Recurring concern

Unreliable police search coordination and information

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First reported 15 Feb 2016•Latest report 8 Nov 2016

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures in dedicated police search arrangements for planning, tasking, mapping, recording, communicating, reviewing or re-tasking searches, including communication of search limitations, locations and findings between search teams, supervisors, Police Search Advisors and other responsible police functions.

Not included

Excludes the broader missing-person response where the material deficiency is classification, family notification, general escalation or locating a missing person rather than coordination of the police search itself.
Excludes failures specific to observed heat signatures when the assertion concerns only NPAS or heat-source management and does not support the wider police search-coordination condition.
Excludes generic police communication, record-keeping, IT or resource failures unless they directly impair coordination or safety-critical information within a police search.
Excludes the underlying terrain, search hazard or failure to locate a person when no deficiency in police search coordination or information is identified.

Reports: 2
Individual concerns: 4
Date range: 2016–2016
Stated actions: 5

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary1

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight1

West Midlands Police1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

8 Nov2016
Coventry
Concerns raised2
1. Failure to ensure the Police Search Advisor is aware of recommendations for a more thorough search
2. Failure to ensure the Police Search Advisor is aware of the cursory nature of a graveyard search
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 1
1. Action
  Refer the case to the National Missing Persons Operational Group to consider working with POLSA on amending search-coordination guidance.
  Stated by Christopher JohnsonStated planned
Respondent positions 2
1. Position
  The individual search decisions appeared reasonable, although a more comprehensive search strategy and recording process was needed.
  Stated by Christopher JohnsonDisputes the concern
1. Position
  The National Missing Persons Operational Group will consider amending guidance on coordinating, tasking and recording similar searches with POLSA involvement.
  Stated by Christopher JohnsonRedirects responsibility
AI-generated summary

Ozeilivo Andrew AKERELE · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Ozeilivo Andrew Akerele disappeared, and his body was found 15 months later in a disused graveyard close to the last confirmed sighting of him. The concerns relate to failures to search the area adequately and promptly, failure to follow up a recommendation for a more thorough search, and gaps in communication with the Police Search Advisor. The inquest concluded with a finding of misadventure.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to ensure the Police Search Advisor is aware of recommendations for a more thorough search
Wider context from the report
“(4)The Police Search Advisor was unaware of the recommendation for a more thorough search by ████████ ”
Source location
Ozeilivo Andrew AKERELE · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to ensure the Police Search Advisor is aware of the cursory nature of a graveyard search
Wider context from the report
“(5) The Police Search Advisor was unaware of the (cursory) nature of the search of the graveyard in February 2015 ”
Source location
Ozeilivo Andrew AKERELE · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Refer the case to the National Missing Persons Operational Group to consider working with POLSA on amending search-coordination guidance.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The case will now be referred to the National Missing Persons Operational Group to consider working with the Police Search Advisor (POLSA) to amend guidance around how a search is co-ordinated in similar cases; specifically providing clarity around the tasking of the search, what is being searched for and the accurate recording of search, completed with oversight by Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and POLSA.”

Source location
2017-0337-Response-by-West-Midland-Police
Page 2 · response
Published 2 December 2017
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
The individual search decisions appeared reasonable, although a more comprehensive search strategy and recording process was needed.

Verbatim wording from the response
“In relation to the searching, it does appear that a more comprehensive search strategy and updates could have been compiled, with absolute clarity around who had searched what area, to what extent and at what time. The individual decisions by ████████ and ████████ appear reasonable, but a more comprehensive effort would have ensured that the relevant information that ████████ had accessed the land that ████████ thought inaccessible, and the relative limitations of the search that ████████ had carried out, would have been more apparent at an earlier stage. It also appears that an earlier invitation to the POLSA may have assisted in the tasking and recording of searches at the earliest opportunity.”

Source location
2017-0337-Response-by-West-Midland-Police
Page 1 · response
Published 2 December 2017
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
The National Missing Persons Operational Group will consider amending guidance on coordinating, tasking and recording similar searches with POLSA involvement.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The case will now be referred to the National Missing Persons Operational Group to consider working with the Police Search Advisor (POLSA) to amend guidance around how a search is co-ordinated in similar cases; specifically providing clarity around the tasking of the search, what is being searched for and the accurate recording of search, completed with oversight by Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and POLSA.”

