Handling of missing person’s report - West Midlands Police, May 2017

On 13 May 2017 West Midlands Police received report of a missing person who had not been seen for three days. This was initially graded as low risk. Investigations conducted over the following week led officers towards a lake near a prison in Doncaster.

On the eighth day after the person was first reported missing, the risk was reassessed as medium, and then soon after to high risk. Later that day a body was found in the lake, which was confirmed to be the missing person.

The investigation collected documentary evidence in relation to police enquiries regarding the missing person, and conducted analysis of the missing person log. A review of relevant policies was conducted.

The Investigator found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.