Protocol adopted by Cumbria Police to aid missing veterans

Known as the Forcer Protocol, it is a tool used to ensure key information about veterans is readily available to the police should former service members go missing when they return home.

The Forcer Protocol allows police access to veterans' details, like their vulnerabilities or any known risks factors, and their previous locations if they've disappeared before.

The protocol is the brainchild of founder Claire Lilly and is named after her former husband Alan Forcer, a man who joined the military at 16, served in Northern Ireland and Kosovo, and tragically took his own life after going missing in May 2020.

The late Alan Forcer (Image: Supplied)

In preparation for a potential event of a veteran going missing, veterans or their professional caregivers, family members, or friends are encouraged to complete a form noting crucial information about the individual.

Should a person be declared missing, Cumbria Constabulary will request the information from the completed form to aid in the search, assess risk, and hopefully locate the individual safely.

After being found, a referral is completed on a Single Veterans Pathway to ensure that the veteran gets the appropriate support they need.

Inspector Charlie Tresham of Cumbria Constabulary, said: "We are extremely pleased to implement this fantastic initiative which aims to locate veterans and prevent them coming to harm.

"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.

“Serving within and transitioning from the Armed Forces can be an overwhelming experience at times and in some instances difficult and distressing.

“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 form. These details will provide the police key information to find you should you ever go missing.

“We are pleased to be first force in country to follow the fantastic work done by Greater Manchester Police in adopting this life-saving initiative.”

Claire Lilly spoke of her delight at the success of the pilot and expansion of the initiative.

She said: "We are deeply honoured and truly humbled to receive the remarkable news that following on from a successful pilot and full implementation of the Forcer Protocol by Greater Manchester Police, that Cumbria Constabulary are going to implement the protocol in their force area.

“Well over 70 veterans have been swiftly located by Greater Manchester Police and placed into specialised veteran specific services after being reported missing.

"This protocol emerges as a beacon of promise.

"With its implementation, we are steadfast in our belief that it will serve as a vital lifeline for our revered servicemen and women, ensuring their safety and well-being while providing the necessary support to thrive within our society.

“This news holds profound significance for our family, as it reaffirms the enduring impact of Alan's life and legacy. Knowing that his passing has catalysed such meaningful change fills our hearts with profound gratitude and solace.

"We are deeply moved by the recognition of his life's significance and are committed to honouring his memory through the positive impact of the Forcer Protocol.

"Cumbria Constabulary will become the second force the in the country to adopt this life saving protocol.”

Actor, author and television presenter Ross Kemp, who was in Afghanistan between 2007 and 2012, is a public advocate for the Forcer Protocol.

He said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to Cumbria Police for adopting the Forcer Protocol.

“I am an ambassador for Safe and Found Online because I think it is a great conduit between the public and the police.

"Safe and Found Online will help police forces locate vulnerable people faster. It will also help police with information in terms of how they approach a vulnerable person once they have been found.

“I have a number of friends who served in Afghanistan, whilst I was out there between 2007 and 2012, who are now vulnerable.

"I know the Forcer Protocol helped keep them safe and also gives reassurance to their families.”