The Herbert Protocol is a well-established initiative that helps support vulnerable persons who are living with dementia or memory loss. The initiative is already used in some Divisions across Police Scotland as well as the wider UK.
On 1st September 2021 Ayrshire Division is launching the Herbert Protocol. The protocol encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful personal information that they should store in a safe place that would help the police in the event they report their loved one missing. This information includes contact numbers, medications needed, locations that may be familiar and memorable for the person as well as a recent photograph. Remembering all sorts of information at times like this can be very distressing for those involved and when being asked by a police officer, adds to the stress and upset caused. The information contained within these forms aims to relieve some of that stress.
The form can be easily sent or handed to the police in the event of a loved one going missing, reducing the time to gather this information. The form should be completed as soon as possible and when family are either given a diagnosis of dementia or they suspect the person is living with dementia or a similar memory loss illness.
The Herbert Protocol initiative is named after George Herbert, a War veteran of the Normandy landings, who had dementia and sadly died while he was ‘missing’ on his way to his childhood home.
Families/Carers can access the form via:- https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/missing-persons/the-herbert-protocol/
Kilwinning Locality Partnership Meeting Papers – 2 September 2021