Outline of the key principles of management, investigation and recording of missing person's cases, including national and local resources that are available to assist in such enquiries.

Development and implementation of Search, Forensic and Media strategy specifically tailored to the needs of the missing person investigation.

Identification of vulnerable groups and application of investigative responses, specifically in relation to children and individuals suffering with mental illness.

Examination and analysis of the reasons why people become missing and the potential outcomes of such events.
Looking at specific case studies and group discussion in relation to high profile missing person's cases where key investigative learning was achieved.

Understand the requirements of the national system for circulating details of missing persons, including completion of nationally standardised Missing Person pro forma.

A 2,000 word essay surrounding missing persons investigations. Should incorporate key concepts outlined and discussed during module. Addressing learning outcomes 1-3

Contact hours for lectures/tutorials
13 x 2 hour lectures and workshops introducing the information and developing discussion regarding the course material. 12 x 1 hour tutorials examining selected cases in detail.

162 hours of Independent study.
Non-contact time will involve extensive reading of the course material with a view to developing knowledge from case studies and trial reports to prepare for the summative assignment.

1. Analyse why people go missing, and the key methods and techniques of the investigations of missing persons.

Knowledge and Understanding.

2. Explain the practical value and use of media during missing persons’ investigations.

Analysis, Application.

3. Explore multiagency, problem solving approaches in the development and implementation of investigative strategy when conducting a missing person investigation.

Application, Enquiry, Problem Solving.

Lecture room equipped for powerpoint and other presentations whiteboard and OHP. Tutorial room to allow group discussions. Module Handbook and suitably resourced library.

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). (2010). Guidance on the Management, Recording and Investigation of Missing Persons. Available at: http://library.college.police.uk/docs/npia/missing-persons-guidance-2010.pdf (Accessed: 7th January 2021).

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). Practice Advice on Search Management and Procedures 2006: Produced on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers by the National Centre for Policing Excellence. Available at: http://library.college.police.uk/docs/npia/search-management-practice-advice-2006.pdf (Accessed 7th January 2021).

Biehal, N., Mitchell, F. and Wade, J. (2003). Lost from view: Missing persons in the UK. Bristol: Policy Press.

College of Policing (2021). Major investigation and public protection: Missing person investigations. Available at: https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/major-investigation-and-public-protection/missing-persons/missing-person-investigations/ (Accessed 7th January 2021).

Fyfe, N.R., Stevenson, O. and Woolnough, P. (2015). ‘Missing persons: the processes and challenges of police investigation’. Policing and Society, 25(4), pp.409-425.

Gibb, G. and Woolnough, P. (2007). Missing persons: Understanding, planning, responding. Grampian Police, Aberdeen.

Greene, K.S. and Alys, L. (2016). Missing Persons: A handbook of research. New York: Taylor & Francis.

National Policing Improvement Agency (2009). Collection of Missing Persons Data: a code of practice for the Police Service on collecting and sharing data on missing persons with public authorities. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/collection-of-missing-persons-data-a-code-of-practice (Accessed 7th January 2021).

Rogers, C., (1986). Tracing missing persons: An introduction to agencies, methods, and sources in England and Wales. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

N/A

This is an optional module that provides a broad but integrated introduction to investigative methods used in the investigation of missing persons. It will enable students to have an understanding of the structure and techniques used during the course of such investigations.

It includes a series of weekly lectures and case studies and will provides an overview of the various strategies Police and other agencies use when planning and conducting enquiries to trace missing persons.

In addition to the above students are expected to add to the work undertaken in class by independent, directed study. They will also work in small groups, researching and then presenting the issues surrounding a study of a well-known missing persons case.

The lectures are starting points providing sound foundations for the module. In addition, students are expected to develop their knowledge and skills through independent study. They will be directed to appropriate independent directed study, via textbooks, web pages and handouts given out during the lectures or distributed via electronic media. Students are expected to prepare for the forthcoming lecture by pre reading material