From informing to co-producing: a comparative analysis of citizen participation in missing persons cold cases in England & Wales and the Netherlands using the citizen participation ladder model

This study critically compares the approaches currently applied in the Netherlands and England & Wales to engage members of the public in the search for long-term missing persons – the methodology employed semi-structured interviews with practitioners in each jurisdiction. Thematic analysis indicates challenges with police maintaining control of cases, and highlights accountability issues faced when involving the public in cases. The work argues that Kop’s“citizen participation ladder” model enables the police to limit the degree of control they are willing and able to relinquish. The paper concludes by recommending that being able to hold citizens accountable should be a prerequisite for citizen participation initiatives, which can be accomplished by adhering to these structures. Another recommendation is that the citizen participation ladder should be used as a guidance tool to explore future opportunities for public engagement. Still, caution is needed to ensure an accurate interpretation of the model.