The Herbert Protocol
West Cumbria Search and Rescue (WCSAR), in partnership with Cumbria Constabulary and the Alzheimer’s society, supports the campaign aimed primarily at those that care for vulnerable people of all ages who, because of their vulnerability, may go missing. The Herbert Protocol initiative is named after George Herbert, a Second World War veteran of the Normandy landings, who lived with dementia and sadly died while he was ‘missing’ presumably on his way to his childhood home.
This initiative will ensure that you are well prepared for an unanticipated emergency. It is particularly relevant to those who care for friends and family at home and those who work with vulnerable people in various residential settings.
If you have any questions, inquiries, or if you’re ready to explore our services, don’t hesitate to reach out.
What Is the Herbert Protocol?
The Herbert Protocol is a pre‑completed information form that carers, family members, or individuals fill in before someone goes missing. It contains vital details that police need immediately at the start of a search, such as recent photographs, routines, favourite places, and medical information.
The protocol is primarily used to support:
People living with dementia or Alzheimer’s
Adults with memory loss or confusion
People experiencing mental health crises
Other vulnerable adults at risk of going missing
By having this information ready, police do not need to ask distressed families to recall details in an emergency, saving precious time in the earliest and most critical stages of a search.
How It Works
Why the Herbert Protocol Is So Important
Police forces across the UK report that people with dementia or mental health challenges are among the highest‑risk missing persons. Delays in gathering information can significantly increase risk.
The Herbert Protocol:
Enables faster search deployment
Improves decision‑making for search and rescue
Reduces distress for families and carers
Helps locate people before harm occurs
The protocol is named after George Herbert, a former war veteran with dementia who tragically died after going missing — a case that highlighted the urgent need for better early‑stage information sharing.
What Information Does the Herbert Protocol Collect?
The form typically includes:
Full name and preferred name
Recent photographs
Physical description
Medical conditions and medication
Daily routines and habits
Places the person may try to go
Past addresses, workplaces, or meaningful locations
Communication needs
Emergency contacts
This information is only used if the person is reported missing and is handled in line with data‑protection laws by the police.
Who Should Complete a Herbert Protocol?
You should consider completing a Herbert Protocol if:
You care for someone with diagnosed or suspected dementia
Someone has wandered or become lost before
A person shows signs of confusion, disorientation, or memory loss
A vulnerable adult lives alone or goes out independently
You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis to register.
👉 How to register:
1.Complete a Herbert Protocol form via our website, Cumbria police’s or partner organisations
2.Keep the form accessible at home
3.Provide it to police immediately if the person goes missing
Local dementia advisers or Age UK services can also help families complete the form correctly.
What Happens If Someone Goes Missing?
If a person goes missing:
Call 999 immediately — there is no waiting period
Tell the call handler a Herbert Protocol is available
Provide the completed form when requested
Police can then use the information to guide search and rescue teams.
A Simple Step That Saves Lives
Completing a Herbert Protocol does not mean something bad will happen — it means you are prepared.
For many families, it has meant:
Faster reunions
Reduced trauma
Greater peace of mind
Plan ahead. Fill it in once. Hope you never need it — but know it’s there if you do.
Download the PDF by clicking on the button below, once open please save the PDF and you will be able to digitally fill out the form.
