Police encourage sign-up to missing veteran scheme

The Forcer Protocol was founded by Claire Lilly after her former husband took his own life

A police force is encouraging armed forces veterans and their families to sign up to a potentially "life-saving" safeguarding scheme .

The Forcer Protocol was founded by Claire Lilly after her former husband, Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, from Hartlepool, took his own life in 2020.

The scheme involves key information, such as a veteran's vulnerabilities and where they may be found if they go missing, being collected and held in advance so police have instant access in the event of a search.

Northumbria Police has not disclosed how many veterans had already signed up to the scheme in the region but said 170 had done so nationally, adding it was a "really invaluable tool".

The service is free and run independently from police with the provider Safe and Found Online.

A variety of information can be held, including photographs, a physical description, any medical conditions, mobile phone numbers of the veteran and friends, vehicle details, whether they have gone missing before, and whether they pose a risk to themselves.

Det Ch Insp Kevin Ashurst said the idea was "simple but critical" in supporting veterans who may be struggling, providing key information in "seconds".

It helped with "golden hour principles", reducing the time taken to gather information before officers could respond, he said.

"It's a really, really invaluable tool to help us find those missing persons quicker and more effectively."

Lance Corporal Alan Forcer served in Northern Ireland and Kosovo

The scheme is being supported by charities including the Newcastle United Foundation, The Foundation of Light and Veterans in Crisis in Sunderland, along with the National Police Chiefs' Council, and has been adopted by a third of police forces in England.

Veterans in Crisis founder Ger Fowler said it was now part of the charity's referral service.

"It's a precaution to help those who may need it down the line," he said.

"It can save so much time at the beginning.

"When somebody goes missing, it can take an hour to find out some information. Now, with this, you can literally find out within seconds."

Lance Corporal Forcer joined the Army at 16, serving in Northern Ireland and Kosovo, but struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse when he left the armed forces.

Ms Lilly said: "He struggled for years but it means the world to me and Alan's children that we have a lasting legacy, that his life meant something and continues to."