Specific investigations

Summary

This section of Authorised Professional Practice (APP) focuses on the procedures and considerations for investigating missing persons, particularly children and adults. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly children who may go missing due to various risks such as abuse or exploitation. Key components include ensuring effective communication between agencies, conducting risk assessments, and utilizing protocols such as the Child Rescue Alert to engage public assistance for critically endangered children. The guide outlines specific actions for different scenarios, including missing children from care and adult patients absent from hospital settings, aiming to provide officers with a structured approach to these sensitive investigations.

Key principles

• 1Safeguard young and vulnerable individuals in missing person cases.
• 2Conduct thorough risk assessments during investigations.
• 3Engage with multiple agencies to gather relevant information about the missing person.
• 4Use appropriate protocols, such as Child Rescue Alert, to secure public assistance when needed.
• 5Handle cross-border cases with consideration of jurisdictional issues.

Defined terms

Child Rescue Alert

A partnership between the police and the media which seeks public assistance when it is feared that a child may be at risk of serious harm.

Hague Convention

A treaty that governs international child abduction cases and outlines guidelines for legal cooperation between countries.

AWOL

Absent Without Leave, referring to individuals who are missing from secure care settings.