Dorset Police adopt new protocol to assist searches for missing veterans
It will allow police to access key personal information about veterans to help searches if they are reported missing
Dorset Police has joined a new initiative designed to help assist searches for veterans who are reported missing.
Known as ‘The Forcer Protocol,’ the initiative is named after Alan Forcer, who experienced complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and took his own life while missing in 2020.
The Forcer Protocol is an online form where key personal information about veterans, and serving armed forces personal including triggers and health conditions can be provided.
Officers can then use the information to accurately assess risk and assist police searches should they ever go missing.
The form can be completed by, or on behalf of, veterans and serving armed forces personnel.
The information provided on the form will only ever be asked for if the person is reported missing and searches are underway to locate them.
Police can access the details via the Safe & Found Online system when checking if the missing person is a veteran.
Other forces including Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police and Cumbria Police have already adopted the Forcer Protocol.
Safeguarding veterans
Superintendent Claire Phillips, of Dorset Police, said: “We are delighted to be now using The Forcer Protocol in Dorset, which is a further tool we can use as we endeavour to find and safeguard vulnerable missing people. It is designed to support veterans in our communities, reduce risk to vulnerable people, and work proactively with our partners in the NHS and veterans’ charities.
“We fully appreciate that serving and transitioning from the armed forces can be an overwhelming experience, which in some instances can be difficult to come to terms with and cause distress.
“This protocol will provide us with valuable information in the event of a service veteran going missing, improving our chances of finding them safe in the event of being reported missing.”
Collaboration with veterans’ charities
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: “Supporting initiatives to help veterans in Dorset is a key commitment in my Police and Crime Plan, so I am very pleased to see The Forcer Protocol now adopted in our county.
“This brilliant initiative represents a positive step forward in how Dorset Police deals with vulnerability, especially in relation to veterans. Working with veterans’ charities is a vital part of this protocol, and I hope this partnership work alongside the NHS will help to improve outcomes and reduce harm for people in times of distress.”