Suffolk police launches online portal to help find missing vulnerable people

Why it matters: The Safe and Found Online portal is designed to streamline the process of finding vulnerable individuals, particularly those with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, brain injuries or learning disabilities who may go missing.

• The digital service enhances current practices for information gathering and safeguarding vulnerable missing persons.

• It allows for immediate police access to up-to-date information about the missing person without delay.

How it works: Family members or carers can create and update a secure online profile with vital details, replacing the need for a paper form or computer file.

• Family members complete a form in advance, recording vital details such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located and a photograph.

• The paper form will still be available for those without computers.

• Profiles can include recent photographs, descriptions, medical information, and potential locations where the person might be found.

• This information can be accessed by police immediately when a person is reported missing.

What they're saying: Detective Chief Inspector Brett Harris said: "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."

"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," he added.

The bigger picture: Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore emphasised the importance of preparation: "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."

Ross Kemp, actor and patron of Safe and Found Online, praised Suffolk Constabulary for adopting the service, calling it "a great conduit for potentially life-saving information to instantly pass between the public and the police when time is critical."

The bottom line: The new digital service aims to balance the need for independence with safety concerns for vulnerable individuals, potentially saving lives by reducing the time taken to gather vital information when someone goes missing.