Lost Child / Missing Vulnerable Person (Open Processions & Events)

Purpose

To provide a proportionate and risk-based response to reports of missing children or vulnerable persons during open processions or events where there is no defined or secure perimeter.

Unlike enclosed venues, the potential search area expands rapidly over time. Decisions regarding police notification should therefore be based on dynamic risk assessment rather than fixed time periods.

Stage 1 — Initial Response

Upon receiving a report of a missing child or vulnerable person:

• Remain calm and reassure the reporting person.
• Inform the Team Leader immediately.
• Allocate one operative to remain with the reporting party at all times.
• Obtain and circulate:
  • Name
  • Age
  • Physical description
  • Clothing
  • Recent photograph (where available)
  • Last known location
  • Time last seen
  • Direction of travel (if known)
  • Medical conditions
  • Additional vulnerabilities
  • Circumstances surrounding the disappearance

The reporting operative should remain with the reporting person throughout the incident to:

• Maintain effective communication
• Obtain further information if recalled
• Relay updates quickly to searching operatives
• Provide reassurance and support

Stage 2 — Dynamic Risk Assessment

The Team Leader should immediately assess whether any of the following apply:

Continuous adult supervision required