Source location
2017-0337-Response-by-West-Midland-Police
Page 2 · response
Published 2 December 2017
Open published response
15 Feb2016
Portsmouth and South East Hampshire
Concerns raised2
1. Failure to equip searchers with tracking devices
2. Unavailability of a stand-alone mapping system for police search advisers
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 4
1. Action
  Submit a business case proposing purchase of the MAPYEX system and explaining its intended use.
  Stated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley PoliceStated completed
2. Action
  Recommend purchase of the MAPYEX system for Assistant Chief Constable ratification.
  Stated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley PoliceStated completed
3. Action
  Consider a bid to purchase the recommended software or an equivalent system.
  Stated by Police & Crime CommissionerStated in progress
1. Action
  Revisit the software purchase matter to ensure the purchase occurs.
  Stated by Police & Crime CommissionerStated planned
AI-generated summary

James David Barrett · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

James David Barrett, who had Alzheimer's dementia, went missing from his home on 7 August 2015 and was found deceased on 13 August 2015. The concerns related to the effectiveness and speed of the missing-person search, including reliance on separate mapping arrangements and the lack of tracking devices for searchers.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to equip searchers with tracking devices
Wider context from the report
“I was also told that the search for Mr Barrett could have been more effective if searchers had been equipped with tracking devices which would allow search organisers to see precisely where searchers had looked for him. I should be grateful if Hampshire Police could consider obtaining there devices for use in missing persons searches. ”
Source location
James David Barrett · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 1 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Unavailability of a stand-alone mapping system for police search advisers
Wider context from the report
“If the mapping of the search for Mr Barrett had been completed on one mapping system, I believe the search for him could have been conducted more quickly and effectively. This could be done in future if the police search advisers had available to them a stand-alone mapping system rather than relying on a volunteer organisation to map out searches. I was told that a bid for such a mapping system by the police search team has been turned down by Hampshire Constabulary and I would ask that this decision be reviewed in the light of the circumstances of Mr Barrett's death. ”
Source location
James David Barrett · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 1 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Submit a business case proposing purchase of the MAPYEX system and explaining its intended use.

Verbatim wording from the response
“You have stated a duty to respond by the 11th April, 2016. I can confirm that a business case has been submitted by Sergeant Turner proposing the purchase of a MAPYEX system at £51,000 along with detail of how the system will be used to reach maximum benefits. On the 2nd March, 2016 I recommended the purchase for ratification to Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton.”

Source location
James-BARRETT-Response
Page 1 · response
Published 15 February 2016
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Recommend purchase of the MAPYEX system for Assistant Chief Constable ratification.

Verbatim wording from the response
“You have stated a duty to respond by the 11th April, 2016. I can confirm that a business case has been submitted by Sergeant Turner proposing the purchase of a MAPYEX system at £51,000 along with detail of how the system will be used to reach maximum benefits. On the 2nd March, 2016 I recommended the purchase for ratification to Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton.”

Source location
James-BARRETT-Response
Page 1 · response
Published 15 February 2016
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Consider a bid to purchase the recommended software or an equivalent system.

Verbatim wording from the response
“I am able to report that Hampshire Constabulary is currently considering a bid to purchase the software recommended, or an equivalent, and would like to offer my assurance that I will revisit this matter to ensure that this does occur.”

Source location
James-BARRETT-Response
Page 2 · response
Published 15 February 2016
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Revisit the software purchase matter to ensure the purchase occurs.

Verbatim wording from the response
“I am able to report that Hampshire Constabulary is currently considering a bid to purchase the software recommended, or an equivalent, and would like to offer my assurance that I will revisit this matter to ensure that this does occur.”

Source location
James-BARRETT-Response
Page 2 · response
Published 15 February 2016
Open published response

Data last updated 7 September 2026

What this concern includes

Not included

Reports over time

Concerns raised2

Failure to ensure the Police Search Advisor is aware of recommendations for a more thorough search

Failure to ensure the Police Search Advisor is aware of the cursory nature of a graveyard search

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1

Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2

Concerns raised2

Failure to equip searchers with tracking devices

Unavailability of a stand-alone mapping system for police search advisers

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4

Actions described in response 1

Respondent positions 2

Actions described in response 4