‘Intersecting paths’: Overlapping characteristics of ‘wanted’ individuals and missing persons populations in the UK

This novel study examines the group of individuals who are simultaneously ‘wanted’ by police and reported as missing persons, a dual status that presents unique operational and safeguarding challenges. This exploratory study aims to (1) examine the demographic characteristics of individuals who are reported as ‘wanted and missing’ and (2) compare between this group and ‘missing’ and ‘wanted’ groups within the force area. The study uses Police data from one English police force, between October 2022 and November 2024. Using a mixed-methods design, the study analysed a sample from 3732 ‘wanted’ individuals and missing person records to establish a baseline, and a sample from 104 cases involving those simultaneously recorded as ‘missing’ and ‘wanted’. Findings reveal that White males with average ages in the early 30s dominate all three groups. The ‘wanted and missing’ individuals exhibited a high prevalence of vulnerabilities such as substance misuse and mental health issues and were located at or near their home address, suggesting limited geographic displacement. The study discusses the similarities and differences between these three groups and highlights systemic gaps in data recording, risk assessments, and inter-agency coordination, which may undermine both public safety and individual welfare.