Missing Persons Policy
Version 6
VERSION CONTROL
Version
Date
1
2
3
4
02/10/2012
13/11/2013
04/2014
01/2015
5
6
Author
CI Mills
DI Charles
DI Charles
Ch. Supt.
Rees
06/03/2016 T/DCI Ifan
Charles
15/04/2016 T/DCI Ifan
Charles
Reason for Change
First version
To review and amend Policy to current guidance.
To review and amend Policy to current guidance.
Review of high risk missing person enquiries.
Review of Policy and amend to current guidance
Review Policy to include the Missing Children De Brief
Service that Dyfed-Powys Police utilise.
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Section 4 of the Equality Act 2010 sets out the protected characteristics that qualify for
protection under the Act as follows: Age; Disability; Gender Reassignment; Marriage and Civil
Partnership; Pregnancy and Maternity; Race; Religion or Belief; Sex; Sexual Orientation.
The public sector equality duty places a proactive legal requirement on public bodies to have
regard, in the exercise of their functions, to the need to:
-
eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and any other conduct that is
unlawful under the Act;
advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected
characteristic and persons who do not share it;
foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and
persons who do not share it.
The equality duty applies to all protected characteristics with the exception of Marriage and Civil
Partnership, to which only the duty to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination
applies.
Carrying out an equality impact assessment involves systematically assessing the likely or
actual effects of policies on people in respect of all the protected characteristics set out above.
An equality impact assessment should be carried out on any policy that is relevant to the public
sector equality duty. An equality impact assessment has been completed on this policy, click
here.
HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
This policy has been drafted in accordance with the Human Rights Act and has been reviewed
on the basis of its content and the supporting evidence and it is deemed compliant with that Act
and the principles underpinning it.
Name:
Department:
Signed:
C Brettle, Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer
Legal and Compliance Directorate
C Brettle
CODE OF ETHICS
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
This policy has been drafted in accordance with the Code of Ethics and has been reviewed on the
basis of its content and the supporting evidence and it is deemed compliant with that Code and the
principles underpinning it.
Name:
Department:
Signed:
Ifan Charles
Protecting Vulnerable Persons Department
I A Charles
Freedom of Information Act 2000
Section 19 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 places a requirement upon the Force to
publish all policies on the Force website. Policies are why we do things and procedures are how
we do them. A case-by-case review of procedures must be undertaken to protect law
enforcement and health and safety considerations. Where a combined policy and procedure
document is being produced the Force is legally required to publish the policy section and
assess the procedure part to ensure no sensitive information is published.
There is a requirement therefore to review this document to establish its suitability for
publication. Please identify below whether the document is suitable for publication in its entirety
or not. Where it is believed that disclosure will be harmful please articulate the harm that
publication would cause and highlight the relevant sections within the document. Where it is
perceived that there is harm in disclosure the document should be forwarded to the FOI Unit for
review.
Suitability for publication
Suitability for publication
Document
is
suitable
publication in its entirety
Yes/No
for
Yes
Date
Signature
April 2014
D/Insp Charles
Document
is
suitable
for
publication in part, I have
identified those sections which I
believe are not suitable for
disclosure and have articulated
below the harm which would be
caused by publication.
Harm – in publication
FOI review – to be completed by FOI Unit
Suitability for publication
Document
is
suitable
publication in its entirety
Yes/No
Date
FOI Decision
Maker
for
Yes
April 2014
Document
is
suitable
for
disclosure in part and relevant
redactions have been applied. A
public facing version has been
created.
Once review has been undertaken FOI decision maker to return document to policy author and
following sign–off document to be published within Force Publication Scheme. Any future
changes to the document should be brought to the attention of the FOI Unit, as appropriate.
Missing Persons Policy
1. POLICY STATEMENT
a. General Principles
This Policy gives guidance to staff having responsibility for the investigation of reports of Missing
Persons within the Dyfed-Powys Force area. The Policy aims to support the Management,
Recording and Investigation of Missing Persons Guidance to the Police Service of
England and Wales, produced on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers by the
National Policing Improvement Agency 2010. The ACPO lead officer responsible for
developing and implementing Force Protocol on missing person investigations within the DyfedPowys Force area will be the Chief Officer with the Public Protection Unit Portfolio.
b. Aim and Lawful Authority
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to police personnel in responding to reports of
Missing Persons. The legal basis for the exercise of powers and duties outlined in this policy
are:

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
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Human Rights Act 1998
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (together with associated Codes)
Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act 1996
Youth Justice & Criminal Evidence Act 1999
Dyfed-Powys Police consider that these actions are necessary in a democratic society in the
interest of, and in order to safeguard:




