9/12 in our series on police MISPER searches
Fast and accurate dissemination of information is vital in missing person operations. But if the methods you use to plan and run searches haven’t kept up with the digital world in which we live, that can be hugely challenging. So what can you do?
Many PolSAs and IMPSAs—and senior officers too—have discovered Search-PRAS. Developed by Cunning Running, Search-PRAS is advanced software that brings together the best of the best in 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial assets, visualisation, data sets and procedural structure. And all in one integrated, time- and risk-reducing solution.
Fast-forward to optimised, connected search operations
Using Search-PRAS to replace slow and inefficient manual methods and disconnected tools and data sets means that PolSAs can now:
- Plan and map out precise search areas and tasks in minutes, not hours.
- Stay on top of the evolving search and replan rapidly, as required.
- Quickly generate status reports and contextual visualisations to support briefings to superiors and to the media.
- Generate timely and accurate context for dissemination to front line officers and other involved parties, for example via ResilienceDirect.
- Keep family and those closest to the missing person informed at every stage.
Less wasted time, more focused expertise
In a complex, time-pressured search operation, many organisations and people want, and need, information about what’s happening: search teams on the ground; relatives and associates of the missing person; the force’s full chain of command; local and national media.
What the Cunning Running team recognised in the development of Search-PRAS, was that all of these needs are different, yet all equally urgent.
Our mission with Search-PRAS is to ease the load on search professionals. In this way we enable them to focus on professional expertise and judgement rather than having to perform manual, repetitive tasks.
That principle applies to status updates, reports and briefings, just as it does to all the other areas in which Search-PRAS reduces the mechanical, time-consuming tasks traditionally involved in MISPER search planning and coordination.
Different information needs, one simple solution
To support this professionalism-first ethos, Search-PRAS provides a range of outputs that are tailored for various audiences.
- Search-PRAS users themselves can quickly get status summaries. These allow them to track the progression of the search operations, showing completion status of each individual search task and any relevant evidence found.
- Search teams receive search tasking packs with comprehensive instructions and background information, enabling them to quickly get to work on search tasks.
- Maps derived from analysis in Search-PRAS can be generated, showing a range of views of the search operation. These can be either graphics files suitable for inclusion in reports and briefings, or data files suitable for importing into other tools.
- Search-PRAS provides exports suitable for sharing via ResilienceDirect, the 24/7/365 live service that provides emergency responders with situational awareness, clear communications and informed decision making. Sharing Search-PRAS mapping data via ResilienceDirect helps maintain common situational awareness amongst all search operation participants.
Witness the Search-PRAS benefits for yourself
As we mentioned in our introduction to this 12-part series of articles, the “eureka moment” comes when PolSAs, IMPSAs and their superior officers see for themselves the time and efficiency gains possible with Search-PRAS. Indeed, attendees on a recent Search-PRAS introductory course experienced many such eureka moments during the two days:
“I’m mind blown” [by the system’s capability]
“It’s a lot quicker, isn’t it!”
“It’s the Yellow Book, just all in one place on a computer programme”
“It’s easy, isn’t it… that’s incredible”.
For information on our Search-PRAS courses or to arrange a Search-PRAS demo via Teams, email enquiries@cunningrunning.co.uk, call +44 (0)1794 834750 or connect with us on LinkedIn (see below).
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.
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
Article 4:
Focus use of resources on priority locations in missing person search operations
Article 5:
Audit of decision rationale in missing person searches—why it’s critical for all stakeholders
Article 6:
Leverage and enhance your use of existing geospatial assets in missing person searches
Article 7:
Stay on top of evolving missing person searches—and replan quickly
Article 8:
How to achieve rapid focus on the most likely areas, before the MISPER search area widens
