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The aim of this inspection, undertaken by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), was to assess the state, efficiency and effectiveness of the police response to missing persons in Scotland.
The resultant inspection report is based on a comprehensive review, and involved engaging widely with police and partners through interviews, focus groups and onsite visits. Further inspection activity included a review of calls made to police service centres and an audit of the national missing persons application used by police to record incidents and guide investigations.
This report outlines key findings which highlight very positive police practice found during our inspection. The recommendations made, are intended to contribute to the ongoing efforts of police and partners to achieve better outcomes for missing people and their families.
Additional
Appendix
1. During our inspection, we identified the following examples of effective practice in respect of return discussions, carried out by both police and partners.
- In Fife, two police officers have been nominated as ‘young missing person co-ordinators’ and are trained to carry out return discussions for children and young people. During our audit of the NMPA, we found evidence of one of the divisional coordinators completing a joint return discussion with social work staff, which was deemed thorough and well documented.
- In Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, return discussions for children and young people deemed at risk of harm were carried out by police ‘risk and harm reduction officers,’ which can include an adult who has a better relationship with the child or young person. Frontline officers carry out return discussions with those at lower risk of harm. This ensures a partnership approach for those deemed at higher risk of going missing and promotes opportunities for informed prevention and intervention activities.
- In Highland and Islands, NHS mental health services reported being impressed by the consistency of approach by local police in the completion of return discussions. Social work services also follow up with patients in communities in respect of return discussions.
- The local authority in North Lanarkshire carries out return discussions with care experienced children and young people, with clear and established reporting routes into the divisional coordinator. This ensures consistent capture of the outcome of return discussions, which is recorded on the NMPA and discussed in multi-agency missing person meetings.
- In East Renfrewshire, Barnardo’s carry out return discussions on behalf of statutory services, which also includes a follow-up service in the form of support services for children and young people.
- In Edinburgh, staff within mental health services carry out return discussions for their patients. Intelligence gathered is used to inform risk assessments and is shared with the divisional coordinator and/or the police hospital liaison officer.
- In Highland and Islands, youth street workers are trained to carry out return discussions, with a particular focus on child sexual and criminal exploitation. Positive relationships have been developed between the street workers and vulnerable children and young people.