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Norfolk Constabulary and Suffolk Constabulary have started taking advantage of a new tool to support officers searching for armed forces veterans who go missing.
The tool, known as the Forcer Protocol, aligns with the force’s commitment to veterans through the Armed Forces Covenant, and in collaboration with the founder, Claire Lilly, and the website, Safe and Found Online.
The Forcer Protocol is a national initiative, similar to the Herbert Protocol, designed to assist with the safety and response to missing veterans, reservists and serving military personnel. It aims to provide key information about these individuals to police when they go missing, enabling a faster and more targeted response and search. The Forcer Protocol was developed in response to the tragic death of Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, a veteran who suffered from with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and took his own life in 2020 after going missing. It was developed by founder Claire Lilly and is named after her former husband, Alan Forcer, who suffered with PTSD and debilitating depression following service in Kosovo and Northern Ireland.
By capturing the key information, the protocol helps police accurately assess the risk associated with that missing person and tailor the search accordingly. It also facilitates access to specialised aftercare support for veterans once they have been found.
It gives police access to veteran’s details such as any key vulnerabilities or known risk factors. Veterans or their families must give consent to these details being shared first.
Prior to a person going missing, families, carers, friends or the individuals themselves can fill out an online form with vital information such as medical history, known triggers, previous incidents of going missing, and contact details. The form is found on the Safe and Found Online website.
This information is securely stored on the Safe and Found platform, and only accessed by police if the individual is reported missing, enabling faster and more informed search efforts.
“The Forcer Protocol is vital in ensuring the safety of vulnerable veterans within our communities. We are extremely pleased to have adopted this initiative, working alongside the Armed Forces Covenant and Op Nova to ensure a joined up approach to best protect those who are in crisis when they need help the most.
“I would encourage all service veterans, reservists, and current serving members of the armed forces to please consider visiting the Safe and Found Online website and complete the Forcer Protocol form. These details will provide the police with key information to find you should you ever go missing.”
Detective Sergeant Nicki Payne, Norfolk Constabulary’s Missing Person Coordinator.
Suffolk Police Detective Chief Inspector Brett Harris said: “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. It builds upon the strong foundations laid by our recent relaunch of the Herbert Protocol and the continued development of the Safe and Found Online platform – two key tools that have already proven instrumental in helping us locate and support those in need.
“We strongly encourage members of the public – especially veterans, serving personnel, and their families – to engage with these schemes. Whether signing up for themselves or on behalf of a loved one, registering through the Safe and Found Online website ensures that vital information is readily available to police in the event of a disappearance. This can make a critical difference in the speed and success of our response. By working together, we can help ensure that vulnerable individuals are not only found quickly, but also supported with dignity and care.”
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