Public Protection and Safety Missing Persons PDF

Public Protection and Safety PPS07 Missing Persons Introduction Missing person investigations should be regarded as a high-risk area of policing and given appropriate levels of priority and resources. A missing person report may be the first stage in a serious crime investigation, s...

Public Protection and Safety PPS07 Missing Persons Introduction Missing person investigations should be regarded as a high-risk area of policing and given appropriate levels of priority and resources. A missing person report may be the first stage in a serious crime investigation, such as murder or abduction, as well as a safeguarding issue and should be treated accordingly. A person going missing might be an indicator of other issues. Such incidents may lead to uncovering exploitative and criminal behaviour against vulnerable children, young people and adults. There is usually a reason why a person goes missing and understanding the circumstances and creates an opportunity for Police and other relevant agencies to identify intervention measures that can stop or minimise further disappearances. More importantly it will draw to attention the safeguarding issues related to going missing and assist in the identification and investigation of crimes which are linked to, or are the cause of someone going missing. These investigations often touch upon some of the most vulnerable people in society who can be facing considerable risks or crisis at the time. Key Learning Point In the financial year of 01/04/23 – 22/11/23 PSNI dealt with 5258 a decrease of 17.2%. Of these 12-14 year olds and 15- 17 year olds females and 22-39 year old males were reported missing. On average there are 35 missing person reports made to police on a daily basis, which costs the PSNI approximately £36.5 million. Pulse 23.11.23 OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 173 Why do people go missing? Most of the time you will find something is pushing the person away or pulling them away. Missing people generally fall into four categories: Voluntarily missing i.e. running away, mental health issues, relationship breakdown/problems, financial issues, asylum seeker. Lost i.e. backpacking, dementia. Accident; illness; injury. Third party involvement: hit and run RTC; abduction, murder, human trafficking. Missing Person’s Definition person is: ‘Anyone whose whereabouts cannot be established AND the circumstances are out of character OR the context suggests the person may be the subject of crime OR at risk of harm to themselves or another’. This means that in order to determine that a person is missing an officer should ascertain the following: A person’s whereabouts cannot be established. Consideration will be given to the steps that have already been taken to locate the person and reasonable efforts to find them having been made by persons with knowledge of or responsibility for the person; AND Are the circumstances out of character and why? OR Is there information or does the context indicate that the person may be subject to a OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 174 crime? OR Is there information to suggest that the person may be at risk of significant harm to themselves or others and why? Police Responsibilities Regarding Missing Persons Police must be in a position to investigate missing person reports thoroughly. The investigation will be greatly assisted by the early and accurate recording of information. Suitable action from the outset can save life or prevent or detect crime. Police must treat a missing person’s referral as an investigation from the beginning, not just recording information for a report. For you as a police officer it may be a routine policing task, but for the parents, relatives, friends and neighbours of a missing person it will be the most important thing in their lives at that moment. It is vital that you gain and maintain their confidence and carry out the search in a professional and efficient way, being aware of your crucial role as an interface between the police and the public. It is important that we take the time to listen and give them opportunities to disclose in a safe and neutral environment. It is important to deal sensitively with family/friends. They may be concerned or reluctant to give information which may put the missing person in a bad light or highlight criminal activity (such as drug use), but it is very important to gain trust in order to obtain his information as it may be very relevant to the investigation. The police have a key role in the protection of children and vulnerable adults and are also key statutory partners in the safeguarding arena and have duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The police also have a wider role in protecting vulnerable people and are often the primary responder to a case where a child or vulnerable adult is reported missing and have a key role in establishing the whereabouts and helping to safely return a vulnerable missing person. The majority of missing person enquiries are quickly resolved. In a few cases, however, the report of a missing person is the first step in a major crime case. Therefore the initial stages of any missing person enquiry should commence on the basis that the case may OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 175 escalate into a serious crime enquiry. Failure to apply such thinking in past cases has led to the loss of valuable investigative opportunities and could ultimately result in failure to trace the missing person or to establish sufficient evidence to convict a perpetrator. An investigation is easily de- escalated, but it is difficult to backtrack and preserve evidence or a scene, for example, if the gravity of the situation has been under estimated. Do not assume that the relationship between the missing person and the reporting person is stable – in some cases the reporting person has been the ‘push’ factor, i.e. domestic/child abuse or they may be trying to mislead you to cover a crime (i.e. murder). You need to think worst case scenario at all times! The general duties of the police are set out in Section 32(1) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000. ‘It shall be the general duty of police officers: To protect life and property; to preserve order; to prevent the commission of offences; when an offence has been committed, to take measures to bring the offender to justice.’ Section 32 (1) (a) sets out general duty on police to protect life. This can require positive police action in relation to missing persons in certain cases. Schedule 1 to the Human Rights Act 1998 indirectly incorporates many of the rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into United Kingdom law. One of these rights is Article 2 of the ECHR, which protects the right to life. It is often referred to as the ‘positive obligation’ or the ‘Osman ruling’. One aspect of the right to life is that it requires the State to take feasible operational measures within its power to avert a real and immediate threat to life of which it was, or should have been, aware. The others are: a. that any lethal or potentially lethal force used by the State should be no more than absolutely necessary in the pursuance of a legitimate aim (in effect, the protection of life); and b. all suspicious deaths must be the subject of an effective investigation. In its judgment in Osman v the United Kingdom (judgment of ECHR 28 October 1998), OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 176 the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) held that the obligation to protect life arises where ‘the authorities knew or ought to have known at the time of a real and immediate risk to the life of an identified individual or individuals from the criminal acts of a third party.’ The question then arises, whether the authorities took measures within the scope of their powers, which might have been expected to avoid such a risk (Osman, paragraph 116). ‘Real and Immediate’ The leading case concerning a ‘real and immediate’ threat is Officer ‘L’ (2006) United Kingdom House of Lords 36. In this case the House of Lords said that a real and immediate threat is one that is: ‘Objectively verified; and present and continuing. The threshold is a high one. In making this assessment, police officers should consider all relevant sources of information and ensure that all decisions are justified and recorded.’ In the context of missing persons, it would be necessary for there to be information that the person is under a real and immediate threat or risk of serious injury or death. ‘Feasible Operational Steps’ If a real and immediate threat exists, police have a legal requirement to take actions within the scope of their powers which, judged reasonably, might have been expected to avoid the risk to life. Police must accurately and in detail record decisions made, the NDM can help with this. It is not possible to give definitive advice, which would cover every situation. Failure to thoroughly investigate a report of a missing person may leave an individual at risk and the police vulnerable to a legal challenge under the Human Rights Act or the law relating to negligence and potential investigation by Northern Ireland Ombudsman’s Office or Professional Standards Department (PSD). OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 177 Where a missing person has been identified as being high or medium risk, positive action becomes an obligation at every stage of a missing person investigation. The National Decision Model (NDM) provides us with a tried and tested system that helps us to identify, manage and review those risks in a consistent and comprehensive manner. All officers are encouraged to use this model routinely to aid their decision- making process. The NDM is set out below for ease of reference: Roles and Responsibilities of First Attending Officer (A/O) Get details of call/missing person from command and control. Check NICHE for flags, warnings, alerts, previous missing person addresses frequented. Get further details from reporting person which are required to conduct investigation and carry out risk assessment, establishing facts and circumstances of disappearance. Who is reporting them missing. Name of missing person. Age/DOB. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 178  Last known address of missing person. Where last seen and by who. Do they have access to a phone / phone number? Description of missing person (A-H, distinguishing features, clothing). What was the missing persons doing when they were last seen. Behaviour/out of character. What has caused them to go missing? Have they gone missing before? Have they left in vehicle (information on vehicle)? Information to indicate they are vulnerable from any condition either physical, mental, or social. Actions taken to locate missing person. Who are their associates/family members, next of kin Any statutory orders in place (care order, MHO etc.) For All Missing Children What information available to indicate that the child may be at risk of any form of exploitation including sexual and/or any sexual offences? Such as gifts received from unknown sources, or anything to indicate they may be victim of grooming, trafficking, has the child left to meet with someone (who – need details). Include checking for associates with Child abduction warning notices (CAWN). Phone CMSU with details to ensure that information and a new missing report is inputted on NICHE by CMSU – ASAP. The AO will also assess vulnerability factors of the missing person which will assist them in completing the risk assessment. This risk assessment should be phoned through to CMSU immediately after speaking to the reporting person and the data will be inputted into the missing person report on NICHE; the officer should provide as much detail as possible in relation to not only the risk factors but any other information which may clarify OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 179 or support the risk assessment. All relevant details should be recorded in officer’s digital or pocket notebook. The A/O will brief the duty Sergeant of the circumstances and outline the risk assessment and the duty Sergeant will appoint a suitable investigating officer (I/O). Start searching/conducting enquiries regarding missing person. Where there is a difference of opinion in the level of risk, between the A/O and the supervisor, the matter will be referred to the Inspector for decision. A missing person may be missing for a substantial period of time, and within this time frame numerous officers may be given the responsibility of being the investigation officer, due to shift changeovers. It is important that the officer makes themselves aware of all the circumstances surrounding the person going missing and takes positive action in the effort to find the missing person. Therefore it is also important to know the role and responsibilities of the investigating officer. Roles and Responsibilities of the Investigating Officer (I/O) The investigating officer (I/O) will prepare an investigation plan and record details on NICHE. PSNI has adopted the National Decision Model (NDM). Use of the NDM should be considered during any missing person investigation. The rationale for NOT taking a particular course of action should also be recorded. It is important to record all actions taken are fully detailed on the OEL, or other relevant sections on the NICHE missing person report. If it is not recorded on these logs, it didn’t happen! The I/O is responsible for ensuring that the risk assessment is reviewed at appropriate junctures and that it reflects the currently available information. The first line supervisor will record that they have reviewed the investigation plan and any subsequent risk assessments on NICHE. They will also outline any additional directions or investigative actions. