Dorset Police adopt Forcer Protocol to assist searches for missing veterans
Dorset Police is raising awareness of a dedicated veteran protocol to assist with searching for members of the armed forces who are reported as missing.
Known as ‘The Forcer Protocol’, it is named after Alan Forcer, who suffered with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and tragically took his own life whilst missing in 2020.
The Forcer Protocol is an online form that is completed by, or on behalf of, veterans or serving armed forces personnel. This enables the police to quickly access essential information to accurately assess risk and to assist with locating the individual if they do subsequently go missing.
This form, which can be accessed by a QR code, can be completed by professional carers, family members and friends of the veteran. The information provided on the form is only ever asked for in the event of the person being reported as missing and subsequent searches are underway to locate them. Officers will automatically be able to access the details through Safe & Found Online when checking if they are a veteran.
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.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “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.”
Further information about the Forcer Protocol can be found here:
Forcer Protocol – Safe and Found Online
Suicide prevention strategy for missing veterans | College of Policing
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