Public safety
The prevention of disorder or crime
The protection of public order
The protection of rights and freedoms of others
2. POLICY AIM
The purpose of this policy is to provide procedural guidance and set minimum standards in
dealing with reports of Missing Persons in accordance with national guidance and best practice.
The structure will follow the pattern of reporting, responding to, and investigation of such reports.
The priorities of Dyfed-Powys Police in responding to reports of Missing Persons are to:

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Improve the standard of response and investigation of reports of Missing Persons
Protect individuals who are at risk
Ensure that police resources are targeted appropriately and effectively to investigate
reports of Missing Persons
To provide guidance for officers in relation to Missing Person enquiries
Standardise procedures throughout the Force area
Ensure that every report of a Missing Person is risk assessed so that individuals who
may be vulnerable or represent a High Risk are immediately identified
Conduct effective investigations within a clear policy framework by adequately trained
staff
Adopt a multi-agency approach in dealing with Missing Persons
Provide support to the family of a Missing Person and the community

Preserve evidence where a crime has been committed
3. DEFINITIONS
Definition of a Missing Person
The definition of a Missing Person is:
“Anyone whose whereabouts are unknown whatever the circumstances of
disappearance. They will be considered missing until located and their well being or
otherwise established.”
There will be circumstances when a person fits this definition but police involvement may not be
required (e.g. tracing a lost relative). Appropriate action will then be referral to another agency
that may be able to provide assistance.
The decision on police involvement should take into account the duty of the police service to
protect life, detect crime and maintain public safety. A prompt and thorough enquiry into missing
persons can provide a positive contribution to community confidence.
One of the fundamental factors to be determined in a missing person’s investigation is the reason
why the subject has disappeared. The majority of missing persons enquiries are quickly resolved.
In a few cases, however, the report of a missing person is the first step in a major crime
investigation. Therefore the initial stages of any missing person enquiry should commence on the
basis that the case may escalate into a serious crime enquiry.
IF IN DOUBT, THINK MURDER
It is always easier to rein back from the early stages of a major enquiry than it is to recover missed
opportunities resulting from miscalculations in the early stages. Failure to apply such thinking could
lead to the loss of valuable investigative opportunities and could ultimately result in failure to trace
the missing person and to establish sufficient evidence to convict a perpetrator.
It is appreciated that it is difficult to provide guidance for all circumstances of missing person reports
and it will often depend on the information provided by the person reporting and the professional
judgement of the individual officer receiving the report. However, cultural diversity and language
difficulties must always be taken into consideration. Where problems are encountered, every effort
must be made to explain the duty of the police service and its role. Language difficulties need to be
addressed at an early stage by using an interpreter.
All reports of missing persons must be recorded by the police area receiving the report. The
Force COMPACT system will be used to record all details of missing persons and this
incorporates a risk assessment. The terms used will be ‘high’, ‘medium’ or ‘low’ and at this
stage consideration will be given to the grading of the response in line with the risk assessment.
This Policy will apply to all categories of Missing Persons as defined above. However, in
accordance with the terms of the All Wales Missing Children protocol, (see below link) it will
exclude children in care who, after ‘Risk Assessment’ appear only to have absented themselves
without permission for a short period of time. (Maximum period defined in the protocol is 6
hours). During this time, Social Services should take reasonable and practicable steps to
establish the whereabouts of the child. At the point the report is made to the Police the child will
always be recorded as missing on COMPACT. See below link for guidance:
http://dppi/sites/?siteID=78&pageInstanceID=16012&pageID=11
4. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The initial recording and enquiries into a person reported 'missing' is an important core-policing
role. The ownership of a Missing Person enquiry is crucial and whilst the Force Silver
Commander (or equivalent TPA Chief Inspector) will have overall responsibility for the
management of enquiries relating to High and Medium Risk Missing persons, the ownership of
the investigation will rest with the Force Bronze Inspector (or equivalent TPA Inspector). The
Force Bronze Inspector (or equivalent TPA Inspector) will also have responsibility for the
management and investigation of Low Risk missing persons. This will include the co-ordination
of enquiries relating to missing persons on a regular day to day basis though this responsibility
may however, be passed to the respective Territorial Area Chief Inspector or Inspector following
consultation between both parties. This will ensure that the contents of these Procedures are
strictly adhered to and that all possible diligent enquiries are undertaken within the Territorial
Policing Area or elsewhere.
It is often difficult to establish the level of urgency of each report but the circumstances of each
individual case must be separately considered and a risk assessment made. The need to maintain
an accurate record of the police response to the report of a missing person cannot be
overstated. What often begins as a relatively low priority missing person enquiry can become a
homicide investigation, with or without the discovery of a body. In these circumstances it is
imperative that the police are able to provide a detailed account of the timing and location of
specific actions, and who has undertaken them. Moreover, that consideration is given to whether
the incident is now critical. A Critical Incident is any incident where the effectiveness of the police
response is likely to have a significant impact on the confidence of:



