Borough residents can now register loved ones’ details online as GMP adopts online Herbert Protocol portal

Rochdale borough residents who look after vulnerable people, including those with dementia, are being urged to use the Herbert Protocol and register their loved ones’ details with the Safe and Found Online digital information bank, should that person go missing.

Named after George Herbert – a decorated war veteran of the Normandy landings who was living with dementia and repeatedly went missing from his care home – the scheme aims to help people living with dementia who have gone missing to get back to a place of safety as quickly as possible.

The Herbert Protocol has been in place nationally since 2016, and encourages carers and family members to compile essential information that could prove invaluable if a vulnerable person, including those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, goes missing.

Superintendent Jane Higham, strategic lead for child protection and missing people, said: "The Herbert Protocol has guided us in safeguarding those with dementia.

“Today, we evolve with its online relaunch via Safe and Found Online, where swift access to vital information empowers our force control centre and district staff to conduct informed risk assessments and expedite enquiries.

“Together, we enhance our capacity to protect the most vulnerable among us."

Family members, friends or carers can now record vital information such as the person's physical description, medical conditions, mobile phone number, known locations or likely places they may visit, contact details of friends, and any other pertinent historical information. A recent photograph accompanies the form.

Previously, this information was stored on a paper form completed by the family or the care home of the Alzheimer’s or dementia patient. This could lead to delays in finding and accessing the information if the form couldn’t easily be located.

Now, following a trial with West Yorkshire Police, the digital protocol has now been extended to Greater Manchester residents.

The information is stored on Safe and Found Online and accessed by Greater Manchester Police officers when someone is reported missing, which can save vital time in putting together a search and rescue plan in a missing persons event.

This means that if someone goes missing, the relevant police force can access the information immediately and use it to make a risk assessment to find that person quicker.

Whilst the preference is to ensure all relevant information is stored online, the paper form option will still be available to ensure that people without computers can still access it.

For more information around the Hebert Protocol, please follow the below links, which includes direct access to the online form:

About the Herbert Protocol - https://www.gmp.police.uk/notices/hp/herbert-protocol/

Register for Safe and Found Online - https://safeandfoundonline.co.uk/register.php

More about Safe and Found Online - https://safeandfoundonline.co.uk/herbert-protocol/index.html