Actions following a missing person’s report - Thames Valley Police, July 2016

In July 2016, a man was reported as missing by his partner to Thames Valley Police (TVP). A TVP officer was tasked with carrying out the initial enquiries, including a house search. The man was later found dead.

During the investigation, investigators interviewed the officer, obtained statements from several witnesses, and reviewed the case management systems.

There was no evidence that the officer tasked with the initial enquiries conducted the house search according to local and national guidance, as they did not note this anywhere.

The Investigator concluded that there was sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal could conclude that the officer had a case to answer for misconduct.

After reviewing our report TVP agreed to hold a misconduct meeting for the officer. At the meeting misconduct was not found for the officer and no further action taken.