North Yorkshire Police has launched a vital new tool – the Forcer Protocol – to help locate missing Armed Forces veterans, reservists and serving personnel.
Inspired by the successful Herbert Protocol (used to help find people with dementia), the Forcer Protocol collects essential background information that can be used if someone goes missing. This includes details like routines, places they may go, medical needs, and contacts—information that could significantly speed up search efforts.
The protocol is named in honour of Alan Forcer, a veteran who tragically took his own life after suffering from PTSD and depression following his service in Northern Ireland and Kosovo. Backed by his former wife Claire, the initiative was first trialled by Greater Manchester Police in 2024.
The form can be completed by veterans themselves, or by family, friends or carers, and is stored securely on the Safe and Found website—not on police systems. It’s only accessed if the person is reported missing.
Superintendent Adam Thomson of North Yorkshire Police, himself a former RAF Regiment commander, explained:
“North Yorkshire has a strong military community. The Forcer Protocol helps us respond faster and more effectively when someone goes missing, without storing their personal information unnecessarily.”
Leaders from across the military and veteran support networks, including Colonel Peter Stitt, Group Captain John Lawson, and Operation NOVA’s Steve Lowe, have all praised the protocol as a much-needed safety net.
Even if no current mental health concerns exist, registering with the Forcer Protocol today could prove vital in a future crisis. It’s a simple step that could save lives and bring peace of mind to loved ones.
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