Sussex Police launches new protocol to help protect vulnerable veterans
Sussex Police has adopted a new protocol designed to help officers quickly identify and support armed forces veterans, who may be at risk of harm.
The Forcer Protocol was launched on Friday, July 24, at the West Sussex Armed Forces Conference at County Hall in Horsham.
The initiative enables families and carers to share important information with police in advance, helping officers respond more quickly and effectively if a vulnerable veteran goes missing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Matt Barcraft-Barnes, armed forces lead for Surrey and Sussex Police, said: “We fully appreciate that transitioning from serving in the armed forces can be an overwhelming experience, which in some instances can be difficult to come to terms with and cause distress.
“The Forcer Protocol will aid us to quickly find and safeguard service veterans who are vulnerable if they go missing and need support.”
The protocol was established by Claire Lilly, former wife of Lance Corporal Alan James Forcer, a veteran who took his own life after going missing in 2020.
Alan had been struggling with PTSD, and his death highlighted gaps in support for vulnerable veterans which the protocol aims to address.
By allowing critical information to be shared with police in advance, the initiative is intended to help officers and partner organisations act swiftly during high-risk incidents and provide a more informed and compassionate response.
Claire said: “What started as a deeply personal mission following the tragic passing of our soldier L/Cpl Alan James Forcer, has grown into meaningful change and been an incredibly cathartic process. We are so incredibly proud to see this work becoming embedded within policing nationally.
“Seeing Sussex Police go live with this initiative means more to our family than words can fully express.
“This implementation has been built through genuine commitment, compassion, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with an armed forces history and their families.
“I want to personally thank everyone involved at Sussex Police for the hard work, dedication, and belief they have shown throughout this process. Their leadership sets an important example of how organisations can stand beside the armed forces community with action, not just words.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne also welcomed the launch.
She said: "Sussex has a proud history of supporting our armed forces community and adopting the Forcer Protocol is a significant step forward in reinforcing that commitment.
"This protocol ensures that veterans are identified early and supported appropriately, recognising that their experiences may shape the challenges they face.
"No single organisation can meet these needs alone, which is why joined up working is so vital."
Families and carers can learn more about the Forcer Protocol and sign up by registering with Safe and Found Online.
The introduction of the protocol in Sussex forms part of a wider commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising the unique needs of people who have served and helping to ensure they receive appropriate care and support.