WEST Midlands Police has backed a UK-wide safeguarding scheme for serving members and veterans.
The Forcer Protocol is a tool that can be used for missing persons investigations involving military personnel.
It was set up by Claire Lilly in memory of her late husband, Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, who took his own life after going missing in 2020.
Claire established the Forcer Protocol to help prevent such tragedies occurring again by providing a means for police officers to access important information that could help them trace missing armed forces members and veterans.
Families, friends and carers of current and past members of the military can complete a form on the Safe and Found website. Information held is completely confidential and police can only access the profile if the person featured is reported missing.
Details such as the person’s medical history and mental health status, behavioural triggers, particular care needs and other relevant wellbeing information can then be used to support the investigation.
Mark Nevitt, locate manager within the police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “The Forcer Protocol can quickly help us assess risk and it gives us clues as to where someone might be based on any difficulties they may be experiencing, their past behaviour, and other valuable personal information that we’ve gathered about them.
“This is potentially life-saving information, so if family members and friends of serving or former members of the military are worried about their loved one’s welfare, I’d encourage them to register details.”
Anyone concerned that someone who may be vulnerable, can record important information about them that could help keep them safe.
