Learning for Met Police over handling of missing person reports following Richard Christian investigation

Key findings

• Officers provided an unacceptable level of service to the complainant.
• Call handlers were misinformed about the case status during the investigation.
• There was a lack of understanding of the missing person's medical condition by officers.
• Information regarding the missing person's welfare was not accurately recorded.
• There was significant miscommunication between call handlers and investigation teams.
• The assessment of some missing person cases as 'not missing' was found to be incorrect.

Outcome

No evidence was found that the police contributed to Richard's death. The performance of officers was below expected standards, but did not warrant disciplinary action.