Examining mechanisms that facilitate and hinder multi-agency working in missing children’s investigations: An in-depth policing perspective

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Monaghan, P orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-2759-887X, Waring, S, Giles, S and O’Brien, F (2026) Examining mechanisms that facilitate and hinder multi-agency working in missing children’s investigations: An in-depth policing perspective. The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles. ISSN 0032-258X

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Abstract

Despite recognition that multi-agency collaboration is vital in missing child investigations, coordination challenges persist. This study explores mechanisms that facilitate or hinder such collaboration from police perspectives, addressing theoretical and empirical gaps in existing research. Through thematic analysis of 23 interviews, eight mechanisms were identified: understanding useful intelligence, terminology, technology, policies, role boundaries, risk aversion, dedicated resources, and research needs. By applying inter-team theories such as Transactive Memory and Knowledge Boundaries, the study advances understanding of knowledge sharing in high-risk contexts, offering actionable, theory informed insights to strengthen coordination, policy, and practice in safeguarding vulnerable children.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: 1602 Criminology; 4402 Criminology
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV7231 Criminal Justice Administrations
H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV7231 Criminal Justice Administrations > HV7551 Police. Detectives. Constabulary
Divisions: Law and Justice Studies
Publisher: SAGE
Date of acceptance: 20 April 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access: 22 April 2026
Date Deposited: 22 Apr 2026 13:57
Last Modified: 23 Apr 2026 09:04
DOI or ID number: 10.1177/0032258x261445854
URI: https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28425
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