Latest news with #AlanForcer
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Police encourage sign-up to missing veteran scheme
A police force is encouraging armed forces veterans and their families to sign up to a potentially "life-saving" safeguarding scheme . The Forcer Protocol was founded by Claire Lilly after her former husband, Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, from Hartlepool, took his own life in 2020. The scheme involves key information, such as a veteran's vulnerabilities and where they may be found if they go missing, being collected and held in advance so police have instant access in the event of a search. Northumbria Police has not disclosed how many veterans had already signed up to the scheme in the region but said 170 had done so nationally, adding it was a "really invaluable tool". The service is free and run independently from police with the provider Safe and Found Online. A variety of information can be held, including photographs, a physical description, any medical conditions, mobile phone numbers of the veteran and friends, vehicle details, whether they have gone missing before, and whether they pose a risk to themselves. Det Ch Insp Kevin Ashurst said the idea was "simple but critical" in supporting veterans who may be struggling, providing key information in "seconds". It helped with "golden hour principles", reducing the time taken to gather information before officers could respond, he said. "It's a really, really invaluable tool to help us find those missing persons quicker and more effectively." The scheme is being supported by charities including the Newcastle United Foundation, The Foundation of Light and Veterans in Crisis in Sunderland, along with the National Police Chiefs' Council, and has been adopted by a third of police forces in England. Veterans in Crisis founder Ger Fowler said it was now part of the charity's referral service. "It's a precaution to help those who may need it down the line," he said. "It can save so much time at the beginning. "When somebody goes missing, it can take an hour to find out some information. Now, with this, you can literally find out within seconds." Lance Corporal Forcer joined the Army at 16, serving in Northern Ireland and Kosovo, but struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse when he left the armed forces. Ms Lilly said: "He struggled for years but it means the world to me and Alan's children that we have a lasting legacy, that his life meant something and continues to." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@ Related Stories Police adopt scheme to find missing veterans Police sign up to scheme to trace missing veterans Ross Kemp backs police powers to find veterans Related Links Northumbria Police Forcer Protocol Veterans in Crisis Sunderland
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Northumbria Police encourages sign-up to missing veterans scheme
A police force is encouraging armed forces veterans and their families to sign up to a potentially "life-saving" safeguarding scheme .The Forcer Protocol was founded by Claire Lilly after her former husband, Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, from Hartlepool, took his own life in scheme involves key information, such as a veteran's vulnerabilities and where they may be found if they go missing, being collected and held in advance so police have instant access in the event of a Police has not disclosed how many veterans had already signed up to the scheme in the region but said 170 had done so nationally, adding it was a "really invaluable tool". The service is free and run independently from police with the provider Safe and Found Online.A variety of information can be held, including photographs, a physical description, any medical conditions, mobile phone numbers of the veteran and friends, vehicle details, whether they have gone missing before, and whether they pose a risk to Ch Insp Kevin Ashurst said the idea was "simple but critical" in supporting veterans who may be struggling, providing key information in "seconds". It helped with "golden hour principles", reducing the time taken to gather information before officers could respond, he said."It's a really, really invaluable tool to help us find those missing persons quicker and more effectively." The scheme is being supported by charities including the Newcastle United Foundation, The Foundation of Light and Veterans in Crisis in Sunderland, along with the National Police Chiefs' Council, and has been adopted by a third of police forces in in Crisis founder Ger Fowler said it was now part of the charity's referral service."It's a precaution to help those who may need it down the line," he said."It can save so much time at the beginning. "When somebody goes missing, it can take an hour to find out some information. Now, with this, you can literally find out within seconds." Lance Corporal Forcer joined the Army at 16, serving in Northern Ireland and Kosovo, but struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse when he left the armed forces. Ms Lilly said: "He struggled for years but it means the world to me and Alan's children that we have a lasting legacy, that his life meant something and continues to."
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Norfolk and Suffolk police sign up to missing veterans scheme
Norfolk and Suffolk police have joined a scheme that gives officers instant information about vulnerable military veterans who have gone Forcer Protocol was founded by Claire Lilly, from Essex, after her ex-husband Lance Corporal Alan Forcer took his own life in May 2020. The digitised system holds information about the veterans who have been signed up, including whether they pose a risk to themselves and where they were found if they went missing Hedges, who helped create the scheme with Ms Lilly, said: "It can take away some of the anguish when you report someone missing." Mr Hedges, a former missing children chief at the National Crime Agency, added: "The idea of the Forcer Protocol, together with similar ones for those living with dementia, is to pre-record that information, and then it is held securely and made instantly available to police at the point at which a missing person's report is made."We talk about the golden hour - the initial response - the longer it's left the further the person can travel, the more complications arise, and information and witness memories become eroded."It's really, really important to get that quick response and recover the person quickly, and give them the assistance they deserve should they be at the risk of doing, sadly what Alan did, and contemplating suicide."Ms Lilly, from Rochford, previously told the BBC that Mr Forcer had suffered from PTSD and depression after serving in Kosovo and Northern Ireland, and had been missing for three days. If you or someone you know is feeling despair or emotional distress, BBC Action Line has a list of organisations that offer advice and support. Norfolk and Suffolk police have joined 11 other forces to have taken up the have encouraged those who wish to take part to complete the Forcer Protocol details on the Safe and Found Online Ch Insp Brett Harris, at Suffolk Police, said the force was "proud to be part of the Forcer Protocol - a vital initiative that reinforces our unwavering commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals who go missing"."This protocol represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect those at risk, particularly individuals who may face unique challenges due to age, health or personal circumstances." Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.
