Public Engagement: The Power of People Taking Action
At Locate International, our work does not happen in isolation.
It is strengthened - and often accelerated - by members of the public, families, volunteers, and policing partners who choose to take action.
In 2025, public engagement played a critical role in driving our investigative work forward.
119 Tips and Ideas from the Public
Last year, 119 members of the public contacted us with tips or ideas relating specifically to missing or unidentified people.
Every submission is carefully reviewed. While not all tips result in direct case progression, many provide fresh perspectives, overlooked details, or new lines of enquiry that can be explored.
Public awareness saves time. Public insight can save years.
309 Volunteer Applications
We received 309 volunteer applications in 2025 alone.
This extraordinary response reflects growing awareness of our work and a shared determination to ensure missing people are not forgotten. Each application represents someone willing to give their time and skills to support investigations and case review.
As a fully volunteer-led organisation, this continued interest strengthens our ability to expand responsibly and sustainably.
65 Direct Family Referrals
In 2025, 65 families referred their cases to us directly via our website.
For many, reaching out is a significant step. It reflects trust - and often comes after months or years of uncertainty.
We recognise the responsibility that comes with that trust. Each referral is reviewed with care, sensitivity, and professionalism.
Police Referrals and National Partnership
We also received over 15 police referrals this year, despite the national police referral agreement only going live in late October.
This early engagement demonstrates growing recognition of the role independent review and specialist case analysis can play in supporting investigations.
Collaboration matters. When agencies, charities, volunteers, and the public work together, the chances of progress increase.
A Collective Effort
Public engagement is not simply about numbers - though the numbers are significant.
It represents:
People refusing to ignore a case
Families seeking answers
Professionals choosing collaboration
Individuals offering time, expertise, and ideas
In 2025, the public stepped forward.
And every contact, referral, and application strengthens our mission to ensure no missing person is overlooked.