Dr Russell Wate QPM
Locate International is proud to welcome Dr Russell Wate QPM as a Patron — a distinguished former detective whose life’s work has been shaped by an unrelenting pursuit of justice, a deep compassion for victims and their families, and a lifelong commitment to public service.
With decades of experience in policing, Russell is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in the investigation of child deaths. His impressive career has included leading major crime investigations across the UK, including homicide, international kidnapping, large-scale paedophile networks, and cases of historic abuse. Among his many contributions to policing, he served as the national lead for child death investigations for six years and played a central role in one of the most high-profile cases in UK history—the investigation into the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.
For Russell, the most defining moments of his career have always revolved around securing justice for the vulnerable. Whether it was achieving convictions against child abusers, or bringing justice to women victimised by a serial rapist, his determination has left a lasting impact. He was also a key contributor to the development of national policy around child death investigations, including work with the Baroness Kennedy Working Group — a legacy that continues to influence best practices today.
His decision to become a Patron of Locate International was, in his words, an easy one. “When I was approached by CEO Mark Greenhalgh, I was delighted to be involved. The charity is an incredible one with incredible volunteers — it’s more my privilege to be a part of it than the charity to have me involved.”
Russell's alignment with Locate International's mission is natural. His belief in never giving up on a case — no matter how many years have passed — echoes the organisation’s ethos. Throughout his career and even in retirement, he has trained detectives in the art of reviewing cold cases and continues to champion investigative rigour, empathy, and justice.
He brings not only his voice and endorsement to Locate International but also his vast experience — supporting investigations, mentoring volunteers, and helping bring clarity to complex, long-forgotten cases, especially those involving unidentified individuals.
He recognises the modern challenges involved in solving cold cases, including limited information sharing between agencies, public mistrust, and financial constraints. Yet, he remains optimistic, seeing the digital footprints we all leave today as valuable tools for future investigators.
In addition to his professional achievements, Russell has recently turned his hand to crime writing. His novels, including Greed is a Powerful Motive and Missing but Not Lost, draw heavily on his real-life investigative experiences. His fictional detective, DCI Sandy McFarlane, embodies many of the values Russell holds dear: tenacity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to justice. “The passion he has for victims and their families could be seen as a weakness — but I disagree. It’s his main strength. And it’s surely Locate International’s strength too.”
As both an accomplished investigator and a compelling storyteller, Russell Wate brings a unique and invaluable perspective to Locate International. His insight, credibility, and continued passion for justice serve as a powerful force in support of the charity’s mission to bring resolution to the unresolved — no matter how much time has passed.