If you care for someone living with dementia and worry about them going missing, Northamptonshire Police has introduced the Herbert Protocol to help.

Used by police forces across the UK, the Herbert Protocol encourages families and carers of people living with dementia to compile key information about them on a form, including their description, a current photograph, medical information, favourite locations, hobbies, routines and more.

Stored safely in the home of the person it relates to, the form and photograph are handed straight to police if they are reported missing. This saves time and puts vital information directly into the hands of officers searching for them, so they can be found as quickly as possible.

Having a completed Herbert Protocol form also reduces stress on relatives and friends as they don’t have to worry they have forgotten to tell officers something important.

If someone goes missing, always call 999 immediately. If a Herbert Protocol form has been completed for the person being reported missing, tell the call handler. They will then ask for the form and photograph to be emailed to the police, or handed to officers. When the person is found, the form and photograph are returned. 

Find out more and download the Herbert Protocol form here.

we need you by Gwyn Roberts