Hertfordshire Constabulary has adopted Safe and Found Online - a new portal to help quickly locate vulnerable missing people

Hertfordshire Constabulary has adopted Safe and Found Online, a new portal to help quickly locate vulnerable missing people. Now live, the initiative will provide vital support for veterans and individuals living with dementia. The constabulary is urging family members, friends and carers of those at risk of going missing to register key information about them. This information, stored securely online, can save crucial time in developing a search plan should someone go missing. The digital forms follow the nationally recognised Herbert Protocol and Forcer Protocol:

• Herbert Protocol: A UK-wide scheme aimed at reducing harm to people living with dementia by enabling swift access to essential details that help police locate them quickly.
• Forcer Protocol: Designed to protect service veterans, active military personnel and reservists who go missing. Named in memory of Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, who tragically took his own life after struggling with PTSD and depression following military service.

Through the new portal, officers can instantly access personal details submitted by individuals or their carers, ensuring searches can begin without delay. Former military personnel may face challenges reintegrating into civilian life, and if they go missing while vulnerable, rapid access to accurate information can be lifesaving.

Similarly, for those living with dementia, up-to-date profiles including recent photographs and descriptions are critical for identification. Detective Chief Inspector James Howarth, from the Public Protection Command, said: “This new portal gives us rapid access to vital information, enabling us to provide the best possible response, plan searches more effectively, and act without delay. We strongly encourage carers and families to register details now. Taking a few minutes today could make a crucial difference in ensuring the safe return of a loved one.”  

Safe and Found Online, the free secure platform behind the initiative, is fully GDPR compliant and uses two-way factor authentication. Carers and individuals can update profiles anytime, replacing outdated paper forms with a convenient digital solution.   To register for free, visit Safe and Found Online (opens in new tab). To report someone as missing, you can do this online at herts.police.uk/report (opens in new tab), speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact (opens in new tab) or call 999.