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 180 Risk Assessment, Classification of Risk and Response There are varying degrees of risk and police action should be guided by the known facts. To assist police a risk assessment must be conducted as soon as possible. The vulnerability of the missing person is a strong consideration in establishing the potential risk to the missing person. It is essential the risk assessment is continually reviewed and particularly when new information comes to light. Behaviours can all be risky, we assign risk on the basis of our own values and beliefs of what is risky and what we think is risky behaviour. Something seemingly innocent may not be innocent. As part of our initial report, police need to carefully consider each criterion of risk definitions and agree if it is low, medium or high. Police call handlers will ask a series of questions when it is first reported to help with risk assessing. Factors to Consider when Carrying Out Risk Assessment Personal factors Is there a reason for them to go missing? Has the person gone missing before? Are they vulnerable due to age/infirmity/any other factor? Do they need essential medical attention/medication urgently/ any time soon that is not likely to be available to them? Does the missing person have any physical illness or mental health problem? Does the person have the ability to interact safely with others or an unknown environment? Are they suffering from drug/alcohol dependency? Likely to be subjected to any other crime/other form of abuse? Sexually active (juveniles)? Any child safeguarding concerns? Do they pose a danger to other people? Are they detainable under mental health legislation? OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 181  Are they particularly at risk of harm due to physical disability/ frailty/memory loss? Do they suffer from any form of mental/learning disability? Circumstances Behaviour of character is often a strong indicator of risk, are the circumstances different from normal behaviour patterns? Has the person previously disappeared and suffered or was exposed to harm? Was the person or those they were last seen with involved or suspected of being involved in crime? What was the person intending to do when last seen, for example, going to the shops or catching a bus, did they complete their intentions? Any other relevant information relevant to their absence. Influencing factors Is the person suspected to be subject of a significant crime in progress, for example, abduction? Is there any indication or history that the person is likely to self-harm or attempt suicide? Have they been involved in any violent, sectarian, homophobic, and/or racist incident immediately prior to disappearance or been exposed to the possibility of such behaviour recently? Is there an ongoing bullying or harassment issue? Are there family or relationship problems or recent history of family conflict and/ or abuse? Are they the victim or perpetrator of domestic violence? School/college/university/employment problems. Are there any indications that preparations have been made for absence. Are they on child protection register? Do weather conditions pose a risk? OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 182  Physical risks in vicinity, for example, rivers, bridges, railway lines, country parks, cliffs etc. Does the person have access to transport? Key Learning Point The risk assessment needs to be an assessment of possible outcomes and their likelihood. The context of risk is important if you are going to manage it collaboratively.. Risk Rating High Risk The risk posed is real and immediate and there are substantial grounds for believing that the subject is in danger through their own vulnerability or ill health; or may have been the victim of a serious crime involving a real and immediate threat of harm; or the risk posed is immediate and there are substantial grounds for believing that the public is in real and immediate danger. For example, potential murder victim; child abduction; vulnerable person contemplating suicide and assessed as intending to attempt it; a detainee under mental health legislation where there are serious concerns are of risk to the public; a child at high risk of CSE. A missing person is deemed to be high risk when there are substantial grounds to believe that someone’s life is immediately in danger. Medium Risk The risk posed is likely to place the subject in material danger to their life or safety or they are a significant threat to themselves or others. When a person is deemed to be medium risk there is a risk of danger posed to either themselves or anyone which places OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 183 anyone in danger to their life or safety. Low Risk There is no apparent threat of danger to either the subject or the public. Risk of harm to the subject or members of the public is minimal. Children and young people under 18 years of age should not be included in this classification. In simple terms when a person is deemed to be a low risk missing person there is no apparent threat of danger to anyone. Note that risk may change/increase with the passage of time (even if no other factors change). All officers carrying out a risk assessment or review must record their rationale on the OEL log for the risk level decided. This recommendation applies equally to all missing persons and therefore the corporate direction, with immediate effect, is as follows: For example: I assess this person to be high/medium or low risk for the following reasons… All risk reviews to be completed on the Review tab of the missing person report on Niche and to include the rationale for the risk classification. If an officer records their risk assessment or rationale on the OEL log then it must also be recorded on the appropriate part of the ‘review/RA/sightings’ tab of the missing person report on niche. However, this is duplication and so officers are encouraged to complete one entry only on the missing person’s report. Risk classifications are subjective. Each person may grade differently but it is up to the person assessing risk to give their own rationale. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 184 Examples Examples of missing persons and their risk classification Example 1: Stephanie is a 19 year old female student in Queens University Belfast. She finishes at 17.00 and walks to the train station where she gets the train home to her parents in Lisburn. The time is now 18.30 hours and Stephanie’s parents are concerned that their daughter has not contacted them and not returned home. When we look at the definition of a missing person in this example we can see that Stephanie meets the definition as the circumstances are out of character and her current whereabouts are unknown. Stephanie would be classed as Low risk as there is no information at hand to suggest that there is any apparent threat of danger to either her or anyone else. Example 2: Matthew is a 20 year old trainee electrician and lives with his girlfriend. Matthew and his girlfriend live in Omagh and he is currently doing his training on a building site in Bangor. Matthew has a history of depression and has previously attempted suicide. He has recently indicated to his girlfriend that he is feeling worthless. He always returns home at 19.30 hours each day. The time is now 22.30 hours and Matthew has not returned home nor has he contacted his girlfriend. When she tries to contact his mobile phone it goes straight to answering facility. Matthew’s girlfriend has spoken to his manager who stated that Matthew left the building site early but did not tell anyone where he was going. When we look at the definition of a missing person in this example we can see Matthew meets the definition as the circumstance of not returning home is out of character and his current whereabouts are unknown and he is at risk of harm to himself. Matthew would be classed as medium risk as he has a history of depression and has previously attempted suicide, which indicates that he is in material danger and a significant threat to himself but there is no information to suggest that the risk is immediate. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 185 Example 3: Victor is a 56 year old retired police officer. He has recently gone through an acrimonious divorce. He has moved in with a friend and had been sleeping in their spare room. The friend has not seen him all day and when he checked Victor’s bedroom he saw a letter on the bed which was signed by Victor which indicated that he was going to take his own life. Victor is reported missing by his friend and when police contact Victor by telephone he confirms that he is contemplating suicide and that he is in an old farm shed and says he has a rope tied around his neck. He says he does not want to talk to anyone and to leave him in peace. When we look at the definition of a missing person in this example we can see Victor meets the definition as his current whereabouts are unknown and the context suggests that he is at risk of harm to himself. Victor is classed as high risk as there are substantial grounds for believing that he is in danger and the risk is real and immediate. Missing Children (Runaway and Missing from Home and Care) The PSNI will act on any report of a child missing from care. For the purposes of this guidance the following definitions will apply: CHILD – child and young person under 18 years of age (this can include persons under 19 years of age where the child has special needs). CARE – In care/looked after – applies to all children and young people who are looked after by a HSC Trust, either under Article 21, or subject of a Care Order under Article 50, or an Interim Care Order under Article 57 of the Children (NI) Order 1995. It also applies to children who are the subject of an Emergency Protection Order, subject to Police Protection under Article 65 or subject of a Care Order to another Authority but being supervised on its behalf by the HSC Trust. A looked after child who is the subject of a Care Order may be placed at home with his/her parent. The risk assessment for children is the same as any other missing person. Please note that children should not normally be classified as low risk. If they are missing from a care home the staff from the Trust reporting it will be asked a few extra questions upon initially OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 186 ringing police, to ascertain what steps have already been taken to try and find the child. They will be asked if they have contacted the child via phone, if they have called friends or family of the missing child, if they have checked the places they are known to visit, if the child has talked to staff/other children in the home. Meaning of Terms Vulnerable This is essentially dealing with vulnerable people who are not able or not fully able of looking after themselves. In assessing this it is useful to consider the following questions: - How much care does the person normally have on a day to day basis? - Does the person ever go out alone? - Is the person institutionalised? - The person resides in sheltered or supported accommodation? - Who is making the claim that the person falls into this category? - Has the person recently undergone a major change of circumstances, e.g. a change of accommodation? - Is the person in a new place or a strange environment? - Has the person a diagnosed medical condition linked to vulnerability, e.g. Downs Syndrome, autism, visual impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? Suspected suicide/self-harm This relates to an imminent possibility of suicide or self-harm or having suicidal thoughts. Being suicidal or likely to inflict self-harm is not the same as being depressed. Many people claim that they are going to kill themselves to gain attention, however, have no intention of doing any such thing. It is important to consider who is giving the information about the possibility of self-harm and the circumstances surrounding it. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 187 Officers should look for the following: Evidence of having done similar things in the past. Medical diagnosis. Documentary evidence, such as a note indicating intention. Traumatic or highly upsetting events prior to going missing linked to a declaration of intent to harm oneself. How recently the person has threatened or committed self-harm. These criteria should be used to influence the risk assessment where there is reason to believe that the person has gone missing and this is linked to an imminent risk of self- harm. A person who five years ago took an overdose and has now gone missing would not qualify as suicidal unless there was other evidence that made this judgement appropriate. Age The age of the missing person is important as the young and elderly are likely to be at greater risk. Weather Weather conditions and clothing worn at the time and following the disappearance can affect the level of risk. Medication/Treatment The important point is that the drugs or treatment must be essential to life or health and urgently needed, e.g. insulin, angina pills, and renal dialysis. Essential would not necessarily include medication to improve the quality of a person’s life rather than to preserve life, e.g. sleeping tablets, antidepressants etc. Mental illness / psychological disorder should be supported by evidence of medical diagnosis, e.g. previously treated, previous detention under the Mental Health Order. The mental impairment must also be linked to a risk to the person or other members of the public. Someone who has mild delusions and presents no harm to themselves or others would not fit this criterion. