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Missing persons

Authorised Professional Practice

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This page is from APP, the official source of professional practice for policing.

First published
Missing persons

See APP on International investigation for latest available detail on specific areas, for example: Schengen Information System, Europol, INTERPOL and Joint Investigation Teams.

The purpose of Missing persons APP is to ensure that cases of missing persons are investigated effectively, and are supported by appropriate management structures.

The College of Policing is committed to helping police officers and staff in England and Wales take appropriate and proportionate action to deal with people who are reported missing. A missing person report should be recognised as an opportunity to identify and address risks. Police actions and resources should be directed in the most effective way that makes people safe and prevents crime. This means prioritising activity so that the most intensive work addresses the needs of those missing people who are assessed as being at the greatest risk.

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