banks
The coroner identified failures in contacting the ambulance service, recording the request, and correctly grading an emergency call. There were also insufficient efforts to search for and check on Mr. Banks' wellbeing at the scene.
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
53match
#33 - 2nd Report - Human Rights of Children in the Social Care System in England
The government should also make clear what specific action is being taken to locate these children, to investigate the causes for them going missing, and to avoid unaccompanied asylum-seeking children going missing in the future. The Home Office should update us every three months with details of efforts to locate the children who remain missing. We understand two...
Matched on
terms: missing
Committee recommendation
53match
#32 - 2nd Report - Human Rights of Children in the Social Care System in England
Until all missing children and young people are found, the government should regularly publish data about the missing children and, where possible, make public any guidance shared with local networks. (Recommendation, Paragraph 165)
Matched on
terms: missing
Committee recommendation
53match
#31 - 2nd Report - Human Rights of Children in the Social Care System in England
We welcome the fact that the majority of missing children have now been found. However, we continue to be extremely concerned about the fact that some children who went missing from asylum hotels in previous years remain missing. (Conclusion, Paragraph 164)
Matched on
terms: missing
PFD report
52match
Suseel Rana
The report identifies that a Clare's Law application was not progressed due to an officer's misunderstanding, preventing multi-agency safety planning. It also notes a lack of clarity in DVDS guidance on when applications must proceed to decision-making.
Matched on
terms: police
PFD report
49match
Stewart Akins
The coroner identified inadequate information sharing regarding an individual's repeatedly stated intentions to end his own life between the custody record, the investigating officer, and the Crown Prosecution Service. This led to a significant under-reporting of suicide/self-harm risk during bail consideration.
Matched on
classifier match