A NUMBER of specially trained officers have been brought in to help Dorset Police’s missing person investigations.

DorSAR (Dorset Search and Rescue), Dorset Search Dogs and HM Coastguard were among the organisations to support the latest lost person search managers (LPSM) course.

The newly trained LPSM officers will strengthen Dorset’s response to missing people investigations.

Superintendent Heather Dixey, of Dorset Police, said: “We would like to thank all the volunteer organisations and partner agencies for the support they have shown for the latest LPSM course.

“This has helped us to increase the number of specially trained officers in the Force to lead on missing person investigations and the experience has also helped strengthen our multi-agency approach to what can be complex investigations.

“Missing person investigations often involve vulnerable people at a time of crisis and this work demonstrates our commitment to ensuring we follow the best possible practice and make maximum use of the fantastic volunteer and partner agency resources that are available in Dorset.”

DorSAR’s search lead Trevor Antell said: “It is valuable to have the opportunity to work with the trainee LPSMs and provide them with the knowledge of what they can expect from us when we are called upon to assist in the search for a vulnerable missing person.

"It also allows our team and the LPSMs to get to know each other in a training environment, which in turn aids the smooth operation when it matters.”