Police Scotland Missing Persons PDF

OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3...

OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Lesson Aim: The learner will be able to instigate and carry out a missing persons investigation Learning Outcomes: Introduction On successful completion of the lesson, students will be able to:- Missing Person reports play a huge part in front line operational policing. There are over 1. Explain the definitions of a missing 20,000 missing person investigations carried person and concern for person out by Police Scotland every year. Children account for 50% of these reports which include looked after and accommodated 2. Summarise the reasons why people may children (This is children within a care go missing setting). When a person is reported missing, the initial 3. Explain the risk assessment processes action you take and the resulting enquiry may for missing persons vary depending on the following factors:- 4. Prepare an initial missing person report by demonstrating initial investigative age considerations and additional actions mental capability 5. Identify information which must be previous history gathered to conclude a comprehensive suicidal tendencies return interview senility 6. Outline legislation relating to absconding addiction from care, hospital or prison mental health domestic abuse; and any other aspects which make the person vulnerable or puts them at risk. The circumstances in which the person went missing should also be considered. A missing person report can be the very first steps of a murder investigation. 1 st Amended 1 March 2024 v.6 OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Professional Standards PS Whilst many missing persons are traced safe and well, some come to harm or become victims of crime. Deal with all missing person reports in a professional manner - your initial actions could be scrutinised later. Treat every report seriously, carry out thorough investigation and avoid complacency. Missing Persons A missing person is defined as:- Anyone whose whereabouts is unknown and; where the circumstances are out of character, or the context suggests the person may be subject to crime, or the person is at risk of harm to themselves or another. Concern for Person Police Scotland receive many calls categorised as ‘concern for person.’ The subject of such reports is defined as:- A person whose whereabouts are known or believed to be known and there are concerns of risk or harm to the individual. For example, a person who leaves a hospital out-with the official discharge process. Staff believe they have made their way home and have concerns for their wellbeing. Whereabouts are believed to be known (home address). There is a concern due to risk of harm (have left the hospital without treatment and prior to being discharged). 2 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Activity 1 A1 In your groups, discuss and list potential reasons for someone going missing. Initial Attending Officer The key role of the Initial Attending Officer responding to the report of a missing persons is to; Investigate Search; and Risk Assess Note:- Police Scotland is not a tracing agency (e.g. for estranged family members). National charities such as ‘Missing People’ (see Appendix A) and the Salvation Army can assist with such matters. If however, there is a risk of harm to the subject of the report, then the enquiry should be progressed until their safety has been established. Attending officers should understand that they are conducting an investigation, not just taking a report. A thorough assessment of the circumstances will help identify the risk posed to the missing person and the wider community. Actions carried out at this stage will have a significant effect on the efficiency of the investigation. Human Rights HR Respect for human rights should be borne in mind throughout every missing person investigation. Under Article 2 of the Human Rights Act (Right to Life), PSOS must respond effectively to reports of missing persons to minimise the number of cases that end in loss of life or harm to individuals. Initial Investigative Consideration and Actions The Initial Attending Officer must:- Obtain initial information regarding the missing person. This information should be recorded within your police issue notebook or on your mobile device 3 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Complete a RISK ASSESSMENT (Per MP Aide Memoire – Appendix B) Obtain statements from family, friends or other significant witnesses that have had contact with the MP recently Identify a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) within the family to avoid communicating with a number of relatives. Ask the SPOC to contact the police if new information becomes available. Stress the importance of informing the police should the MP return home of their own accord. Assess levels of support the family may need and provide information on support services. Update their Supervisor immediately Obtain a recent photograph and circulate their description via a lookout request through the control room Make a thorough search of the Missing Persons home address/place of residence, place last seen and place missing from (includes grounds, outbuildings and surrounding buildings) Ensure that all police systems are checked Identify and search any vehicle the missing person may have access to. If the vehicle is missing, arrange for submission of a marker on PNC to consider ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) Identify items that are missing that could have been taken by the missing person Ensure checks are carried out with police custody centres, hospitals, and transport hubs. Consider CCTV opportunities In all High Risk and Medium Risk missing persons consider capture of all electronic equipment (telephony, Smart phone applications, social media) Where possible obtain account/login details, user names passwords etc. Consider any other appropriate actions (per Missing person Additional Investigative Considerations Guidance on the PSOS intranet) Raise a missing person report on the National Missing Person Application (NMPA) If the missing person is not found within 72 hours, the UK Missing Persons Unit must be informed by completing the relevant form. 4 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Key Information KI Search of the home address including all outbuildings is a key action and you must ensure this is carried out thoroughly. You will be sent back to complete this task if it is not done properly. There have been instances when missing persons have been found hiding within their home address following lengthy and ultimately unnecessary enquiries. A preliminary search of the missing persons home, or