Nottinghamshire Police Missing Persons Team Cracks More Than 90% of Cases in 24 Hours
Daily Drama: More Than a Dozen Going Missing Every Day
The Missing Persons Team at Nottinghamshire Police HQ tackles over a dozen missing person reports daily. They track down more than 90% of these vulnerable individuals within 24 hours. But when cases are tougher, the team takes to social media for help.
Social Media Saves Lives
In the past year, the team has posted almost daily appeals online. These posts have helped find people at risk of exploitation, elderly dementia sufferers, and those in danger of suicide.
“Some of the people we deal with really are at the lowest and most traumatic point in their lives,” said Chief Inspector James Walker, head of the missing person team. “Our priority is to keep them safe from harm.”
Public Help Crucial in Tough Cases
Walker explained that public response multiplies their eyes and ears. “On numerous occasions this year, members of the public have helped us safeguard children at immediate risk of sexual exploitation,” he revealed.
One case saw a missing girl found miles away thanks to a Facebook post shared by another police force. This led to an arrest, a breakthrough that simply wouldn’t have happened without public help.
“I want everyone to know just how impactful sharing our posts can be,” Walker added. “A huge thank you to everyone who has responded to our appeals this year.”
High Demand, Tough Work
- Team includes police officers and civilian staff.
- Works with local agencies to protect frequent missing persons and those at exploitation risk.
- Handled over 5,600 missing person referrals last year—a rise as demand bounces back post-Covid.
- Each case assessed for vulnerability, resources allocated accordingly.
Nottinghamshire’s Missing Persons Team proves that community action can be lifesaving. Keep sharing, keep caring.
