Handling of a missing person’s investigation - Sussex Police, June 2017

On 23 June 2017, a woman was reported missing by her daughter. Sussex Police responded by carrying out a missing person investigation in which a number of investigative tasks were undertaken. On 24 June 2017 a member of public discovered the body of a woman. This was later confirmed to be the woman who had been reported missing.

Our investigators interviewed and obtained statements from witnesses and officers. One officer was informed we were investigating an allegation that their supervision of the missing person investigation may have fallen below the standards of professional behaviour – specifically around handing over the case appropriately – in breach of policy. The officer provided written responses to the allegations. We also interviewed the officer under misconduct caution.

The officer admitted that they had failed to follow specific details of the policy, and therefore failed to fully investigate a medium-risk missing person. However, they did undertake actions and supervision to carry out a proportionate investigation. There was nothing to indicate that the woman’s death could have been prevented had the officer been more diligent in their duties. The officer outlined their knowledge of the policy during their interview and demonstrated they understood it. From the evidence available we did not consider this failure to follow policy was so serious as to justify disciplinary proceedings, nor did we identify any performance issues.

Based on the evidence available we therefore found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings, or had committed a criminal offence.

After reviewing our report Sussex Police agreed.

We concluded our investigation in April 2018. The inquest into the woman’s death took place at the end of 2017.