the location they have gone missing from, should be undertaken as soon as possible. Attics, cupboards, and outbuildings should be checked and any areas that are inaccessible (e.g., a locked outbuilding) should be noted and reported to your supervisor. Consideration should also be given to searching the homes of relatives, friends and acquaintances of the missing person, particularly those who have had recent contact with the MP prior to the reported disappearance or thereafter. Activity 2 A2 Discuss in your groups and list what information you may require from a person reporting someone missing. National Missing Person Application (NMPA) The National Missing Persons Application is a live register of all missing person investigations conducted by Police Scotland. All missing person reports that require a police response will be recorded on (NMPA), this will automatically update PNC/LEDS/CHS with a ‘WANTED / MISSING’ marker. This will alert officers if they subsequently trace the missing person and check their details on PNC. If a missing person is traced, updating the NMPA record will send an automatic update to PNC/LEDS/CHS, allowing for the marker to be removed. 5 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Further training on NMPA will be given during your operational phase. Key Information KI Stay in touch with the family of the missing person and ensure they are updated regarding police enquiries. Lack of communication can cause distress and loss of confidence in the police and the investigation. Record updates of your enquiries are on NMPR. This will ensure up to date information is available for all users, allowing the investigation to be progressed by other officers if required. Risk Assessment A missing person risk assessment is mandatory for every missing person and must be conducted by the Initial Attending Officer. On completion, a supervisor must be notified immediately to ensure a review of the risk assessment is made at the earliest opportunity. There are three categories of risk in terms of missing persons, HIGH RISK, MEDIUM RISK and LOW RISK. The risk posed is immediate and there are substantial grounds for believing that the Missing Person is in danger through their own vulnerability; HIGH RISK or may have been the victim of a serious crime; or the risk posed is immediate and there are substantial grounds for believing that the public is in danger. The risk posed is likely to place the Missing Person in danger MEDIUM RISK or they are a threat to themselves or others. The apparent threat of danger to either the LOW RISK Missing Person or the public is low. The Risk Assessment tool is contained within the Aide Memoire (Appendix B). The considerations of risk are separated in to the following categories; 6 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Vulnerability This section considers vulnerabilities including medical conditions, mental health and infirmity. Influences Aspects of the missing person life that may have contributed to their disappearance including being a victim of domestic abuse, honour based abuse, family problems or financial issues. Past Behaviour This section considers the missing person’s behaviour prior to going missing, including if they have gone missing previously. Behaviour that is out of character is often a strong indicator of risk. Activity 3 A3 You have been asked to attend a call of a report of a missing person at 8 Brookbank Place, Brookbank. John Hall's parents tell you that he is missing again. He was missing 3 weeks ago and was traced playing on his own at Mains Burn, Brookbank. He is 8 years of age and does not have any medical issues. What information will you obtain from John's parents? What are the actions should you take? 7 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Activity 3 continued A3 What risk level do you consider appropriate for John Hall? What will you do now? Look at your map of Brookbank. What locations or areas would you consider searching? 8 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Missing Person Return Interview Upon tracing any missing person, treat their welfare as a priority and facilitate medical treatment if required. It may well be that an initial ‘safe and well’ check is carried out by police with the return interview scheduled for a later date either by police or a partner agency. A return interview MUST, however, be conducted to gain better understanding of the circumstances leading to the disappearance. The level of detail required in the interview will vary depending on the risk presented and general circumstances. A return interview provides officers an opportunity to identify the causes and factors of the missing person's disappearance and to ascertain where they have been. This may save time and resources should the person go missing again. Consideration must be given to ensure the returned missing person is interviewed at the right time, in the rights circumstances and given the appropriate level of support should that be necessary. It may be the case that the individual has come to some harm whilst missing, as such it would be prudent to consult with relevant PPU staff or partner agencies prior to engaging in interview. The missing person record will remain “live” until the return interview has taken place. Return interview information must be recorded on the National Missing Person’s Application (NMPA). Guidance regarding the return interview is found with the Aide Memoire (Appendix B). Note:- It should be noted that all missing persons require to be physically seen by police to ensure they are safe and well. Communication by social media, e-mail or telephone is not sufficient. Adult Found When a missing person is traced, they may intimate that they do not want their whereabouts to be disclosed to the person who initiated the enquiry. This could be the case when someone has experienced domestic abuse and is fleeing from a violent partner. If the person is an adult, the police must respect this wish. The person who initiated the enquiry should merely be informed that the missing person has been traced ‘safe and well’. 9 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons It may be, for example that an individual is fleeing from a violent partner. Forty per cent of adults who have been reported missing do not wish for their whereabouts to be disclosed. Children Found When a child who has been reported missing is found, the police should inform the parents or guardian as soon as possible. If a child found is too young or unable to give their name and address, enquiry should be made in the vicinity where the child was found and police control informed. If the child has run away, or there are other child protection concerns, the assistance of social work services should be obtained, especially if the child is Care Experienced. Activity 4 A1 Now reflect on our missing person John Hall. Consider the information we must gather in order to conduct a comprehensive return interview. List those considerations below, including the police systems which must be updated. Vulnerable Persons Database (iVPD) Force policy stipulates that a VPD report should be submitted for: All child missing persons. Adult missing persons where there is a genuine concern upon going missing or when traced. 