The Herbert Protocol: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Updated: February 10, 2026

What is the Herbert Protocol?

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme used by police forces across the UK to help find people with dementia if they go missing. It is essentially a detailed information bank that you prepare in advance.

If your loved one goes missing, the first few minutes are critical, but they are also the moments when you are most likely to be in shock. The protocol ensures that you don't have to rely on your memory during a crisis. Instead, you hand over a pre-filled form that gives the police everything they need to start a targeted search immediately.

Who was George Herbert?

The initiative is named after George Herbert, a veteran of the Normandy landings who lived with dementia in a care home in Norfolk. George was a man who "fought for our freedom," but as his dementia progressed, he often tried to find his own version of freedom by leaving his care home to return to his childhood home.

Tragically, George died in 2011 while he was "missing." His story led the Norfolk Constabulary to realize that the police needed a better, faster way to gather information about a person’s past and habits. They developed this protocol so that other families wouldn't have to face the same tragedy. George’s legacy is now a tool that helps thousands of people stay safe every year.

Table of Contents

• Preparation: Gathering the Right Information How to map out their "internal compass" and past history.

• Storage: Keeping it Accessible Where to keep the form so it’s ready in seconds.

• Action: What to do if they go missing The immediate steps to take with the police.

Preparation: Gathering the Right Information

The goal of the Herbert Protocol is to provide a complete picture of your loved one that goes far beyond a basic description. When you sit down to fill this out, try to think of it as a "missing person's briefing" created in a moment of calm so that it can speak for you when you are too distressed to think clearly.

The Power of a Proper Photograph

A photo is the most vital tool the police have, but it needs to be the right one. Avoid "special occasion" photos where they might be wearing a suit or makeup they don't usually wear. You need a clear, high-resolution image of them as they look today. If your loved one has a favorite coat, a specific hat, or a bright scarf they wear every time they leave the house, try to get a photo of them in those items. It is much easier for a member of the public to spot a "bright red beret" than a "70-year-old woman." If their appearance changes—perhaps they lose weight or change their hair—make it a priority to take a new photo immediately.

Mapping Their "Internal Compass"

One of the most common traits of dementia is "walking with purpose." Your loved one isn't just wandering; in their mind, they are often going somewhere specific, like their childhood home, a workplace they retired from twenty years ago, or a shop that closed down a decade ago.

When filling out the form, don't just list their current local shops. Think back through their history. List the addresses of previous homes, the names of old schools, or the locations of cemeteries where their parents might be buried. If they lived in a different town forty years ago, include that. The police need to know where your loved one’s "internal compass" might be pointing them, as they may have boarded a bus or train to get to a place that only exists in their memory.

Beyond Medical Labels

While the form asks for medication and a diagnosis, the "Life History" and "Habits" sections are where you can provide the most help. If your loved one is approached by a stranger or a police officer, how will they react?

• Communication Habits: If they are hard of hearing, they might seem confused or dismissive when they are actually just unable to hear the officer. If they have a "pet name" or a nickname they’ve used for fifty years, noting that down allows an officer to build an immediate, calming rapport.

• Routine Triggers: Do they always go to the newsagents at 9:00 AM? Do they have a habit of sitting on a particular bench in the park? These small, daily anchors are often the first places a search team will check.

• Specific Fears: If they are terrified of dogs or become agitated by loud noises, knowing this prevents the police from inadvertently making the situation worse during the recovery.

The Urgent Essentials

Finally, ensure you have an up-to-date list of their medications and any physical health issues, such as diabetes or a heart condition. In a missing person case, the "risk level" is often determined by how long someone can safely go without their medication. Being precise here—listing the dosage and what happens if a dose is missed—helps the police understand the exact window of time they have to work with.

Storage: Keeping it Accessible

Once you have gathered all of this vital information and completed the form, the most important thing is that the document stays where it can be found in a heartbeat. The Herbert Protocol is only effective if it can be handed to a police officer within seconds of you realizing your loved one is missing.

Where to Keep the Physical Form

A very practical approach used by many families is to keep a physical copy in a prominent, consistent location within the home.

• The Kitchen Rule: A clear folder attached to the side of the refrigerator or kept in a specific "emergency" drawer in the kitchen is often the best choice. Emergency services are trained to look in these common areas first.

• The Grab Bag: If you have a bag prepared for unexpected hospital visits, keep a duplicate copy in there.

• Visibility: Ensure that anyone—whether it’s you, a neighbor, or a professional carer—knows exactly where it is so they can put their hands on it immediately without having to hunt through filing cabinets or bookshelves.

Digital Accessibility and Sharing

In our digital age, it is equally important to have a backup on your phone so you are prepared even when you are away from the house.

• Phone Sync: Take a clear photo of each page or keep a digital PDF in a "Favorites" folder on your smartphone. If you are at work when you get the call, you can email it to the police instantly.

• Circle of Support: Share this digital copy with other family members or close neighbors. If everyone in your "support circle" has a copy, the safety net works even if you aren't physically present.

The Six-Month Review

A person’s appearance, health, and habits can change significantly over a short period. The protocol is a living document, not a "one and done" task.

• Routine Check-ins: Set a recurring reminder on your calendar every six months to review the details. Check if their medication has changed or if they have developed a new habit, like visiting a different coffee shop or taking a new walking route.

• The Fresh Photo: Most importantly, check the photograph. If they have lost weight or changed their hair color, take a new photo immediately so the police have an accurate image to work with.

Action: What to do if they go missing

If you discover that your loved one is missing, the very first thing to do is a quick, thorough search of the house and garden. If they aren't there, you must call 999 immediately. Do not wait; when dementia is involved, the police treat the situation as a high-priority "missing person at risk" case.

Handing Over the Protocol

As soon as the police arrive or when you are on the phone with the operator, tell them clearly: "I have a Herbert Protocol ready." This phrase signals to the officers that they don't need to spend the next hour asking you basic questions while you're in distress.

• The Immediate Handover: Provide the physical form or email the digital copy you’ve saved on your phone. This gives the police the "Life Geography"—the old workplaces and childhood homes—meaning they can dispatch officers to those specific locations while they are still talking to you.

• The Last Known Point: Tell the police exactly when and where you last saw your loved one, and what they were wearing. If it differs from the photo in your protocol, try to be as specific as possible about colors and fabrics.

The Police Search

Once they have the protocol, the police will use the information to categorize the risk. Because you have already documented their medication needs and physical health, the police can justify using more resources, such as search dogs or helicopters, much earlier in the process.

• Local Coordination: The police may contact local bus and taxi companies using the physical description and the "transit habits" you provided in the form.

• The Recovery: When your loved one is found, the "Communication" section of your protocol becomes vital. It tells the officers how to approach them, what name to use, and how to keep them calm during the journey home.

After they are Home

Once the crisis has passed and your loved one is safe, it is tempting to just want to forget the whole ordeal. However, this is the most important time to look at the Herbert Protocol again. Think about where they were found and why they might have gone there. If it was a new location, add it to the form immediately to ensure the next search is even faster and more accurate.

Preparation Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow

Filling out the Herbert Protocol may feel like a daunting task, but it is one of the most practical acts of love you can perform. By documenting these details now, you are giving your loved one a "silent voice"—a way for their history, habits, and personality to guide them back to safety when they cannot find the way themselves.

George Herbert’s story began with a tragedy, but his legacy lives on in the thousands of families who now have a plan in place. Taking an hour today to gather your photos and notes is a small investment that offers an invaluable return: the knowledge that if the worst happens, you aren't alone, and you are ready.