101/24 Missing Persons

                                                         OFFICIAL

 

FOI Reference: 101/2024

 

Request 1 - 6:

 

1)         How many ‘open’ or ‘inactive’/ ‘cold’ missing persons cases are currently under your constabulary? (Inactive meaning at least 1 year old).

2)         What reasons are there as to why missing persons cases are still unsolved? i.e., funding, lack of resources, no new evidence, no body etc.

3)         Are there any policies and procedures that your constabulary uses specifically for ‘inactive’ missing persons cases? If yes, what are they?

4)         Which individuals are involved in the reviews of ‘inactive’ missing persons cases? I.e., Review Officer, Senior Investigating Officer, Crime Scene Manager, Forensic Scientist etc.

5)         Does your constabulary work closely with other organisations when reviewing ‘inactive’ missing persons cases? If so, which organisations? And what do they do to help?

6)         What charities does your constabulary have access to for inactive missing persons cases? If so, what charities? And what do these charities do to help aid a long-term missing person’s case review?

 

Response 1:

 

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

 

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Response 2:

 

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

 

• Missing at sea, no body found. Due to having two ferry ports and a large expanse of coastline, DPP have a number of these cases – have fallen overboard either by accident or suicide
• Partial body parts found but remain as “missing” in case of further body parts recovered. Missing either due to suspected suicide or accident. It is suspected that most of these cases have fallen into water
• Family fallout – where individuals have left following an argument and have never returned, don’t wish to be found
• One case of missing following a night out
• No reason known

 

 

 

Response 3:

 

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

 

Missing person investigations | College of Policing

 

Response 4:

 

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

 

A senior officer who has been trained as an SIO should review long-term cases (those open for 28 days or longer). Reviews should normally be completed at the latest after 28 days, three months, six months and 12 months, then annually thereafter. If significant information comes to light, this should trigger an immediate review. Consideration may also be given to cold case reviews of outstanding missing person cases.

 

Response 5:

 

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

 

UKMPU provide support and advice to police forces to resolve missing person cases and assist in the identification of bodies and remains. They also maintain a central national database of missing persons and unidentified cases. More information can be obtained from their website. Home | UK Missing Persons Unit

 

Response 6:

 

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

 

None specific for inactive missing persons cases.

 

                                                                                                           

 

It should be noted that as a result of the systems adopted by Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the recording of such information that the information released may or may not be accurate.

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 14/03/2024)