Cheshire Police launches new tool to help find missing armed forces veterans

Cheshire Police has launched a new tool to support officers searching for armed forces veterans who go missing when returning home from tours of duty.

The Forcer Protocol came into use this month in line with the force’s commitment to veterans through the Armed Forces Covenant and in collaboration with founder, Claire Lilley.

Claire’s former husband, Alan Forcer, tragically died by suicide following concerns over his whereabouts. Alan suffered with complex PTSD, extreme anxiety, physical pain and debilitating depression following service in Northern Ireland and Kosovo during the height of the conflicts. 

His story and the issues he encountered along the veteran care pathway were sadly not unique to him. If the information contained had been immediately available to the police when he went missing, it is conceivable that he could have been found and given the support that he needed.

Cheshire has a large number of veteran and serving service personnel living in the force footprint, and recent research from the University of Manchester has shown that veterans under 25 have a two to four times higher risk of suicide than the general population. It has never been more important to protect our veterans.

The Forcer Protocol follows a three-step approach:

When veterans return home, Forcer Protocol – Safe and Found Online will provide the opportunity for professional carers, family members and friends to complete a form which records vital information in relation to the veteran.

Officers will only ever ask for the information provided on the form if the person is reported to them as a missing person. They will do so by using the below three-step approach:

1. The person is reported missing to Cheshire’s Control Room, who will then ask whether that person is known to be a veteran in every missing case as part of the initial assessment. Staff can then access Safe and Found Online, giving them crucial information in a matter of minutes which can be shared with officers conducting searches and other enquiries.
2. Officers will then identify the risk, investigate, and will hopefully locate the missing person safe and well.
3. A referral is then completed on a Single Veterans Pathway, particularly through Operation Nova and the NHS, to ensure that the veteran gets the correct support they need.

Whilst anyone can sign-up, it is important to note that if the missing person is in the Cheshire area, officers will automatically be able to access the details through Safe and Found Online when checking if they are a veteran.

If in another force area, the person reporting the missing person needs to make it clear to the respective police force that details have been submitted through the Forcer Protocol so an access request can be granted to them. 

Superintendent Sam Billington, who has assisted in bringing this protocol to Cheshire, said:

“The Forcer Protocol has been designed to support veterans in our communities, ensuring we reduce the risk to vulnerable people and put support in place to prevent repeat demand by employing a multi agency approach to problem solving and sharing accountability with the NHS and Veterans Charities. 

 “Serving within, and particularly transitioning from the Armed Forces, can be an overwhelming experience at times and in some instances difficult and distressing. Essentially, veterans are forced to leaving behind a way of life, a lifestyle. This can be a daunting and uncomfortable time.

“Cheshire is leading the way in relation to our Armed Forces Covenant and Veteran support, which will hopefully be adopted nationally as more forces get on board and implement the Forcer Protocol.” 

Claire Lilly added:

“In my opinion preventative measures are ultimately the cure. Police forces are key figures within the community and at some point, will encounter a veteran reservist or serving member, so it is extremely important we inform and educate.”

Actor, author, and television presenter Ross Kemp, who is a key public advocate of the protocol being adopted, said:

“Having worked with our armed forces and veterans for over 20 years, I know that many who have served our country often struggle adapting to civilian life. 

“The Forcer Protocol is vital to ensuring the safety of vulnerable veterans and I fully endorse it and Cheshire in adopting it. I believe it should also be implemented at a national level.”