10 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons iVPD has been discussed throughout your training and will be covered in greater depth later in Unit 6. Looked After & Accommodated Children (LAAC) A large number of missing person reports are made by staff from social services about children/young people who are looked after in care, for example in care homes or staying with foster parents. Often children and young people do not return home at the agreed time. However, the individual circumstances for each child should be taken into consideration by staff prior to reporting them as missing as opposed to dealing with what could be normal teenage behaviours. Carers should be encouraged to use their professional knowledge and experience and corporate parent responsibilities to make appropriate decisions prior to reporting a young person missing. Just because a person has gone missing previously and returned home safely does not mean that they are at any less risk. Every effort should be made to trace any missing person. Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) CSE is a largely under reported form of child abuse where a person of any age takes advantage of the power imbalance to force or entice a child into engaging in sexual activity in return for something received by the child, whether that be money, drugs, alcohol etc. Perceived consent by the child does not undermine the abusive nature of this act. CSE can be difficult to identify. Many children and young people (and professionals) can misinterpret such experiences as consensual and fail to recognise the exploitation involved. Children who are frequently missing are at risk of CSE and it is vital that we are alert to the signs of CSE and potential risks they are exposed to. Information gathered during the return interview is recognised as very important intelligence to develop the CSE picture. Key information can also be gathered from parents/guardians and staff members within residential care settings and in fact they may be the best person to speak to the child. The point of returning a child home is not always the best time to obtain information. They may be upset or angry about being returned home. Information relating to CSE may be obtained by parents/guardians and carers sometime 11 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons after the missing person episode when the child is prepared to speak. Ensure that parents/carer know how to get additional information to Police or Social Work. Key Information KI Police Scotland have introduced protocols in order to assist in tracing certain individuals who have been reported missing. The Herbert Protocol, is an information gathering tool to assist the police in finding a person living with dementia. The Philomena Protocol, to assist in finding a young person who has been reported missing from a care setting. The forms and further information for these protocols can be found on the force intranet. Absconders There are 3 categories of persons who are referred to as ‘absconders’; A child or young person who fails to return to local authority care or other residential establishment where they have been placed by a Supervision Order A person who leaves hospital following voluntary or compulsory admission and is vulnerable to harm A person who fails to return to custody (e.g. fail to return to prison following a home visit). These will be explained in more detail. Child Absconding from a Place Children subject to a residential supervision requirement or detained in a place of safety frequently abscond or fail to return from leave. These children may be vulnerable to criminal exploitation or may commit crime themselves and it is vital that the police trace absconders as soon as possible. Section 169 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 applies where a child:- (a) requires to be kept in a particular place, and 12 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons (b) the child absconds from that place, or fails to return to that place, Then the police have the power to return the absconder to that place. Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that an absconder is within premises then a court may grant a warrant to search the premises for the child. Child Absconding from a Person Section 170 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 applies where:- (a) a person has (or is authorised to have) control of a child, and (b) the child absconds from that person, Then the police have the power to return the absconder to that person. Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that an absconder is within premises then a court may grant a warrant to search the premises for the child. In all cases where children and young people regularly run away from, or to something, consider whether there is a hidden child protection issue and share your concerns. Harbouring Child absconders will often be helped by friends or relatives who will supply them with accommodation or other assistance. Be aware of CSE indicators in these cases. This can make tracing these people very difficult. Section 171 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 creates an offence for any person to knowingly:- assist or induce a child to abscond harbour or conceal a child who has absconded prevent a child from returning to a place of safety, to a relevant place 13 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Missing From Hospital Police are often advised of general admission patients who have been reported missing from hospital having left prior to official discharge. They can on occasion still have medical materials i.e. cannulas still in place. Depending on circumstances the enquiry may be considered either a missing person enquiry or concern for person. The compulsory detention at hospitals of mental health patients for the purpose of an assessment or treatment is allowed under various sections of the Act as amended by the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. Any report must be recorded as a missing person. A risk assessment must be carried out and appropriate action taken to safeguard the wellbeing of the individual as well as the public. Absconding Prisoners Prisoners may be temporary release from lower security prisons. PSOS will receive a report from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) if they fail to return. Prisoners who abscond from SPS custody should be reported for attempting to defeat the ends of justice. This will allow police officers to crave a warrant with powers of entry, which will assist in apprehending the absconded individual. Absconding Prisoners will be logged on ‘Storm’ as a Missing Person and will be treated as such by the ACR (Area Control Room). Once initial enquiries are carried out the enquiry will then be recorded on the NMPA and all subsequent enquiries will be managed by division. Absconded Prisoners will be dealt with as a policing priority. 