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.

Consider the role of partners (third sector) in supporting missing people investigations.

Identification and risk assessment 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.

1. You will have the option to prepare either:

An essay surrounding analysis of an approved/listed case study of a missing person investigation. This should incorporate key concepts outlined and discussed during the module, examining a missing person case study highlighting effective use of a written presentation detailing what happened, examining the effectiveness of investigation methods used, including use of media and drawing any subsequent review of the case for future learning.

Or

A poster presentation. You will produce an academic poster outlining a missing person investigation case study, chosen from an approved list. The poster and discussion of its content will cover you detailing what happened, examining the effectiveness of investigation methods used, including use of media and drawing any subsequent review of the case for future learning.

2. In a small group produce a digital press release conveying information about a missing person. You will be given details about the person and circumstances of their disappearance and as a group, you will need to decide what information is appropriate to share. You may use a range of digital media and technologies within your press release.

Sessions will include lectures, workshop activities, discussions, groupwork, drop-in support sessions which will be delivered by various lecturers of the course of the module.
Lectures will be led by the lecturer (and guest speaker where possible) and will be used to deliver key concepts and learning within the module content. During these sessions, there will be interactive elements such as knowledge checks, short discussions, you will be asked for your thoughts or viewpoint and opportunities to ask questions to the lecturer will be given.

Tutorial sessions will be based around student centred learning, group discussions and case study exploration to aide students learning on the module.

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.

During the course of the module, you will explore different case studies during group and individual tasks which will help support you in understanding how to identify relevant and key information for the case and explore the investigation methods used to support you in completing this for your own case study based assessment. You will also have the opportunity to submit an extract of your assignment for feedback prior to the summative assessment deadline.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of why people go missing.

Knowledge & understanding.

2. Explain to professional audiences a missing persons case and the practical value and use of media during missing persons investigations.

Communication

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

Application & Problem Solving.

4. Demonstrate basic critical reasoning, digital literacy, and collaborative skills when researching and communicating information relevant to missing persons investigations.

Digital literacy; Critical reasoning and collaboration

Huttunen, L. (2025) Missing Persons, Political Landscapes and Cultural Practices: Violent Absences, Haunting Presences. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

College of Policing (2024). 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/

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.

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

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire (2023) Independent external review of Lancashire Constabulary’s operational response to reported missing person Nicola Bulley, November 2023. College of Policing. Available at: https://assets.college.police.uk/s3fs-public/2023-11/Nicola-Bulley-independent-external-review.pdf

Do you want to understand the reasons why people go missing, how the Police investigate them to try and find them and why so many cases are reported on by the media? In this module you will understand the how the Police respond and assess missing persons cases and what investigative practices are used to locate missing people. You will also develop an understanding of why cases go wrong and the link to homicide investigations. We will draw on real life problems and scenarios to apply your learning in a realistic way so that you will be equipped in future employment, to understand the multi-faceted and complex nature of these investigations.