Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner said a scheme that will help police officers find vulnerable military veterans who have gone missing is “fundamentally the right thing” for the county.
Ellie Vesey-Thompson spoke at the Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference, which took place at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright yesterday, to mark the launch of the Forcer Protocol in Surrey.
She was joined by Surrey Police Superintendent Matt Barcraft-Barnes, Chief Inspector Tom Renwick, and Claire Lilly, whose former husband took his own life after going missing in May 2020.
Dad-of-three Lance Corporal Alan Forcer suffered with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving in Northern Ireland and Kosovo.
New protocol
Claire and her son Josh have campaigned tirelessly to bring the Forcer Protocol to police forces across the country. The scheme aims to ensure that no veteran is left without any necessary intervention in moments of crisis.
Veterans, reservists and anyone serving in the forces, as well as their family members, friends and services supporting them, can now complete a form which records information that could be helpful if they go missing.
The form allows police to respond quickly and efficiently if needed.
Addressing the conference, Ellie, who holds responsibility for military personnel and veterans, said: “Someone is reported missing in the UK around once every 90 seconds.
“Found too late”
“Some of them come home of their own accord. Some are never found. Not all of them will receive the same policing response.
“Sadly, some of these people are found when it is too late. Preventing suicide and harm by finding people who have gone missing as quickly as possible is the best thing for them, for their family and friends, for Surrey residents, and for our officers.
“Any tool that can assist with finding those in crisis is worth it. It means people like Claire and Josh won’t have to hear the worst news of their lives.
“It is fundamentally the right thing to do.”
Not alone
Surrey Police already uses the Herbert Protocol, a similar system designed to locate people who are living with dementia. Both protocols securely store relevant information relating to the missing individual.
Claire said her former husband wanted people to know they “weren’t alone in their struggles”.
“To honour the legacy of our Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, on behalf of our family and the wider community, means more than words can ever truly express,” she said.
“Your support ensures that his name, his values and his service continue to make a lasting difference.
“Incredible work”
“Here’s to Surrey Police and all the incredible work you do.
“We are deeply, deeply grateful.”
In 2021, there were 253 suicides among veterans – five a week in England and Wales. Drug and alcohol misuse and unemployment are particular risk factors.
For more information or to sign up for yourself, a friend or a family member, register here.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Chief Inspector Tom Renwick launch the Forcer Protocol, which aims to help police find missing veterans promptly, at the Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference