Surrey Police Launches the Forcer Protocol

Published on: 5 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 6 Mar, 2026

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Chief Inspector Tom Renwick at the conference

Surrey Police has launched a scheme that will help police officers find vulnerable military personnel and veterans who have gone missing in the county.

Announced at the Surrey Armed Forces Covenant Conference, which took place at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright yesterday, the Forcer Protocol aims to ensure that police can respond quickly and effectively.

Superintendent Matt Barcraft-Barnes and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined campaigner Claire Lilly at the event to give a talk on the scheme.

Claire’s former husband, Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, took his life in 2020 after going missing. The dad-of-three, who served in Northern Ireland and Kosovo, suffered with complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Claire and her son, Josh, have campaigned tirelessly to bring the Forcer Protocol to police forces across the country. The scheme aims to ensure that no veteran is left without any necessary intervention in moments of crisis.

Forces personnel and veterans, as well as their family and friends, are invited to register with Safe and Found. The platform securely stores information that may help if that person goes missing.

Claire said: “Alan’s journey with the military began in Pirbright in 1996. As the founder of the Forcer Protocol, seeing its implementation within Surrey Police holds profound personal meaning for us as a family, and for the wider armed forces community.

“Today, I would like to acknowledge the officers involved in the protocol’s inception. Your professionalism, dedication and integrity have been fundamental in shaping its development. To those who will now carry it forward in practice, thank you for continuing this important work with such dedication to our community, care compassion and commitment.

“To honour the legacy of our Lance Corporal Alan Forcer, on behalf of our family and the wider community, means more than words can ever truly express. Your support ensures that his name, his values and his service continue to make a lasting difference.

“Here’s to Surrey Police and all the incredible work you do – we are deeply, deeply grateful.”

Superintendent Adam Smith who is the tactical lead for missing persons led the launch in Surrey Police with Acting Chief Inspector Tom Renwick.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame, the Force’s chief officer lead for missing persons, said: “I am so proud we have launched the Forcer Protocol in Surrey Police; the hard work of many now to establish the protocol will benefit many more people in our county in the future.

“The Forcer Protocol will aid us to quickly find those who are vulnerable and need of our help and support.

“Well done to all who have made this happen.”

Ellie, who has responsibility for veterans and forces personnel at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Preventing suicide and harm by finding vulnerable people who have gone missing as quickly as possible is the best thing for them, for their family and friends, for Surrey residents, and for our officers.

“Any tool that can assist with finding those in crisis is worth it. It means people like Claire and Josh won’t have to hear the worst news of their lives.

“It is fundamentally the right thing to do.”

Details and information are held confidentially by Safe and Found and will only be shared when a person is reported missing.

Those wishing to learn more or to sign up, register here.