the victim,
their family,
and/or the community.
(Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) (2007) Practice Advice on Critical Incident
Management).
If a crime is suspected, one of the most important considerations throughout the investigation is
providing support to the family. It is for the S.I.O. in conjunction with the FLO Coordinator to decide
whether a Family Liaison Officer should be appointed. This is an individual judgment dependent on
all the circumstances. This policy is not intended to give guidance on the appointment of FLOs, but
urges that consideration should be given to this issue at every risk assessment throughout the
enquiry.
The Dyfed Powys Police COMPACT system will be used to record details of all missing person
investigations that are reported, including those where a person is found prior to a record
being opened. Under these latter circumstances the record should, as a minimum, contain:



Completed mandatory information fields within the personal detail and missing
detail pages of COMPACT
Details of the person reporting the event.
Details of the found/return interview (as described below)
Completed COMPACT risk assessment.
In all circumstances, enquiries and management of the investigation will be completed using
COMPACT. All COMPACT logs should be created in the FCC through the STORM to
COMPACT interface.
Similarly, completed tasks should be documented within COMPACT as soon as practicable.
Best practice dictates that the investigating officer should contact another member of staff via
‘Airwave’ to enter the details on their behalf as the officer continues with their enquiries.
It is vital that all enquiries and searches that are conducted are specifically identified within the
COMPACT log and an auditable record is produced to evidence decisions made and
instructions issued. To this end ‘Airwave’ communications should be conducted via recorded
talk groups and where a task or enquiry is identified the identity of the person to whom it is
allocated should be included in the COMPACT log.
Contained within Appendix A is a checklist outlining tasks which may be carried out whilst
engaged in missing person enquiries. This list is by no means exhaustive but contains
suggested actions that will be applicable to most investigations. The checklist is included to
assist investigators and supervisors. All instructions issued and enquiries conducted however,
should be documented within the COMPACT log providing an electronic record of what has
been done, when and by whom.
Effective management of missing person enquiries requires completion of thorough and
documented reviews of the progress of the investigation, potential further lines of enquiry and
resources available to progress these avenues. Where supervisors consider they do not have
sufficient staff to effectively manage the investigation they should make a request for assistance
to the appropriate tier of the command structure. Such reviews must be included within the
COMPACT log whereby one review task and one handover task will remain open throughout the
enquiry and updated accordingly. This will allow supervisors quick and easy access to relevant
information and reduce the number of tasks on the COMPACT log.
The vast majority of missing persons reports are currently received by telephone. A small
percentage are received by 999 and the remainder by personal visit to Police Reception.
A Missing Person Report via Telephone

Upon receipt of a report of a missing person via the external telephone system, the
operator will create a STORM message.

An officer will then be dispatched in line with the current Force Graded Response
Guidelines. All misper reports will default on STORM to an immediate response. This
can only be amended to a priority response by a supervisor. A COMPACT log will be
commenced and all subsequent data will be recorded on the COMPACT data base.
The STORM message will only remain open as part of the command and control
function. All enquiries and tasks relating to the missing person enquiry must be recorded
on the COMPACT log.

Upon arrival and following initial investigation, the officer will complete a Missing Person
Reporting form, which includes generic questions required as part of the ‘Risk
Assessment’ process. Although some questions may be difficult to answer, these
questions MUST be answered, based upon the objective judgment of the officer. The
Missing Person Reporting form can be found via the link below:
http://dppi/sites/?siteID=78&pageInstanceID=12805&pageID=11

By obtaining answers to the questions within the ‘Risk Assessment’ section of the
Missing Person Reporting form, the officer will be presented with the criteria enabling an
assessment of the risk attached to this Missing Person report i.e. High, Medium or Low.

Upon completing the Missing Person Reporting form, the officer will then liaise with the
Duty Sergeant to inform him/her of the report and review the risk assessment and
enquiries required.

The COMPACT incident log will then remain open until the investigation is concluded.
If the missing person is not found after 28 days a review will be conducted by HQ.

The review process should form part of the ‘Responsible person’s’ daily investigative
considerations throughout the investigation.

Documents generated within the investigation, such as statements and the original
Missing Person Reporting form, will be retained by the officer in case for handover and
recording purposes. It must be stressed however, that the allocation and resulting of
tasks will be maintained on COMPACT. At the conclusion of the enquiry the original
documents including Missing Person Report will be forwarded to the Territorial Area
Missing Person SPOC and retained in accordance with the Force Retention Policy.

