Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has located more than 450 missing military veterans using a pioneering safety initiative ahead of Armed Forces Day.
The approach is helping officers find vulnerable people faster and connect them to long-term support.
Since piloting the Forcer Protocol in November 2023, GMP has transformed the way officers respond to missing veterans – finding them up to 8% faster than the national average – while linking them to vital, long-term support.
Many veterans face significant challenges when returning to civilian life, including PTSD, anxiety, and social isolation; factors that can increase the risk of going missing and requiring police intervention.
The Forcer Protocol allows officers to access pre-registered information about vulnerable veterans, enabling faster, more informed responses in moments of crisis.
Of the veterans located through the initiative, 35% have engaged with specialist support services, ensuring they receive help beyond the initial police response.
The system is powered by the Safe and Found Online platform, which allows veterans or their families (with consent) to register key details that may prove critical in an emergency.
The protocol is now being rolled out nationally by the National Police Chiefs’ Council. So far, 25 police forces have adopted the platform, with a further eight including Police Scotland, West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, due to go live this summer, bringing coverage to 76% of UK forces.
Once the missing person is located, a subsequent referral will be completed to Op Nova, a specialist charity providing practical and emotional support. Op Nova is delivered by the Forces Employment Charity which provides support for veterans who may be feeling detached and in between military and civilian worlds.
To find out more about Op Nova, please visit the website here: www.forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/
Inspector Nick White, who left the Armed Forces due to injury, now leads veterans’ support for GMP’s Bolton Division.
He said: “I know how difficult it can be leaving the Armed Forces, especially when injury or mental health challenges are involved. For many veterans, the toughest battles begin after service. That’s why it’s so important they feel understood and supported.”
Insp White works closely with local charities, including the Darren Deady Foundation and the Reeva Programme CIC, which trains assistance dogs to support veterans living with PTSD.
The Forcer Protocol was created by Claire Lilly following the death of her ex-husband and veteran Alan Forcer and it aims to prevent similar tragedies through better information-sharing and intervention.
Alongside emergency response, local organisations play a key role in recovery. The Darren Deady Foundation is preparing to open a new centre in Bolton, providing a dedicated space for rehabilitation, practical support, and community connection.
Veterans or their families can register details with Safe and Found Online to assist police in emergencies. Information is used solely for locating individuals if they go missing.
Insp White added: “This is about making sure those who have served their country are not left to struggle alone. By working together, we can ensure veterans are supported, understood, and kept safe.”