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 188 It is also important to find out the impact of the person NOT taking their medication (if they haven’t brought it with them) – this may affect the risk assessment. Violent/Sectarian/Homophobic and/or Racist Incident The important consideration is the meaning of ‘immediately prior’. Clearly the thinking behind this criterion is to cover the possibility that the missing person may have suffered a criminal act linked to the incident. It is not possible to be precise about the meaning of ‘immediately prior’; however it will normally be the hours preceding the person going missing. The period may be longer if there is a series of linked incidents. Bullying/Harassment This category will cover bullying at school, college, work, stalking or an acrimonious separation between couples. There should be evidence of persistence and recent occurrence. Out of Character In a sense, the act of taking off without telling your friends and relatives anything is always out of character, because it is not behaviour that people do regularly. This category is a matter of judgement and common sense. It is to be used intelligently to indicate reasons for concern which would not be apparent otherwise, because the person does not fall into the other risk categories. The criterion is useful when dealing with people who have stable lifestyles, perhaps a regular job, family ties and regular routines, who go missing and there is no rational explanation for it. For example, a mother going missing unexpectedly during the day, leaving her children and partner behind with no explanation and with no background of marital or domestic problems to explain the behaviour. Gone Missing Before This is not an either/or criterion. If the person has been missing before, it is vitally important to research any previous missing person’s reports on NICHE. Experience indicates that people who go missing regularly are likely to be traced where they were last found. An example of increased risk is the case where a person, usually a juvenile, runs away and falls prey to someone who abuses them sexually or physically. Such young people often fall under the spell of older people and cannot see how they are OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 189 being used. These missing persons are to be regarded as more vulnerable, whereas a person who has gone missing before has gained some experience and as a result may not be at the same risk as a first time missing person. Research shows that repeat missing children (who are often considered ‘streetwise’) may be at more risk of becoming involved in high risk activities and put themselves in more danger, and therefore should not be seen as at less risk. Family/Relationship Problems Most families have relationship problems and conflict to some degree at various times. Officers need to judge whether the family background and recent history is such that it is a relevant consideration in assessing the level of risk for the person reported missing. A young person who has been sexually, emotionally or physically abused may manifest behaviour which places them at greater risk, e.g. over-sexualised behaviour inappropriate to age. A young person whose home life is very unhappy may be more determined not to return and in consequence, place themselves in situations of greater risk. Family problems may include conflict resulting from arranged marriages in Asian families or tension resulting from non-compliance with traditional cultural norms. Care is needed when risk assessing teenagers in this category. Many teenagers go through difficult periods of rebellion against their parents which result in conflict. A young person who argues with parents about staying out late and making a defiant protest about this does not automatically fall within this category. School/College/University/Employment Problems Most likely to cover behavioural problems at school, persistent truancy, failure to achieve, conflict with teachers, inability to fit in, etc. Employment problems would cover loss of employment, internal investigations, threat of redundancy, etc. These factors can be regarded as stressors and may influence the person’s state of mind and stability. Financial Problems Financial problems would cover levels of debt which have grown well beyond a person’s ability to make the repayments and clear the debts. Normal levels of debt, OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 190 commonly incurred by the general public, would not justify this weighting. Drug/Alcohol Dependency This is referring to the misuse of alcohol / drugs. Dependency may lead to the missing person becoming involved in dangerous / criminal activities to get their ‘fix’. Consideration should also be given to action taken by drug dealers against the missing person due to their vulnerability. Also the addiction or heavy use of alcohol / drugs could possibly cause the person to suffer physically. Child Safeguarding Concerns Can be either from family, social services or police. These may show on NICHE as flags/warnings but it may also be prudent to check with social services for information we do not have recorded. Other Factors The most common reducing factor is likely to be the fact that a missing person is a frequent absentee and has turned up unharmed in the past. Another example would be information from friends that a person is staying with a friend but they do not know the location. Even though this may not be immediately verifiable, it would be a factor to be considered in gauging the appropriate initial response. A person going missing together with a friend is a relevant factor to take into account, as this would tend to reduce the risk that each faces individually. The length of time between the reporting of a person as missing and last being seen is also a relevant consideration. Some parents show greater anxiety than others and will report a juvenile as missing at a far earlier stage. A 14 year old reported missing because they are two hours late coming home from school may not necessitate the same immediate police response as one being reported 12 hours late, even though all other factors in the risk assessment are the same. Missing Persons and Use of Social Media Publication in the media of missing persons is done locally by the district social media user and should normally be undertaken with the consent of relatives of the missing person. Occasionally the family may object to this, but their consent is not needed provided the decision is made in consideration of the Human Rights Act and is carried OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 191 out proportionately and in the best interests of the welfare of the missing person. Where this situation arises, a record must be made of the decision and rationale behind it on NICHE. Any decision to publicise the case of a child / young missing