Police sign up to scheme to trace missing veterans

Norfolk and Suffolk police have joined a scheme that gives officers instant information about vulnerable military veterans who have gone missing.

The 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 before.

Charlie 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 scheme.

They have encouraged those who wish to take part to complete the Forcer Protocol details on the Safe and Found Online website.

Det 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."

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