Learning for Greater Manchester Police after missed opportunity in search for missing man

Key findings

• Officers were in possession of vital phone data on day one of the investigation.
• There was a missed opportunity to analyze data that could have expedited the search.
• A delay in accessing specialist support postponed the analysis of the data.
• The man's location was identified through his mobile data.
• The police did not breach professional behavior standards.
• Two areas of learning were identified for GMP.
• The investigation was independent and comprehensive.
• The inquest ruled the death as suicide.

Outcome

The investigation identified opportunities for improvement in GMP's response to missing person cases. Recommendations were made to enhance future investigations.