Suffolk police adopts online information portal to help locate vulnerable missing people

Suffolk Constabulary is supporting the launch of a new online portal which allows carers and families of people living with dementia to provide important information online to assist police in the event they go missing.    

The scheme is designed to help those caring for someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, brain injuries or learning disabilities.

Safe and Found Online is a digital version of the Herbert Protocol. The Herbert Protocol was first introduced in 2009 in Norfolk. The protocol has been in place for several years and was relaunched last year with a video that can be viewed at the bottom of this page. 

The Herbert Protocol works by family members and caregivers completing, in advance, a form recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located and a photograph.    

In the event of your family member or friend going missing, the form could be easily sent or handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information.   

The digital version now allows the person living with the dementia or other included vulnerability, or a family member or carer, to update a secure profile online, as opposed to a paper form or computer file.   

The online profile can be kept up to date with recent pictures and descriptions that could be crucial in identifying the person and importantly can be accessed by police without delay and enquiries can commence to locate them. 

Detective Chief Inspector Brett Harris said: “It can be a challenge caring for vulnerable people, including those with dementia, Alzheimer's, brain injuries or learning disabilities.

“Any person going missing is incredibly worrying but for someone with dementia there is always a risk that they may get lost, even if taking a walk on a familiar route to a favourite place.

“Balancing this risk with a need for independence is difficult. Planning ahead to keep them safe is really important and makes such a difference.

“This new digital service is something we have been keen to see come to fruition and believe this improves the already essential and life-saving service that the Herbert Protocol provides.”

The Safe and Found Online portal enhances the capacity in current practises with information gathering and the safeguarding of vulnerable people who have been reported missing. The initiative is primarily aimed at those who with a new or recent dementia diagnosis or those already living with dementia. The paper form will still be available for those without computers who wish to access it.

Anthony Douglas, Independent Chair of Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership, said: "Following the launch of the new Herbert Protocol video on 20 September 2024, we are delighted to have been part of the journey to bring the Safe and Found online digitalisation of the Herbert Protocol to Norfolk and Suffolk.

“This development makes good use of digital technology to streamline the process; it increases accessibility while keeping the information secure, supporting those living with dementia and others who may have a need for this process."

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “It’s really important that vulnerable people are given the care they need to maintain their independence and their dignity. However, we all understand that people with dementia can sometimes wander away, and I can only imagine the distress this could cause the whole family.

“Taking a few minutes to compile information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing is time well spent. It could help save valuable time in the event of a search, so I would encourage anyone with a friend or family member living with this dreadful disease to think about recording vital details today.

“We all hope the information will never be needed but as they say, best to be prepared and it could be life-saving.”

Important information

To find out more on the online portal, please visit www.safeandfoundonline.co.uk

You can find the Herbert Protocol form by visiting: www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/missing-person/missing-persons/vulnerable-people-at-risk-of-going-missing/dementia-missing-risk-herbert-protocol/

Alternatively, an article which includes more detail on the protocol can be found at: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/news/suffolk/news/news/2024/september/herbert-protocol--scheme-to-protect-and-support-vulnerable-people-relaunched-with-new-video/

Further information about care technology and wearable trackers can be found on the Suffolk County Council website: www.suffolk.gov.uk/care-and-support-for-adults/help-to-stay-at-home/technology-to-help-you-live-independently

Additional comments

Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson NPCC lead for missing people said:   

“Reporting a vulnerable person as missing can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience, for both families and caregivers. It often takes people by surprise, and it can be a difficult time to get through.  

“It cannot be underestimated how pertinent having immediate access to potentially lifesaving information can be for police. Whether this be a recent picture, an accurate description of clothing or suggested places of interest. Having direct access to this information, can allow officers to commence with enquiries without delay and give them the best possible chance of finding the vulnerable person safe and well.  

“I would encourage all family members and caregivers of someone living with dementia or someone vulnerable and at risk of going missing to visit the Safe and Found Online website and complete the online form, as it really could save a life.”    

Actor, author, and television presenter, Ross Kemp is Safe and Found Online’s patron and a strong advocate of the Herbert Protocol. He said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Suffolk Constabulary for adopting Safe and Found Online. It is a great conduit for potentially life-saving information to instantly pass between the public and the police when time is critical.

“Hopefully it will give assurance to families that if their loved ones go missing, they can be found quickly and returned home safely.”