Missing Person Definition
Primarily it means that officers will be able to focus more on safeguarding those people who are most vulnerable and at risk of harm, but it also ensures there is a consistency in police response across the UK, as well as a reduction in bureaucracy.
"Although the police may be the first point of contact when a person goes missing, we work closely with our partner agencies to ensure that the best service is provided to those who are most in need. Just this week in Gwent we launched Breaking the Cycle, a Missing Children Project, which brings together police, social workers, health and education representatives in one multi-agency hub. These experts will work together in a co-ordinated way to share information and risk assess children from the very first time that they go missing.
"I really believe that this new way of working will have a positive impact in Gwent, and alongside the new national missing person definition, will only assist our officers in identifying and directing resources towards those cases where missing persons are most at risk of harm."
You can read more about the Breaking the Cycle project by following the links below: