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Forcer Protocol
Hello, I'm Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Preece and I want to talk to you today about the groundbreaking veterans initiative known as the Forcer Protocol which we've launched at Northamptonshire Police.
The Forcer Protocol is a tool used by the police to ensure key information is available to us when we're searching for service veterans who are lost or missing. We recognise that serving within and transitioning from the military can be an overwhelming experience at times and in some instances difficult and distressing.
The aim is to reduce the risk of harm to service veterans, reservists, and those currently serving who go missing by enabling swift access to key information that can help us find the person more quickly.
So, how does the Forcer Protocol work?
Service veterans, their informal and professional carers, family members and friends can register and complete the online form which is on the Safe and Found Online database. This records vital information about the veteran in case they go missing.
This digital solution means that in an emergency where every second can count, we have direct and instant access to potentially life-saving information. We will only access the information if that person goes missing.
The Forcer Protocol is named after Alan Forcer who suffered with complex PTSD and debilitating depression following service in Northern Ireland and Kosovo during the height of the conflicts. Subsequently, he took his own life. His wife Claire Lilly has worked tirelessly to have this initiative rolled out across the police forces and we are pleased to launch it here in Northamptonshire.
Details of the scheme can be found on our website by searching for the Forcer Protocol. Thank you.
In May 2020, Lance Corporal Alan James Forcer, a war veteran with PTSD, died by suicide after he lost the only support available to him from a veterans charity.
Following an inquest, Alan's ex-wife, Claire Lilly, set up the Forcer Protocol, in consultation with police and other specialist organisations, to ensure key information is available when searching for service veterans who are lost or have gone missing. It is being rolled out as a national initiative with all UK police forces.
In a missing person emergency every second counts. The Forcer Protocol, run by Safe and Found Online, allows police to have direct and instant access to potentially life-saving information. This information is only accessed if that person goes missing.
Service veterans, reservists and current serving personnel, their informal and professional carers, family members and friends can complete the Forcer Protocol form which records vital information in relation to the veteran in case they go missing.
How to register
If you are concerned that your loved one may be at risk of self-harm or suicide, you can register online.
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Support services
If you are a veteran or a serving member of the military and are looking for help and support, there a numerous charities available to help you. Below is just a few.
- SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity - Provide welfare, health and support services to serving personnel, veterans and their families
- Defence Medical Welfare Service - Provides medical welfare to those who have, or still are serving on the frontline
- Op Courage: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service - An NHS mental health specialist service for serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, Armed Forces veterans and their families.
- Op Nova - Provides support for veterans in the justice system