How Locate International Works With Police and Families to Solve Cold Cases
Understanding Locate International’s Role in Cold Case Investigations
At Locate International, we believe every missing person deserves to be found and every unidentified individual deserves a name. As we’ve grown over the years, our role in supporting police, coroners and families has evolved, and with it, our approach to investigations.
But how do we decide which cases we take on? And what gives us the locus – or legal and ethical position – to get involved?
Here’s a breakdown of how and why Locate International now works with the authorities and families to help solve some of the UK’s most difficult cold cases.
From Independent to Invited: A Shift in Our Role
In the early days, Locate International began by investigating publicly available cold cases, acting independently to review cases of missing people or unidentified remains. As our work gained recognition, families began approaching us directly, seeking help when they felt they’d exhausted all other avenues.
Today, thanks to the professionalism and dedication of our volunteer investigators, we’re proud to say that Locate International is now regularly invited to assist by:
Police forces
Coroners
Government agencies
International law enforcement bodies
This means our role is no longer one of outside observation, but one of trusted collaboration.
When We Get Involved and Why
We now take on cases through three main routes:
Police or Coroner Referrals
We work closely with UK police and coroner services to provide investigative support. When we’re invited in, we become part of the official investigative process, working under agreed frameworks and data-sharing agreements.Family-Initiated Requests
If a family reaches out directly, we assess the case carefully. Sometimes, it’s because police have declined to investigate, or the family is in dispute with authorities. In these cases, we perform due diligence and, where possible, consult with the relevant agencies before proceeding, ensuring our involvement helps, rather than hinders.International Collaboration
Missing persons cross borders. We’re also increasingly invited to help with cases from other countries, where local authorities seek outside support. As with domestic cases, we assess each situation carefully and ensure we operate in line with local laws and ethics.
What Happens If We Discover New Evidence
In some cases, our work uncovers new leads, including evidence of potential criminal activity. When this happens, our existing protocols ensure we report findings to the police, respecting legal responsibilities and maintaining trust with all parties involved.
Why This Matters
Our work now sits in a unique and valuable space. We’re not operating in isolation, but formally engaged by authorities and families who trust our expertise. This partnership model strengthens our ability to deliver justice and closure in even the most complex of cases.
We believe this approach should be shared transparently with the public and all stakeholders, and we’ll soon be publishing a position statement outlining our mission, values and ethical framework.
If You’re a Family, Professional or Potential Partner, Here’s What You Need to Know:
You can refer a case to Locate International, and we will assess it carefully
We work with police, coroners and public bodies to support long-term investigations
We operate ethically, legally and with the utmost respect for those affected
We are here to help, but only where it’s right to do so
Together, we can bring answers to the families still searching, and names to the unidentified.