The Origins and Expansion of the Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is named after Normandy veteran George Herbert, who had dementia and tragically died after going missing while searching for his childhood home. Developed by Norfolk Police, the initiative was designed to help quickly locate vulnerable people who wander, initially focusing on those with dementia in care homes. The protocol was later expanded to include those living at home and has now been adopted as a national scheme across the UK.
Moving Beyond Dementia
While its roots are in dementia care, the protocol's purpose has grown to cover a wide spectrum of vulnerabilities. Police forces now encourage its use for any individual with care and support needs who may be at risk of going missing. The key isn't a specific diagnosis but the presence of a vulnerability that could cause the person to become lost or disoriented.
Who Can Benefit from the Herbert Protocol?
The protocol is applicable to a variety of vulnerable adults. This includes:
- Individuals with learning disabilities.
- People with mental health needs.
- Those with an acquired brain injury.
- Individuals with other cognitive difficulties or memory loss.
The decision to complete the form is based on the professional opinion of care staff or the knowledge of family members, assessing whether the individual is at risk of going missing.
How the Herbert Protocol Works in Practice
The protocol is a proactive, preventative measure, not something you complete in a crisis. The core component is a form that carers or family members fill out with crucial details about the vulnerable person. This form is then kept in a safe place and provided to the police only if and when the person goes missing.
The form typically includes:
- Personal Information: A recent photograph, physical description, and contact details.
- Medical Details: Information on their condition, medication, and any special needs.
- Behavioral Patterns: Hobbies, daily routines, and triggers for wandering.
- Significant Locations: Past addresses, workplaces, places of emotional attachment, or regular haunts.
By having this information ready, families can save precious minutes during a distressing time, allowing police to initiate a targeted search more quickly.
The Role of Technology and Other Safeguarding Measures
While the traditional Herbert Protocol relies on a paper form, some police areas have introduced digital alternatives. For example, some regions offer online portals or platforms that store the information securely and can be accessed instantly by the police if needed.
This table compares different safeguarding tools for vulnerable individuals:
| Feature | Herbert Protocol | GPS Tracking Devices | Community Awareness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Information collation for police search | Real-time location monitoring | Public engagement in searches |
| Data Type | Static personal and historical info | Dynamic, real-time location | General information and appeals |
| Primary User | Carers, family members | Carer or family with smartphone | Law enforcement and public |
| Cost | Free to download and use | Varies, can be expensive | Free |
| Limitations | Only useful when reported missing | Battery life, range issues | Depends on public vigilance |
| Data Storage | Owned and kept by the family | Stored securely on a platform | Varies by police force |
Keeping Information Accurate and Secure
For the protocol to be effective, the information must be accurate and up-to-date. Carers and family should regularly review the form, updating it whenever there's a significant change, such as a new address, new medication, or a change in appearance. The form should be kept in a safe but accessible location at home, and all relevant caregivers should know where it is stored. This preparation is a low-effort, high-impact way to ensure a vulnerable person's safety.
Conclusion: A Broader Safety Net
The misconception that the Herbert Protocol is only for dementia is understandable given its origin, but it is no longer accurate. The scheme has evolved into a vital safety net for any vulnerable person at risk of going missing. By filling out the form in advance, families and carers provide law enforcement with the critical information needed to expedite a search and increase the chances of a positive outcome. It's a simple, free, and incredibly effective step towards ensuring the safety of a loved one. For more information on the full scope of missing persons initiatives and how different protocols operate, a resource like the charity Missing People provides further insight. You can find out more on their website: Missing People.