person from care must always be made in consultation with Social Services and with prior warning in order that the parents / carers may be informed before any broadcast. Key Learning Point Social media can be a valuable tool in your investigative approach to missing persons and should be considered during a missing person enquiry, as the use of social media is a valuable resource of due to its extensive follower base. It will be the responsibility of the investigating officer (IO) to ensure that suitable provision is made for monitoring of comments made by the public and PMs in relation to a missing person appeal to extract information relevant to the investigation and to remove any offensive/ inappropriate comments. It is important to note that when a missing person is located the original post containing their information and photograph must be deleted. Deletion must be recorded on the missing person log and Control Works updated accordingly. An update post must be posted onto the same social media page e.g. ‘Thank you for your help with our missing person appeal. This person (or you can insert name of missing person) has been located.’ Search and Evidence Gathering The first officer attending the report of a missing person will be responsible for ensuring that a search is made of the person’s address including the missing person’s last known and other relevant premises or locations. The objectives of the search are to discover: OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 192  The missing person; Evidence relating to their disappearance; Intelligence that may lead to their discovery. While the majority of searches of premises can only be done with consent, there are rarely any objections to searches by the occupiers of relevant premises, but officers should explain the nature of their duties and instructions. While objection may create suspicion, police officers must give due regard to ensuring that a search is legally conducted. All searches must be properly documented to show the time, duration and extent of the search, including any areas that were, for whatever reason, inaccessible/consent refused. Where consent to search is refused, contact should be made with a supervisor and consideration of Article 19 PACE or a search warrant used where appropriate. Whilst the objective, location and subject of search will influence the search method, the minimum standard required for a search of premises is an ‘open door search’ – whereby all doors must be opened, including cupboards, wardrobes, loft/attic, cupboards and other furniture in which/behind which an individual could hide or be secreted. Research has found in murder cases where dismemberment occurs, the bathroom and kitchen are the rooms that are most often used for this task, with main drains and wheelie bins providing a means of disposal of body parts. Thus the search should also include the environs of the property and any cellar/outbuildings including caravan, vehicles, outhouses and gardens. The extent of the search must be based upon intelligence and checked by a supervisor, and where previous missing person reports have been made in the past, any information gleaned from interviews of the person recovered should be considered in police actions and searches, this information will be available on NICHE and it is vital we check this. Consideration should be given to searching the home and/or address of missing person; address of person reporting; address / location last seen or believed to be; address of person last seen with; and any other place where it is considered useful information may be found. Research in murder investigations has found that a victim’s body is unlikely to OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 193 be carried more than 150 yards from where the offender murdered the victim and 91% of murder victims were found within a half of a mile of the last sighting - therefore the importance of an initial, thorough search cannot be underestimated. Checking for what is ‘not’ there includes passport, bank cards, clothes, money and valuables - i.e. there has been preparation for the absence. Frequently a missing person, well or otherwise, is still within the curtilage of their home. Also, conducting this search may reveal motives and lifestyle information, or problems the missing persons may have concealed. Key Learning Point The search should be systematic and thorough and it is important not only to look for what is there, but also what is not there.. The following may be useful in assisting in investigations: Social media, Facebook, Twitter, etc. (It is important to obtain usernames and passwords for electronic devices / social media accounts for further investigation). Computers, electronic devices for communication, mobile phones, i.e. likely to reveal messaging, emails, contact addresses; mobile phone, texts, calls made / received Diaries, notepads, correspondence; Rubbish; Any evidence of substance abuse or dependence, and / or any reliance on medication; CCTV systems and local transport i.e. taxi records. The emphasis of the search will be on rescue and recovery with accurate records made of areas searched, by whom and when. If it is unlikely that the missing person will be found by an immediate search and there is evidence that the person is at risk of harm, the I/O (via supervisor) should request specialist support. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 194 During the initial response phase of a search for a high risk missing person it is important to remain focused on activities that provide the highest statistical likelihood of leading to the safe return of the missing person. The initial search is extremely important and needs to be thorough and systematic and documented to prevent duplication. Officers should consider searching the following areas immediately. The last known place (LKP) where the missing person was known to be. It is important that the LKP is the point at which you can be definite that the individual was confirmed to be. A thorough search of approximately 300m from the LKP should be conducted, including buildings. Where this includes buildings such as hospitals and commercial premises it may be necessary to engage the support of their management to access hard to reach areas or areas outside public access. No part of the building should be overlooked. Where it is not possible to access areas within buildings a thorough record should be made and passed to the POLSA. Once this is done officers should consider using the linear features that radiate from the LKP to start their search and the gaps between these. This would mean searching all the roads, established paths, or tracks, ridges, streams, rivers, ditches or manmade features like power lines, to the distance of approximately 300m from the LKP. The gaps between these linear features are often not searched beyond 300m until a POLSA sets a search plan as the search of these areas is often resource intensive. One key consideration is to recognise the locations known as decision points (such as junctions) where the missing person may have had opportunities to turn off the linear path and generate further lines of search from them. Officers need to think about the maximum zone of travel or the theoretically possible distance from the LKP which the missing person could have covered in the time elapsed. Need to think how mobile the person is, access to transport. If possible this zone should be contained or confined, however the missing person may have been able to extend this distance by various means. