1. Newham Missing Persons
Investigation of Missing Persons
Newham Missing Persons Unit

2. Newham Missing Persons Unit (MPU)
Newham MPU
1 x Sergeant (full time)
5 x Police / Detective Constables (1 x full time, 4 x part time)
Monday to Friday – 8am to 6pm
Tel:

3. Missing Persons Investigation
Emergency Response Teams (ERPT) investigate all Low and Medium Risk Missing Persons for the first 48 hours
If the Missing Person returns within the 48 hour period then ERPT conduct Safe and Well check within 3 hours where practicable
After 48 hours responsibility for the investigation of Low and Medium Risk Missing Persons passes to Newham MPU (including Safe and Well checks)
High Risk Missing Persons investigated by Newham CID

4. Missing Persons
A person is “missing” when their whereabouts cannot be established
AND
Where the circumstances are out of character or
The context suggests the person may be subject of crime or
At risk of harm to themselves or another
If the circumstances do not fit this criteria then the MPS policy is that it is
not a Missing Person

5. Missing Persons Investigation
The Initial Investigating Officer will gather information and evidence from the person reporting the Missing Person. This includes:
Circumstances
Sightings
Medical History
Details of Subject / Family / Carer
Home Address Search
6. Immediate Investigation
7. Photograph / DNA
8. Hospital Checks
9. Friends and Associates
10. Risk Assessment

6. Missing Persons High Risk
The risk posed is immediate and there are substantial grounds for believing that the subject is in danger through their own vulnerability; or have been the victim of a serious crime; or the risk posed is immediate and there are substantial grounds for believing that the public is in danger.
Medium Risk
The risk posed is likely to place the subject in danger or they are a threat to themselves or others.
Low Risk
There is no apparent threat of danger to either the subject or the public.
All children under the age of 18 years must be classified as at least Medium risk.

7. Missing Persons Safe and Well Checks Example questions asked:
Where have you been?
What were you doing?
Who were you with?
Have you come to any harm whilst missing?
Why did you go missing?
Is there anything else you want to tell me?
Is there anyone else ……… Think Risk Management and Prevention

8. Strategy Meetings Newham MPU Officers will assist / input where possible Dependant on Staff availability & Risk Assessment Phone / conference facilities available

9. Missing Persons
Any Questions?