HL Deb 12 February 1987 vol 484 cc849-50WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether when adults are reported missing, there is a standard inquiry procedure adopted by all police authorities to ensure that suspicious circumstances come to light quickly; and

What arrangements exist for the exchange of information on missing persons between the various police forces; whether photographs and personal details are circulated; and whether there is a central repository of such information to which all police forces are required to report cases; and

Whether the records of persons missing in circumstances which give rise to fears about their safety are regularly reviewed; and whether the discovery of an unidentified body in any part of the country leads to an automatic and comprehensive check of the records of all such persons; and

Whether, given that a proportion of the adults who have remained untraced for long periods are likely to have been abducted or murdered, they are satisfied that the procedures presently adopted are effective.

The Earl of Caithness

These arrangements are operational matters for the police. I understand that, when an adult is reported missing, details are recorded on a standard form so that all relevant information may be recorded. Details of vulnerable persons, such as children or those suffering from mental illness, are circulated within the police force concerned and to forces in whose area the person might be. In particularly serious cases details are circulated nationwide immediately. Information is also sent to a central index, placed on the Police National Computer and may be circulated in thePolice Gazette. The information may include a photograph or, in the case of computer-held information, a brief description of the person reported missing. I understand that the records of persons missing in circumstances which give rise to fears about their safety are regularly reviewed and updated. Details of unidentified bodies are circulated nationally and the Police National Computer records checked. Chief Officers of Police are concerned to ensure that their procedures in these cases are as effective as possible.