4/12 in our series on police MISPER searches.
When someone goes missing, where do you search and how widely do you cast the net? In the absence of a better solution, a simple search radius is very often the starting point. However, this can only ever be a crude assessment. There has to be a better way—and that’s what we explore in this article.
Of course, the extent of the search area has a major knock-on effect. It impacts another key factor: resources.
A data-driven rationale for resourcing
The critical issue of resourcing for missing persons searches is a topic we cover on our Search courses. We ask key questions that will be familiar to PolSAs, IMPSAs and others involved in setting up and coordinating missing person searches:
- How many staff do you need to search an area, as against how many staff you are given?
- How many times do you have to make do with what you are given, when your professional instincts tell you it’s not enough?
And critically…
- Using current tools and methods, are you able to provide a solid, reasoned rationale (i.e. not just instinct) to push back and request the resources necessary for a given search? The answer is invariably “No”.
We then demonstrate how the answer to that last question can always be “Yes”.
An integrated digital solution for precise search planning
Our Search-PRAS (Search Position Ranking & Analysis System) solution gives you a precise, advanced tool with which to plan the search operation and to quickly arrive at the created with automatic reference to iFind and Grampian data and easy selection of specific feature types such as bodies of water and woodland, for example. Then it allows you to factor in variables such as the average walking speed for your search officers and searcher spacing, which will depend on terrain, ground cover, visibility and weather. All of these will impact search time.
Using this data and then factoring in different numbers of search officers, you rapidly arrive at your projected search time for a given search area. For example, 2 officers = 5 hours; 4 officers = 2.5 hours and so on.
A solid ‘search case’ for allocating the required resources
At this stage the Search-PRAS user, such as a PolSA, is equipped with the basis for a data-driven ‘search case’—not just a guesstimate—for requesting more staff. It also gives the senior officer—the person responsible for resource decisions—an accurate, reasoned case for allocating more staff.
The proposed search plan also goes beyond a reliance on local knowledge alone. Search-PRAS can instantly highlight all play spaces that a young child might be drawn to, for example, in the defined search areas, not just those in the child’s local park.
But that’s only the start of what the Search-PRAS solution can do in refining search areas and resources for missing person search operations.
Searches are resource-intensive, so focusing resources and attention on areas where the missing person is most likely to be found is essential.
Focusing in on priority search locations
Again, capabilities within the Search-PRAS software can ensure that the search is focused on priority locations and that available resources are put to best possible use.
As stated earlier in this series, Search-PRAS brings together the best of the best and integrates it all seamlessly. In one specialised, integrated, go-anywhere solution you get 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial assets, visualisation, data sets and procedural structure.
iFind and Grampian databases use historical information to suggest most likely search criteria, based on the particular characteristics of the missing person: age, sex, physical and mental state etc. And because Search-PRAS integrates these databases, their data-driven guidance is easily and quickly available as part of a single, digital search planning process.
Those managing the search operation also need to comprehensively brief search resources—to tell the actual searchers quickly and precisely what they need to do, and also what actions to take on ‘a find’. This information can all be added simply and in seconds to task sheets generated by the Search-PRAS software.
Quick, easy adjustments as the search evolves
Another key consideration can be how far the missing person could have travelled from the ‘place-last-seen’. Search-PRAS integrates travel time analysis tools that allow assessment of which points can be reached by vehicle or on foot, so a much more refined and informed answer is possible. That answer can complement the search radius method because, if it is found that the missing person did not travel along a particular route, that route can be blocked and search areas quickly recalculated by the Search-PRAS software.
Also, manual methods are not only time-consuming for the PolSA at the planning stage of the search. Consider what happens if the place-last-seen changes. With manual methods, search area definition has to start all over again. But with Search-PRAS it’s quick and easy to change the place-last-seen and adjust the other criteria (average walking speed of searchers, search area terrain etc) accordingly.
In short, the Search-PRAS software enables focused use of resources on priority search locations—and with a level of precision, focus, coordination and control that can dramatically reduce search timelines and risk.
Arrange a remote demo now
Empower your force’s search professionals to use their skills to greatest effect and make the most efficient use of resources. Call +44 (0)1794 834750 or email enquiries@cunningrunning.co.uk now for an initial chat and to arrange a Search-PRAS demo via a Teams call with one of our search software specialists.
Stay on top of the developing search story…
The above article is one of an extended series of articles on search challenges and issues for police forces.
In our next article in the series we look at a closely related topic: the importance of an audit of decision rationale and the issue of accountability in missing person searches.
To receive notification when each article goes live, please follow the Cunning Running company page on LinkedIn, or the LinkedIn pages of Stephen Mallon or Phil Cowell.
Previous articles in this missing persons search series:
Missing persons search in the digital age: ready for your ‘Eureka moment’?
Article 1:
Ensure the excellence of your force’s search capability
Article 2:
Rapidly plan optimised searches in the office, then execute with maximum efficiency in the field
Article 3:
Compress critical timelines in missing person search operations
