Launch of Forcer Protocol

A new initiative, aiming to prevent missing veterans coming to harm is being adopted by Kent Police.

At a launch event at the Kent Police College on Wednesday 30 October 2024, the force officially adopted The Forcer Protocol.

The tool is used by forces to ensure key information is available to them when they are informed an armed forces veteran, reservist or serving member is lost, missing or in need of support – helping to find them more quickly.

The protocol gives police access to veterans' details such as any key vulnerabilities or any known-risk factors, and where they have been found if they went missing before.

It was founded by Claire Lilly and named after her former husband Alan Forcer, a veteran who tragically took his own life in May 2020 following concerns over his whereabouts.

There are more than 61,000 veterans in Kent.

Chief Inspector Gary Woodward said: ‘We are pleased to be able have this life saving initiative available to us in Kent which aims to locate veterans and prevent them coming to harm.
‘Serving within and transitioning from the armed forces can be an overwhelming experience at times and in some instances difficult and distressing. I would encourage all service veterans, concerned family or friends to visit the website and complete the form. It could save your life.’

Before an individual goes missing, a veteran or their professional carers, family members or friends can complete a form which records vital information relating to them in case they go missing. Forcer Protocol – Safe and Found Online

Officers will only ever ask for the information provided on the form if the person is reported to them as a missing person using the following three-step approach:

1. The person is reported missing to Kent Police. The call handler will then ask whether that person is known to be a veteran in every missing case as part of the initial assessment. They can then get direct access to Safe and Found Online, giving them crucial information in a matter of minutes.
2. Kent Police will then identify the risk, investigate, and will hopefully locate the missing person safe and well.
3. A referral is then completed on a Single Veterans Pathway, particularly through Operation Nova and the NHS, to ensure that the veteran gets the correct support they need, and also will potentially reduce demand on policing in the long-term.

Safe & Found Online

Whilst anyone can sign-up, it is important to note that if the person who is missing is in the Kent area, officers will automatically be able to access the details through Safe & Found Online when checking if they are a veteran.

If in another force area, the person reporting the missing person needs to make it clear to the respective police force that details have been submitted through the Forcer Protocol so an access request can be granted to them.

Claire Lilly said: ‘Since we launched the Forcer Protocol in Manchester last year, more than 170 veterans have been safely located.
‘I would like to extend our families' deepest gratitude to Kent Police for adopting the Forcer Protocol. It means so much to see a network so invested in driving real change.’

Visit the Forcer Protocol page to find out more.