Any missing person reports received in the FCC will be assessed and graded by the
Force Incident Manager. The officer initially receiving the report WILL ensure that a
supervisor reviews the Risk Assessment to quality assure and review the intelligence to
determine whether they agree with the risk assessment. The supervisor will if necessary
adjust the Risk Assessment fully evidencing the reasons. This is an essential element
and will significantly influence key decisions in the future. The risk level must also be
clearly endorsed on the COMPACT log.

The Duty Sergeant will then assign appropriate resources in consultation with the Bronze
Inspector who will be responsible for the management of the enquiry.

The Duty Sergeant and Inspector supervising the enquiries will ensure that as well as
dealing with the immediate needs of the enquiry, an immediate and long term
investigation plan must be set. Such a plan should cater for realistic staffing levels and
must be recorded on the COMPACT log.

If the assessment is ‘High Risk’ the Bronze Inspector will advise the Force Silver
Commander and HQ Operations Room Force Incident Manager immediately. This will
facilitate a review of the availability of additional Force resources.
Report via Police Station Reception

On receipt of the report of a missing person, in person at a Police Station, the receiving
member of staff will cause a STORM message. The FCC staff will then create a
COMPACT record via the STORM to COMPACT interface. All subsequent actions
however, will be recorded on COMPACT.

The member of staff will facilitate communication between the person reporting and an
operational police officer for the purposes of the Risk Assessment and completion of the
Missing Person Reporting form.

The attending officer will then follow the procedure as detailed in the above paragraphs.
Report from ‘Missing People’

There will be rare occasions when persons report a missing person direct to ‘Missing
People’ in the belief that the Police will not be interested. Within the protocol that exists
with ‘Missing People’ they will report these instances to the Force. They will make
contact with the Force Missing Persons Liaison Officer within the Public Protection Unit
at Police Headquarters.

The force liaison officer will receive the details, initiate a STORM incident and
COMPACT record created. A FIM will then review and apply a risk assessment. This will
then be sent to the relevant policing division for review and progress.

