Origins and Purpose of the Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is named in memory of George Herbert, a Normandy veteran who lived with dementia and tragically died after going missing while searching for his childhood home. His story highlighted a critical need for a structured system to assist police in locating vulnerable individuals quickly. The initiative, first piloted by Norfolk Constabulary, was subsequently adopted by police forces across the UK.
The central purpose of the protocol is proactive risk reduction and intervention. It recognizes that during the highly stressful time of a missing person report, carers and family members may struggle to recall essential details. By pre-compiling this information on a dedicated form, it removes that burden and provides police with an immediate, comprehensive data set. This allows the police and other agencies to begin a targeted search much faster, minimizing the time the vulnerable person is at risk of harm.
The Role of the Protocol in Missing Person Searches
When a vulnerable person, such as an individual with dementia, is reported missing, every minute counts. A delay in providing vital information can hamper search efforts significantly. The Herbert Protocol provides police with specific, actionable intelligence that would otherwise take precious time to collect from a distressed family. For example, knowing a person's favourite places, previous addresses, or former workplaces can help officers and search teams focus their efforts on specific, high-probability locations. The protocol acts as a systematic, standardized approach that streamlines a chaotic and emotionally charged situation.
Key Information Contained in the Herbert Protocol Form
The Herbert Protocol form is a simple but comprehensive document that captures all the essential details for a potential search. It is the responsibility of the family or care provider to complete and regularly update the form. Information commonly included is:
- Personal details: Name, date of birth, and any nicknames.
- Physical description: Height, weight, hair colour, eye colour, and any distinguishing features like scars or tattoos.
- Recent photograph: An up-to-date, clear photo is invaluable for police.
- Medical information: Details on medication, medical conditions, and any special needs.
- Daily routine: Regular habits, interests, and favourite places they might frequent.
- Previous history: Addresses and places from their past that they might try to revisit due to memory loss.
- Communication needs: How they communicate and interact with others.
- Previous instances: Details of any previous times they went missing and where they were found.
Digital vs. Paper Forms
While the original protocol was based on a paper form, many police forces and partner organizations now offer digital alternatives, such as the Safe and Found Online (SAFO) platform. This provides a secure way for carers to store and update information online. This ensures that the most current details are available instantly to the police in an emergency, avoiding the risk of misplaced or outdated paper copies.
Comparison of Reporting Options
| Feature | Herbert Protocol (Advance Planning) | Emergency 999 Call (No Advance Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Information Source | Pre-compiled, accurate form from a calm state of mind. | Relies on recollection during a stressful emergency. |
| Time to Action | Immediate, as police are provided with a complete data set straight away. | Delayed, as police must first collect details from a distressed caller. |
| Information Accuracy | Highly accurate and detailed, as it is prepared in a non-emergency situation. | Potentially less accurate, with key details easily forgotten under pressure. |
| Police Search | Targeted and focused based on past behaviors and interests. | Broader, less focused search until more information is gathered. |
| Carer Stress | Significantly reduced, knowing a plan is in place. | Extremely high, managing both the emergency and information recall. |
| Risk Level | Reduced, as intervention is quicker. | Increased, due to delays in search initiation. |
Conclusion: The Bigger Picture of Safeguarding
The idea behind the Herbert Protocol is to shift from reactive to proactive safeguarding for vulnerable individuals. It empowers families and carers with a tool that provides peace of mind while significantly boosting the effectiveness of emergency services in a worst-case scenario. By capturing vital information and making it readily accessible, the protocol directly addresses the challenge of finding a missing person with dementia as quickly as possible. It is a simple yet powerful initiative that increases the chances of a vulnerable person being found safe and sound and is a cornerstone of modern community safeguarding efforts in the UK. The protocol is not a replacement for security measures but a crucial addition to a robust safeguarding strategy.
Dementia UK provides further guidance and resources for families and carers navigating this challenging area.
