Staffordshire Police is supporting a national initiative that helps officers to locate and protect serving and ex-service personnel who go missing.

The Forcer Protocol is a preventative initiative and database that gives police instant access to vital information to help find missing service veterans, reservists and active personnel.

Loved ones and carers can fill out an online form with information, such as medical needs, triggers and safe places, which is held via Safe and Found Online.

This means if a person goes missing police officers and staff can instantly retrieve their profile data to assess risk, speed up searches and direct resources effectively.

The information is private and only used if someone is reported as missing.

Claire Lilly founded the scheme in memory of her former husband , Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, a war veteran with PTSD, who died by suicide in 2020 after going missing.

Safeguarding and partnership manager, Stephanie Ough, said: "All missing person cases are investigated equally.

"However, the Forcer Protocol helps our contact centre call handlers and police officers identify the unique vulnerabilities that exist around veterans and serving personnel.

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"It is designed to help better safeguard vulnerable people and put support in place.

"Once found, individuals can be referred directly to veteran-specific support networks."

The roll-out of the scheme was marked at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens in Alrewas.

Andy Ansell, head of estates at the site, said: "The Forcer Protocol has the potential to make a real and lasting difference to veterans, serving personnel and their families.

"At the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens, we honour service and sacrifice every day.

"Our support for the Forcer Protocol reflects that commitment by helping ensure that those who have served, or who continue to serve, can access the understanding, safeguarding and support they may need during times of crisis."

Click here for more information or to register.