The Bronze Inspector for the relevant Policing Area will ensure that a supervisor views
the risk assessment and if necessary adjusts the assessment, recording their reason on
the COMPACT log. They will ensure that the appropriate enquiries are undertaken as
this is an essential element and will significantly influence key decisions in future.
Children (under 18) and Vulnerable Adults Reported Missing
The Protecting Vulnerable People Unit should be informed of every missing child recorded on
COMPACT via the relevant task on the COMPACT menu which generates an automated e-mail
to the PVPU.
Where a child is reported missing the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit should be involved as
part of the investigation from the outset. The level of support and investigation is of course,
dependant on the individual circumstances but early engagement with partner agencies as part
of strategy discussions/meetings is strongly recommended.
This is in line with the All Wales Protocol for Missing Children which reads that in cases where
children who are known to Social Services go missing from home “consideration must be given
to the convening of a strategy meeting as soon as possible, but at least within 7 days”
Where a child is reported missing and is not known to the Social Service Department “Police
Officers need to consider making a referral to the Department for an assessment of need/risk”.
This will apply whether or not the subject of the referral has been located. In addition and where
necessary a further document should be submitted containing details of the found return
interview.
A child is defined in accordance with the Children and Young Persons Act 1989, i.e. a person
under the age of 18 years.
A vulnerable adult is defined in accordance with The All Wales Adult protection procedures:
A vulnerable adult is a person over 18 years of age who “is or may be in need of community
care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable
to take care of himself or herself, or unable to protect himself or herself against significant harm
or serious exploitation”
A PVPU supervisor will ensure that where relevant, a PROTECT database entry is created for
the individual and that any relevant information is made known to the officer undertaking the
missing person enquiry. Nothing in this guidance precludes direct enquiries with the PVPU in
respect of missing children and this should also take place as a matter of course.
Child Rescue Alert
The scheme launches an alert when the circumstances meet the criteria relating to certain child
abductions. The key aim is the preservation of a child’s life. The arrest of the offender is an
ancillary benefit.
As soon as a child abduction becomes apparent, it is essential that the on-call Force SIO trained
in Kidnap and Extortion is informed. As soon as an incident appears to be suitable for ‘Child
Rescue Alert’, only Force SIO will make the decision that activation is appropriate. Refer to
NPIA Protocol and All Wales Procedure for Launching Child Rescue Alert, on the below links:
http://dppi/sites/?siteID=78&pageInstanceID=16012&pageID=11
http://hailstone/standing/Guidance/home.htm#C
5. RISK ASSESSMENTS
An initial assessment is made at the first point that a report is made to the police. There are
numerous factors that will inform such an assessment and it is important that as much
information as possible is recorded when a report is made to ensure an appropriate response.
An abbreviated list of risk factors is available within COMPACT as a guide but risk assessment
should be subjective, transparent and clearly documented. It must also be checked and
confirmed via the supervisory process.
Risk must be assessed on the merits of the individual case but where the missing person is less
than 18 years of age a low risk classification is not appropriate.
Once an assessment is made missing persons will fall into one of three main categories. These
categories and the appropriate minimum response are summarised as:
HIGH RISK
The risk posed is immediate and
there are substantial grounds for
believing that the subject is in
danger
through
their
own
vulnerability; or may have been the
victim of a serious crime; or the risk
posed is immediate and there are
substantial grounds for believing
that the public is in danger.
This category requires the immediate deployment
of police resources and the Force Silver
Commander must be involved in the examination
of initial enquiry lines and approval of appropriate
staffing levels. Such cases should lead to the
appointment of an SIO. There should be a
press/media strategy and/or close contact with
outside agencies. Family support should be put in
place. The NPIA Missing Persons Bureau should
be notified of the case without undue delay.
Any child at significant risk of Child Sexual
Exploitation must be graded as high risk.
MEDIUM RISK
The risk posed is likely to place the This category requires an active and measured
subject in danger or they are a response by police and other agencies in order to
threat to themselves or others.
trace the missing person and support the person
reporting.
LOW RISK
There is no apparent threat of In addition to recording the information on the
danger to either the subject or the PNC, the police will advise the person reporting
public.
the disappearance that following basic enquiries
and unless circumstances change, further active
enquiries will not be carried out by police. Low risk
missing persons however, must be kept under
review, as risk can increase with the passage of
time.
The Risk Assessment should be reviewed on a regular basis, using information from
COMPACT. This is in addition to any other scheduled reviews carried out by the Area Detective
Inspector (or equivalent) or the Force Silver Commander (or equivalent).
Following the report of a ‘Missing Person’ the responsibility of a continuing ‘risk assessment’ is
that of the Police. Where appropriate, it may be the shared responsibility of the Police and the
parent/carer, the statutory agency or any other person whom the Police considers appropriate to
address issues of safety and the safe return of the Missing Person.
Investigating officers should use the ‘aide memoir’ on the Missing Report form (and contained
within Appendix A) when deciding on the likely level of risk a Missing Person presents either for
that person or the public. None of the factors are weighted or scored. Officers and supervisors
should apply their professional judgement.
It is important that a supervisor reviews the Risk Assessment at the outset of the investigation to
ensure the appropriate level of resourcing.
Consideration should however, always be given to the need for the investigation to be referred
immediately or at a later stage to:

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Detective Supervisor / Senior Detective.
Police search advisor.
Command Team Member.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES
Initial Receiver
Where a missing person report is made to Dyfed Powys Police, regardless of our eventual
responsibility for the investigation it will be initially recorded within the STORM system. The
investigation into a missing person begins at the point of first notification to the Police and it is
important that as much detail as possible is established. Every report should be assessed and
responded to with the appropriate level of priority. Call Handlers/Incident Handlers will be
responsible for;

Receipt of a missing person report that will as a minimum include:
1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Description of person:
4. Description of clothing:
5. Home address:
6. Location missing from:
7. Circumstances of going missing:
8. Is this behaviour out of character?
9. Details of any vehicle or other transport used:
10. Assessment of the person reporting
11. Name, address and telephone number of person reporting



Establish sufficient detail for a resource to be dispatched to the incident.
Creation of a STORM incident log.
Guided by the risk assessment template (and having obtained sufficient information
to base an assessment) initial classification of the danger posed to the missing
person and public.

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Notification of the report to their Force Incident Manager
Ensure the Force Incident Manager reviews the risk assessment
Allocation of a response appropriate to the risk level
All COMPACT entries will be created within the Force Command and Control room
by Incident Handlers utilising the STORM to COMPACT Interface. These entries
can then be found by the investigating officer through researching COMPACT,
where the relevant entries can then be updated.
Force Incident Manager
Force Incident Manager (FIM) should be made aware of all missing person reports made
to the Force Control Room and should as soon as practicable review the information
recorded by the call handler. They should then;

Consider the risk level apparent in the circumstances and the response provided.

