Published by Sue Johns-Chapman
Published Date 11.10.2024 
Locate International uses Altia’s case management software in its Quest system to help solve long-standing missing person cases
Quest is an online analytical and investigative tool that collates and links information from family, friends and associates of the missing.
Quest was designed by Locate International and forensic psychologists at Goldsmith’s University. Its smart, fully searchable platform is powered by Altia’s case management solution, Insight.
The structured, searchable and linked information can be used by Locate’s global community of specialist volunteers to conduct deep analysis of long-term missing persons cases.
The easy-to-use software has been designed to help gather the full picture of the missing person in a sensitive and supportive way
Altia’s case management software – Insight – powers Quest. It’s been developed by Altia over many years of working with police forces to ensure investigations are efficient and effective. It makes it quick and easy to collect, structure and find links in a large amount of information.
Huw Bristow, Altia CTO said:
“We worked with Locate to configure Insight to follow the process they wanted to use to carry out their investigations.
“Insight is browser-based and easy to use so anyone who might have information can use it to add information to a case.
“It’s really important that families find it easy to use, at any time, in the privacy of their own homes – it’s the best possible chance of getting the full picture of the missing person and finding new lines of investigation.
“Being shortlisted for Technology for Good sums up everything we try to achieve at Altia. Every product we develop and every partnership we make is guided by our vision to make the world a safer place.”
Quest has been designed to bring not just answers, but also hope
Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. Almost 170,000 people are reported missing every year. There are over 320,000 reported missing incidents every year.*
By applying technology to review case files, information has been found about cases that are up to 40 years old. Most importantly, Quest is giving the families of missing people hope of finding answers.
Dave Grimstead, Locate International CEO said, “When we talk to families of people who are missing, they often tell us that their loved one’s cases haven’t fully been explored. They mention that they have not been asked the ‘right’ questions, or that not everything that could be done, is being done. When we talk to police investigators, they tell us that they are stretched and wish they had the resources to do more. With Quest, we set out to tackle these problems.”
The very first Quest Review was of Marcus Rigby’s case. The team found new contacts who had been the last people to see Marcus, and the last known photo of Marcus. It enabled an updated age progression photo to be created.
Nicola Earnshaw, sister of Marcus Rigby added, “I can’t help but think something will turn up that no one has seen before. It does give me hope.”
About Altia
Altia is a Nottingham-based software business which creates intelligence and investigation software for law enforcement agencies, government departments and private sector businesses. Altia has been a specialist in this area for almost three decades, with offices also based in Glasgow.
From managing risk, right through to solving and prosecuting crimes, Altia’s intelligence and investigation tools help teams work together, improve their processes, get the most out of data and improve insight to drive results and change.
Altia is trusted by 340 businesses globally, including every law enforcement agency in the United Kingdom.
You cand find out more about Altia on LinkedIn.
*Source: Missing People