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 195 Within this zone officers need to identify attraction or areas of interest for the missing person, these can be favourite views, family graves or areas associated with favourite childhood memories, but they will be specific and only come to light through discussion with close family members/relatives/friends who known them. Missing Person to do Checklist/Considerations: Full description including photo Local intelligence Thorough home address search Mobile?/phone 1471?/TLU checks (calls made and received) Thorough check of garden/outbuildings search Clothing (include survivability considerations) Notes/diaries with clues Social media checks If dementia - previous work and home places House to house enquiries Social services? Other premises search Check CCTV? Tablet/computer checked Passport/tickets Check bus station, times of buses Check train station, times of trains Interview witnesses Inform Translink Obtain list of friends telephone numbers Daily routine/habits? GP/doctor Illness? OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 196  Medication? (accounted for?) Local hospitals (waiting areas as well as A&E) Check school friends/teachers Custody suites Local beauty spots/parks Press release Local radio Religious considerations Ops room circulation Pubs/clubs Any possessions always carried Any missing items? Cross-border checks (Gardaí) Fairgrounds/amusement arcades ANPR checks for vehicle Abduction? Road checks Financial (credit card use) FIU Checks NICHE/PNC check Benefit payments/office Places of work Local ‘Hang outs’? Family Cemetery Significant anniversary? Chemist checks Shopping centres Sat Nav (if car user) Farm watch Local store radio link? Mobility? Check taxis/taxi watch? OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 197 Further Investigative Considerations Where new information or evidence comes to light, details will be recorded in the missing person report / NICHE or CW as appropriate and a supervisor informed. A further risk assessment should be undertaken to reflect the content thereof and any actions that are required to follow-up a line of enquiry. Where initial enquiries have been undertaken and from the circumstances as presented, it is anticipated that the person will not return in the immediate future, the following should be considered as part of the investigation: TLU, ANPR. Financial Profile (if have withdrawn money can possibly get CCTV). Miscellaneous Enquiries. Obtain CCTV in relation to potential areas where the missing person frequented, e.g. shops, nightclubs, or where last seen i.e. town centres. Where it is likely that the person used public transport, relevant organisations should be checked for potential evidence. Local church organisations or places of worship attended by the person. Post Office – regarding requests for redirection of mail. Local businesses where the missing person was known to frequent should be contacted, i.e. hairdressers/barbers, newsagents, etc. Similarly, businesses which offer loyalty cards and where the missing person is believed to have been in possession of such items, i.e. Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s, Boots, etc. should be contacted to establish whether points are still being added to the card and where the relevant branch is. The business may also have a forwarding address for the cardholder. This should also be considered for petrol stations offering ‘air miles’. Department of Social Security, if unemployed. Similarly, previous employers or employment agencies may provide valuable insight. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 198 Sightings People will invariably report sightings of missing persons. Whilst the majority will genuinely want to assist in an investigation, occasionally sightings, which are deliberately misleading, may also be reported. Thus the difficulty exists in distinguishing between those that are valid and those that are not. Sightings must be processed efficiently with a mechanism to assess, prioritise and manage reports implemented as early as possible in an investigation. As a means of filtering or managing such reports, the following may be considered:  Plot sightings geographically as this may provide some corroboration.  Evaluate sightings against known factors relating to the missing person.  Seek corroboration from other sources to validate the information.  Establish the motive of the witness.  Verify the quality of the witness’s eyesight and their ability to recognise people in similar circumstances to those in which they alleged they saw the missing person (bearing in mind R v Turnbull (1976).  Consider taking a video and/or audio record interview of significant witnesses.  Research the person giving the sighting to assess their credibility. Also consider recording a Statement of Evidence from potential witnesses (it helps to focus their mind for accuracy). Officers involved in missing person enquiries should be careful not to allow sighting reports to reduce the level of risk assessment, unless that there is clear and supported evidence to show that the person is no longer at risk. (There were numerous sightings of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham long after they were dead). Personnel recording such information must ascertain whether the witness knows or claims to know the missing person. This may be of significance in a serious crime investigation. The high level of coverage, particularly as a result of media involvement, may generate a large number of sightings reports, therefore, any telephone number provided for the public to ring with information must be adequately staffed to respond to the volume of OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 199 calls and a process put in place to manage the information received. Prevention Interviews and Return and Closure of Missing Person’s Report/Investigation As police officers we have an obligation in missing persons’ investigations is to protect life and deal with any offences that come to light. This must be kept in mind at all times. Key Learning Point Actions to be taken following Return of Missing Person The duty Sergeant must review the missing person report on NICHE and ensure that the occurrence can be closed. The I/O must update CMC with the found location of the missing person. CMC must detail on NICHE the found location. The I/O must phone and update CMSU. If a prevention interview is to be conducted as per the criteria, the purpose will be: To discover the factors which led to the missing episode. To inform efforts to prevent further missing episodes. To provide information that will assist any future investigation should that person go missing again To establish the activities, associates, risks and victimisation involved in the missing episode, and where possible (and with partner agencies where appropriate) address those risks. To gather intelligence on criminality and to identify others who might be potentially at risk. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 200 The importance of this cannot be stressed enough! During the return process, it is crucial that either investigating officers consider the wider safeguarding issues that may be present not only during the missing episode but in relation to the environment that the missing person is returning or being returned to. This is relevant to all missing people but particularly relevant to children and vulnerable adults. Consideration should be given as to whether the missing episode is a potential indicator of abuse or neglect which may be occurring at the place from which the missing person removed themselves. It is each officer’s responsibility to ensure that they are satisfied the place to which a missing person has returned is both appropriate to their individual needs and poses no risk of significant harm. If an officer has concerns which require an immediate response (either singularly or within the multi- agency framework) they should seek immediate advice from their supervisor. All intelligence gathering during a return interview must be submitted using the PSNI Portal. This will allow the intelligence to be assessed, graded and actioned to investigators. It is important that relevant detail is recorded during the prevention interview, for example, relevant information regarding what addresses they were at, people they were with, telephone numbers of missing person and any associates – it is important that this information is linked to the missing person on NICHE for future reference. Consideration should be given to how these interviews are conducted, with a focus on sensitivity, empathy, body language and trust building, in order to gather as much information as possible. It is also important to ensure the information is added accurately to NICHE and not just kept in the free text boxes on the prevention interview. Persons/addresses/vehicles should be linked to the missing person to assist with future missing person investigations. Where a child, young person or vulnerable adult makes a disclosure of abuse or OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 201 exploitation this must be recorded verbatim and contemporaneously. No further questioning should take place but the matter should be referred to the appropriate team, unit without delay. If in doubt seek a supervisor’s advice. Consider: Why did you go missing? Where were you? Where did you stay? How did you get there? Who were you with? What did you do? What were your means of support? Were you frightened at any stage? If “yes”, why was that? Did anything happen to worry/upset you? Were any threats made to you? Did anyone do anything to you that you weren’t comfortable with? If “yes”, what? Did you have contact with other agencies, groups or charities whilst missing? What happened when you got home? How likely are you to go missing again? What would stop you going missing again? What can be done to help you now? Parents/carers/next of kin view of the incident? Child Sexual Exploitation Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse where a child or young person is exploited, forced, coerced and/or manipulated into engaging in some form of sexual activity in return for something they need or desire and/or for the gain of a third person. It can be complex and organised and occur as part of a network of abuse across a family or community, within residential homes or schools and within an ‘on or offline’ networked group of offenders. Child sexual exploitation is abuse involving one or more abusers and a number of related or non-related abused children or young people. The abusers concerned may be acting together to abuse children, sometimes acting in isolation, or may be using an institutional framework or position of authority, or other young people to recruit children. Generally, offending takes place within loose networks, connected through informal and formal OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 202 associations. Victims are often vulnerable and under social, financial and economic pressures. Children living away from home, including foster care, residential care, private fostering, healthcare settings, residential schools, young offender institutions may be particularly vulnerable to child sexual exploitation. On occasions victims will have taken to leaving home or going missing whilst in local care arrangement, sometimes opting or being coerced into obtaining informal income as a means to get by. Others have not considered themselves as victims at all, having been normalised to sexual violence. Some victims within gangs, for example, have endured sexual exploitation for the inclusion and perceived protection afforded by their gang. Child Sexual Exploitation can involve children who, it is feared: might be involved in prostitution; children exchanging drugs/involved in drugs; children enticed into accommodation; (e.g. use of Harbourers Warning, locations where child is found); children exchanging goods for sex; children who it is feared are being groomed for sexual abuse etc. Some warning signs may include: Regularly going missing. Truancy from school. Associating with older persons. Losing contact with family or friends their own age. Collected from home or school in unknown cars. Unexplained bruising of injuries. Unexplained gifts or money, such as a new mobile phone, etc. Secretive mobile phone use. Mood swings/behavioural changes. Sexually transmitted infections. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 203  Associating with other young people who are known to be involved in sexual exploitation. The signs that a child is being sexually exploited may not always be obvious, and being reported as missing could be an indication that this may be happening. Going missing can be a traumatic event for the family as well as the missing person. The return and re-integration into normal life can be equally traumatic. Consideration should be given to providing follow-up support to the family or at least ‘signposting’ them to support services/organisations/counselling that is available to them. OFFICIAL [PUBLIC] Page 204