In all high risk cases the FIM must ensure the Force Silver Commander is notified.
If the Silver Commander has completed their tour of duty, the report must be brought
to the attention of the Night Bronze Inspector who will decide whether the report
needs to be brought to the immediate attention of the on-call silver Commander. In
all other cases ensure that the Bronze Inspector or where unavailable the Local
Policing Area Inspector is notified and their acceptance of the enquiry entered into
the COMPACT log.

Assist to facilitate all reasonable requests for resources intelligence checks, identify
on call Telecom SPOCs, PolSA etc.

Ensure that the STORM log is not closed until such time as a COMPACT record is
created. The STORM log can however, remain open and be used for Command and
Control purposes only.

Ensure that Force Silver Commander is aware of any review responsibilities.

It should be remembered that a high risk missing person represents immediate
danger to themselves or the public but there may be instances where the Bronze
Inspector and Local Policing Area Inspector are committed with more urgent matters.
In that case the Force Incident Manager will maintain or if necessary resume
ownership of the investigation until such time as it can be handed to the relevant
Territorial Policing Area but then do so at the earliest opportunity. Such transfers of
ownership should be recorded within the COMPACT log.

It is also accepted that there will be occasions where the Force Incident Manager will
be committed with other activity; in such circumstances it will be necessary to
delegate their responsibilities to another officer with adequate experience.
First Response Officer
The responsibilities of the first officer attending a report of a missing person are listed below:


Establish the facts and keep accurate records of what was said and by whom.
Make an assessment of the circumstances of the disappearance in order to make a
judgement regarding the risks to which that person or the community are likely to
be exposed. The decision, the evidence supporting it and where the information
came from, should be recorded within the COMPACT log.

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Gather sufficient information about the missing person to enable an effective and
thorough investigation to be conducted
Notify a supervisor immediately in high risk cases. In the case of medium and low
risk cases, notify them as soon as is practicable.
Conduct a thorough search of the premises and its surroundings and the place last
seen as appropriate.
Make all immediate relevant enquiries in order to locate the missing person.
Circulate the person reported missing on PNC.
Circulate the person via Airwaves.
Obtain a recent photograph of the missing person.
Identify the person who is the point of contact for the police, assess levels of
support required for the family, residential worker or foster carer and give
information regarding other organisations that may be able to assist or support
them.
Consider the need for a multi-agency response, involving police and partner
organisations in the investigation
Following the initial risk assessment, the ownership and supervision of the
investigation should be clear. Where investigation opportunities exist these should
be prioritised in accordance with risk and expedited as soon as it is practicable to
do so.
First Line Supervisor
Missing persons represent a real risk and it is important that they receive the correct
level of priority and resourcing to investigate them effectively and ensure that all
safeguarding issues are addressed. To achieve this, the investigations need to be
properly supervised.
The initial supervision should be by the Duty Sergeant and their responsibilities include:





The initial risk assessment is checked, verified and recorded on COMPACT.
Supervisors must ensure that the appropriate levels of action are taken to locate the
missing person.
Immediate and longer-term tasks should be set. Any planned action should cater for
realistic staffing levels and must be recorded on the COMPACT log.
Supervisors should ensure that all COMPACT fields are fully completed and relevant
tasks allocated
If the missing person is under 18 years and there is any suspicion they may have
been abducted, the use of Child Rescue Alert should be considered in consultation
with a Force SIO. Consideration should be given to the need for the investigation to
be referred immediately or at a later stage to:
Force Silver Commander
Detective Supervisor/Senior Detective
Police Search Advisor
Senior Management Team
Child Specific Services
Consideration must be given to the level of resources needed to pursue an effective
investigation.
Judgements have to be made about the level of ownership of the investigation and in all cases
there should be a nominated investigating officer. This will be at one of three levels:



Officer allocated from patrol duties and handed over to subsequent shifts
More serious or long term cases should be allocated an Investigating Officer
whose sole or primary role is to investigate this incident.
The seriousness warrants the appointment of an SIO.
There must be an effective briefing of the next duty supervisor to ensure continuity of the
investigation, details of which will be entered on the COMPACT log.
Duty Inspector
For any investigation to succeed, it must have strong continuous ownership and day-to-day
supervision. Once accepted from the Force Incident Manager ownership and management of
the enquiry will rest with the Duty Sergeant and Duty Inspector.
High Risk missing persons represent immediate danger to themselves or the public and should
be prioritised accordingly. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Force Incident Manager be
asked to resume ownership and then for the shortest possible period. Inspectors are
responsible for:

Continuous review of the investigation in relation to risk identification, prioritisation
and allocated resources.

Identification of potential lines of enquiry assisted by the table and Aide Memoir at
Appendix A

Preparation of any longer term investigation strategy.