14 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Feedback 1 F1 Here are some reasons why someone may go missing:- Avoiding the legal system Relationship breakdown Financial problems Emotional problems Victims of abuse (sexual, physical, domestic) Suicide Drugs, alcohol or gambling Stress Depression Accident Dementia Unhappy at home Move away with partner Abduction Family conflict Feedback 2 F2 Please refer to the Aide Memoire in Appendix B for feedback. 15 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Feedback 3 F3 What information will you obtain from John’s parents? Information required is contained within Aide Memoire Appendix B What risk level do you consider appropriate for John Hall? High risk. John is an 8 year old child, consider his ability to take care of himself. Police must consider why this young child is now repeatedly going missing What will you do now? All the actions in Initial Investigative Considerations section of the lesson note should be considered Look at your map of Brookbank. Where will you consider searching? The following places should be considered to be searched; Where he was found when he previously went missing – at Mains burn, (you would discuss with your supervisor regarding the need for police dogs to assist in the search) home and garden (including loft, garage and sheds) homes of his friends any other place where he plays or has been seen and any other hiding places 16 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Feedback 4 F4 Refer to the aide memoire as a guide but explore the following; 1. Reason for disappearance Where did they intend to go why did they go to the place they were found What preparation had they made 2. Circumstances while away 3. Circumstances of return 4. Health/vulnerability/suicide issues 5. Other relevant information 17 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Appendix A UK Missing Persons Unit (MPU) The Missing Persons Unit is part of the National Crime Agency (NCA) and is the UK’s national and international point of contact for all missing persons and unidentified body cases. They are the only UK agency focused exclusively on missing persons. It acts as the centre for the exchange of information and provision of expertise connected to the search for missing persons. (http://www.missingpersons.police.uk) The Investigating officer must:- Notify the UK MPU when a missing person has been missing for 72 hours. (A supervisor may request the notification be done sooner if they feel the case needs urgent attention) Notify the UK MPU immediately if the missing person is a foreign national. Notify the UK MPU immediately if the missing person is a UK resident missing abroad. Send all reports of unidentified bodies or persons to the Bureau within 48 hours of being found. “Missing People” Charity The "Missing People" charity (previously called the National Missing Persons Helpline) is a registered charity that works across the UK. The charity provides services to missing people, their families and police forces. Recommendations to use their free services is supported within national guidance. One of these services, TextSafe® triggers the sending of a text message to a missing person informing them of the services offered by the charity. As the message is then sent from the charity, those who might be hesitant to contact the police still have access to assistance from a neutral, confidential charity. Following initial contact with the charity, the missing person often initiates contact with the police, their family or social services. Where appropriate, officers should ensure that families are informed of the role of the "Missing People" charity and the support services available to them by calling or texting 116000 or emailing [email protected]. 18 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons The "Missing People" charity can provide a tailor-made publicity campaign on any missing person investigation, anywhere in the UK. This can include print media, posters, digital billboards and web- appeals. It is important that communication links are established with the "Missing People" charity to ensure that this information is managed within the investigation. All requests for assistance must be carried out on behalf of the investigation by Corporate Communications. Website: www.missingpeople.org.uk/police Telephone: 11600 Email: [email protected] 19 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Appendix B 20 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons 21 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons 22 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons 23 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons 24 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons 25 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons 26 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons 27 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons For further information, use the resources shown below:- Missing Person Investigation SOP http://www.missingpersons.org http://www.nmph.co.uk http://www.missing-you.net Child Sexual Exploitation Intelligence Toolkit Review: You can explain the definitions of a missing person and a concern for person You can summarise the reasons why people go missing You can prepare an initial missing person report by demonstrating initial investigative considerations and additional actions You can explain the risk assessment processes for missing persons You can identify information which must be gathered to conclude a comprehensive return interview You can outline legislation relating to absconding from care, hospital or prison 28 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons Learning Log: How will what you have learned in this module impact your day-to- day role? Are there any skills or knowledge you would like to develop further following this module? End of Module 29 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 3 Missing Persons 30 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL