Safe and Found
Do you care for someone who has Dementia and worry that they might go missing?
For people living with or caring for someone with Dementia, this may be quite common. The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme adopted by Humberside Police and other police services across the country.
What is the Herbert Protocol?
It is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event of a person with Dementia or other mental vulnerability going missing. It consists of a form that contains vital information about a person at risk that can be passed to the police if the person is reported missing. A recent photograph of the person should also be kept with the form.
It can be downloaded from www.humberside.police.uk/issues/vulnerability, by picking one up from your local police station or by using the links below -
Herbert Protocol 60 Second Briefing
IT IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE EXISTING SAFEGUARDING AND SECURITY MEASURES.
The basis of the scheme is for vital information about the person such as medication, description, photograph, significant places in the person’s life and their daily routine, to be recorded on a form.
Who fills the form in?
In a care setting, the care provider, the person at risk or their family can fill in the form. Please seek permission from the person at risk or their next of kin. If neither is possible, the care provider should make a “best interests” assessment.
The form should then be stored safely – either in electronic format on a computer, or a printed version. It may need to be located quickly, at any time of day or night, by the person who needs the information to begin the initial searches.
When the form is complete, it will contain confidential information about a person so it should be stored securely. Any partner agency required to complete the form will become the data controllers and must store it appropriately. Electronic form is preferable, however, hand completed hard copies can also be used.
The police will only ask for the form, or the information in the form, if the person is reported missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I complete the form?
As soon as possible.
What should I do with the form when it is complete?
Please keep it in a safe but prominent position where you can find it quickly. The police will only ask for it if the person it refers to has been reported missing.
What should I do if my relative or friend goes missing?
Call 999 and ask for the police – have your Herbert Protocol form to hand.
I don’t understand some of the terms on the form - what should I do?
Don’t worry, just complete as much as you can.
What will the police do with the information?
We will use the information to help find the missing person. It will be stored securely and only shared with other agencies if there is a need to safeguard someone.