Out of hours liaison with Telecom SPOC (this should be conducted in person by
the Inspector with ownership of the investigation or via the Force Incident Manager.
SPOC on call details can be obtained from the Force Control Room).

Documented review on COMPACT at no more than 12 hourly intervals

Liaison with Force Incident Manager and/or Force Silver Commander to obtain
extra resources from within the Territorial Policing Area and beyond.

Ensure Force Silver Commander is aware of their review responsibilities.
High Risk or cases where immediate investigative opportunities exist will necessitate a detailed
briefing and handover between Inspectors. All cases should be handed from Inspector to
Inspector at the conclusion of each tour of duty, the identity of the officer accepting the case and
the fact that they have been briefed should be appropriately recorded on the COMPACT log.
With long-term missing person enquiries however, best practice dictates that one Inspector be
identified as the Senior Investigating Officer for the enquiry and would retain ownership.
Where briefings have not, for whatever reason been possible, the supervisor leaving the
investigation will record the reason and take appropriate steps (e-mail etc.) to ensure that the
next duty supervisor is aware of the case. In addition, all Inspectors will research COMPACT at
the commencement of their tour of duty for missing persons within their area of responsibility.
Detective Supervisor
The value of employing the investigative expertise of a Detective Supervisor should be
recognised and they will conduct case reviews.
A Detective Supervisor (usually Detective Inspector) should immediately be made aware of all
missing persons categorised on COMPACT as ‘High Risk’. In addition, these officers will be
responsible for the continual review of all missing person reports.
If graded as low or medium the Detective Inspector will review the investigation 48 hours after
the initial report, if still missing.
If graded as high the Detective Inspector will expedite a review of the actions taken and those
proposed.
During this review consideration will be given to the scenarios that might have led to the
subject’s disappearance, any intelligence gaps, any available avenues of investigation that have
not been pursued, forensic requirements and any potential benefit of allocating a Detective
resource to the investigation.
Having completed their consideration reviewing officers will also assess the designated level of
risk. The review and any identified tasks must be documented on the COMPACT log.
Silver Commander
In high risk investigations, the Duty Silver Commander will assume responsibility for the
investigation, review the risk assessment, ensure that the investigation is appropriately
resourced to progress actions, and consult the Duty Detective Inspector when deemed
necessary.
Missing Children De Brief service provided by Llamau.
Dyfed-Powys Police and Llamau1 work together to identify high risk missing children. Llamau are
a third sector organisation that work collaboratively with Dyfed-Powys Police as an independent
service to visit the most high risk missing children to establish the reason for their missing
episode and put support in place for the child and family through working with other agencies.
There are three Llamau workers which are based in Newtown, Llanelli and Pembroke Dock.
They are based in the police station and work closely with the Child Sexual Exploitation
Coordinator for Dyfed-Powys Police.
A process map (Appendix B) has been developed which provides the criteria for when a child is
missing and safeguarding procedures.
7. RELATED POLICIES, PROTOCOLS, PRACTICES OR SERVICE AGREEMENTS
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following documentation for further specific
guidance regarding the investigation of Missing Persons:
1
http://www.llamau.org.uk/
ACPO Guidance on the Investigation, Management and Recording of Missing Persons 2010
NPIA Missing Person Codes of Practice 2010
All Wales Child Protection Procedures 2008
All Wales Missing Children Protocol 2011
ACPO (2006) Murder Investigation Manual
ACPO (2006) Practice Advice on Search Management and procedures
ACPO (2008) Family Liaison Officer Guidance
Dyfed Powys Police FLO Policy
ACPO (2009) Code of Practice on the Collection of Missing Persons Data
ACPO (2008) Honour Based Violence Strategy
Home Office Multi-agency statutory guidance for dealing with forced marriage
8. MONITORING
This policy will be reviewed for its effectiveness on a regular basis as stipulated in the review
period. In addition, the policy will be reviewed when necessary with regard to the following

The level of performance with regard to the Investigation of Missing Persons and any
deficiencies will be scrutinised against this policy, for amendments when necessary.

The Public Protection Unit will maintain awareness of any changes to legislation and
Home Office guidance.

Challenges to this policy
9. REVIEW
This policy will be subject of annual review by the Detective Inspector with responsibility for
Missing Persons within Public Protection.
10. WHO TO CONTACT ABOUT THIS POLICY
Protecting Vulnerable Persons Department, Headquarters
Tel: 08453302000 (101)
APPENDIX A:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
AIDE MEMOIRE FOR DEALING WITH MISSING PERSONS
INVESTIGATING OFFICER TASKS / ADVICE
SERGEANT / INSPECTOR TASKS / ADVICE
Missing person is anyone whose whereabouts are unknown – whatever the circumstances. ACPO definition
Be thorough – do not overlook the possibility that you
Ensure formal hand over to oncoming Duty Officer who will review
may be recording the initial report of a major crime.
case. Re-risk assess based on any new info.
Ensure this investigation has ownership at all times.
Be informed of Misper report and initial enquiries.
Police Officer to complete Misper form, with Risk Assessment
Duty Officer to have management responsibility.
and then update the application or telephone to Data Entry.
Form must be completed prior to call to Data Entry
In High Risk cases, obtain DNA now.
CID Supervisor to be immediately informed.
Obtain photo & have scanned into COMPACT ASAP, return to owner.
Complete physical check of Home/other place in every case. This will include gardens, outbuildings, and roof spaces.
Do not leave this task to family, friends or carers.
Exact extent of check to be recorded on COMPACT. Please be thorough and document extent of the search precisely, to avoid
reduplication by colleagues.
Direct Dial Data Entry or input Misper form, onto COMPACT. Obtain details of Addresses to be checked.
Review Risk Assessment with Duty Sergeant /Inspector.
11.
MAIN LINES OF ENQUIRY.-Mobile phones, financial checks, associates, employees, LIO, PNC, GENIE print outs etc.
Previous Misper reports, out of Force enquiries etc.
12
MISSING “CARED FOR” CHILDREN.
Notify Key Social Worker and Responsible Children Services authority immediately - Actively involve care home staff in assisting
with the search. Task care home managers with committing staff to complete (safe) address checks and other tasks on a daily
basis. Arrange for regular face to face meetings with care home staff at the Police station and co-ordinate the enquiries that they
are going to be assisting with. It is important that both the Police and carers work in partnership together and can see the efforts
that both agencies are committing to enquiries.
Where there is genuine concern for the MISPERS
Flag at early stage incident of Political / Media / Community
implications to Chief Insp, Ops. Is this a critical incident?
Safety – Immediate Press coverage is of paramount
importance. A recent photograph of subject is vital.
Retain ownership - co-ordinating enquiries. Update COMPACT by
end of duty.
Low Risk – ensure progression of enquiries. Update COMPACT
by end of duty. CHILDREN should never be classed as LOW risk.
Do you require a POLSA officer for search?
Contact FCR Inspector to arrange.
Expedite initial enquiries, research history of Misper.
Consider the appointment of a Family Liaison Officer.
Child missing – establish Family composition/history ref. Previous police/other agency involvement.
Child missing – checks with CRIMES/PPU/ Domestic Violence Unit.
If ABDUCTION is suspected and/or immediate risk to personal safety, initiate crime investigation. Consider Child Rescue Alert
If appropriate to amend Risk Assessment – Inform Duty Supervisor.
Further documentation – Summarise onto COMPACT recording location of original document.
Family Liaison – make regular contact with the Family. Informants, Carers, even if there is little progress, giving updates of the
enquiry to date.
All further actions to be recorded on COMPACT. Refer to COMPACT “Toolkits”
48 HOUR CRIME MANAGER REVIEW
What has been done? What is being done? What can be done? Is the Risk assessment still correct?
Is the investigation being carried out efficiently and effectively?
Cross Force matters – record details, complete Risk Assessment – Force with the best chance of solving should deal.
Refer to Silver CADRE, Inspector or FCR Duty Inspector for guidance or assistance. See Transfer request form on INTRANET
Transfer without delay – inform person reporting, with contact details for the new area.
Any foreign enquiry should involve FIB, HQ.
MG11s to be taken on another area, Duty Officer to determine on merit.
Officer to place summary of MG11s on to COMPACT.
7 Day Review – take DNA now for Medium/Low Risk cases. 28 day Senior Investigating Officer Review.
MISPER FOUND – Police visit to confirm safe and well.
Ensure appropriate action taken involving any allegation.
Debrief all MISPERS at earliest opportunity. Enter on to
COMPACT stating all salient points – time/date/officer and
summary. This work will help to resolve future cases.
On return of Misper - DIRECT DIAL” Found Report” to Data
Ensure Found report is closed down on COMPACT record after
Entry with full circumstances so COMPACT can be updated. .
examining missing report for any intelligence – Create address
checks/ Fast Track actions on missing / Found report.
If admission of crime – proceed as other investigations.
Allegations of abuse by relative or stranger liaise with CID/PPU officers.
Witnessing of serious crime/sexual assault/child abuse – consider video recording of interview – in accordance with
Vulnerable/Intimidated witness procedure.
Further advice on Missing Persons investigations can be found on COMPACT Toolkits ,the Missing Person Intranet site or contact
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
33.
34.
35.
36.
Appendix B