Everything you need to know about the Herbert Protocol
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) is proud to have supported An Garda Síochána on the launch of the Herbert Protocol in May 2026.
The ASI’s staff, and particularly our Dementia Carers Campaign Network (DCCN), played a crucial role in providing feedback during the development of the protocol, offering invaluable insights based on their experiences as carers of people living with dementia.
What is the Herbert Protocol?
The Herbert Protocol is a form that holds important information about a person living with dementia, including a description of what they look like, a recent photo, any medicine they take, important phone numbers to call, and places from their past where they find comfort and familiarity.
First established in the UK, the Herbert Protocol was named after George Herbert, a war veteran who lived with dementia. It was designed to quickly and safely locate missing people living with dementia.
An Garda Síochána and the HSE officially launched the Herbert Protocol on the 13th of May at the 18th International Dementia Conference in the Athlone Springs Hotel.
Speaking on the initiative, Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing & Community Engagement, Catharina Gunne acknowledged the collaborative effort:
“An Garda Síochána works continuously with our partners to preserve and improve the safety of all members of our society. Our work with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, AGE Friendly Ireland, the HSE and other stakeholders has led to the adoption and support of the Herbert Protocol in An Garda Síochána, to ensure we meet the needs of the community and keep people safe.”
Assistant Commissioner Gunne stressed the importance of the Herbert Protocol and the relief it can provide to families and carers in times of need.
“The Herbert Protocol has proven to be a very useful mechanism for sharing vital information in the early stages of an incident where a vulnerable person goes missing, and it is the hope of An Garda Síochána that the use of the Herbert Protocol in Ireland will provide some relief to families and carers at a very stressful and worrying time, resulting in swift, successful conclusions to incidents of missing loved ones.”
DCCN Vice-Chair Susan Crampton highlighted the importance of the Herbert Protocol from her own personal experience:
“When Mom briefly went missing, the first thing I felt was complete and utter panic. All the worst things come into your mind. Having important details in a document that you completed with a clear head can make all the difference. Details you may not have the presence of mind to recall when upset are there for the Gardai to work with. It was so important that the Gardai consulted us, listened, and included our suggestions and amendments.”
For more information on the Herbert Protocol, please follow this link: https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/community-engagement/the-herbert-protocol/