Actions in response to missing person report - Greater Manchester Police, June 2018

On 29 June 2018 Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a call reporting concerns for the welfare of a woman. She had failed to return to the hospital where she was a patient after going for a walk. The call came from the staff at the hospital, who advised that the woman was a voluntary resident at the mental health unit, was on medication for depression and that there were indications she may be having suicidal thoughts. Staff asked for officers from GMP to visit the woman’s home to see if she was there, and was safe and well.

Officers couldn’t find the woman at her home and a missing person investigation was launched. Officers were dispatched to take a full missing report from staff at the hospital, including more information about the woman and the circumstances surrounding her missing episode. The woman was deemed to be a ‘medium-risk’ missing person following an assessment by a divisional inspector.

GMP conducted enquiries in an attempt to locate the woman and the risk assessment was reviewed a number of times, remaining at ‘medium’ risk. The woman was found two days later by a family member in woodland just beyond the grounds of the hospital. Officers and medical staff from North West Ambulance Service attended. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation, our investigators examined incident reports, the missing person record and its action board, listened to the 999 phone calls and radio transmissions, and reviewed officers’ statements, pocket notebook entries and written accounts. They also reviewed local and national policies and procedures.

The evidence indicated that GMP conducted an active and proportionate missing person investigation, appropriate to the risk assessment. There was no evidence that the police may have caused or contributed to the woman’s death.

There was no evidence to indicate that GMP missed any opportunity to make direct contact with the woman during the period for which she was missing prior to her death.

Based on the evidence available we 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.

We concluded our investigation in November 2018, but waited until the inquest into the woman’s death had concluded in spring 2019 before publishing its outcome.