Health & Lifestyle | Posted on May 22nd, 2025 | return to news
Dorset scheme to protect vulnerable people
The Herbert Protocol will help people to remain independent and protect them if they get lost or go missing.
The importance of enabling people to remain independent despite their vulnerability is being addressed in a new animated video paid for by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Talking about the video, which is called The Herbert Protocol, the Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I’m delighted to be able to lend support in this way to a scheme, which has been helping people for over 16 years across the country. “We must all do what we can to help vulnerable people, including those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, to aid their independence and protect them if they get lost or go missing. I very much hope that this new video will raise awareness and encourage more care homes, support services and other organisations to utilise the scheme to the benefit of vulnerable people across the county.”
The scheme encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. Using the protocol, police resources can deploy to the locations where they have a higher probability of quickly finding the vulnerable person.
The Herbert Protocol form contains a list of information to help the police and other support services if the person goes missing, including medication required, mobile numbers, contact details of organisations and business the person visits, details of places previously located and a recent photograph.
Superintendent Claire Phillips said: “Dorset Police deals with missing people investigations every single day, and we are always looking for innovative ways to find people more quickly or prevent them from being reported missing in the first place. The Herbert protocol does both.
“While Dorset Police continue to support high-risk missing investigations involving vulnerable people, it would be better for the missing person to have a Herbert Protocol support plan. It can be a very confusing time for those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other brain injuries, and police involvement can cause further disorientation.
“If someone in your family is living with Alzheimer’s and or dementia and keeps getting lost or going missing, please watch this video and see if there is some preventative work you can do to support them.”
Carers and/or relatives and friends can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing individual. The form can be easily sent or handed to the police in the event of a loved one going missing, reducing the time to gather this information. The form should be completed as soon as possible.
The scheme is designed to help those caring for someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s, brain injuries or learning disabilities. It makes sure that in the event a person going missing the police can gain access to essential information promptly.
People can access the Herbert Protocol form and more information about the scheme at https://www.dorset.police.uk/notices/af/herbert-protocol/
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