The Modern Mann

In a missing persons investigation, the initial hours and days are crucial.  Establishing a relationship with the missing person’s family, absorbing their behavioural characteristics, and managing media interest in the story are all essential parts of the toolkit for officers charged with finding them alive. But, 27 years ago, when Charlie Hedges MBE was assigned his first missing persons case, such protocols did not exist. He found institutional inertia and complacency where there should have been dedication and service - and set out to right that wrong. In this compelling conversation with Olly, Charlie looks back over his career finding missing people - including Dr David Kelly, April Jones and Ashya King - and reveals the techniques and temperament necessary for the job, especially in these days of internet sleuths and social media speculation.  Charlie’s book, Missing, is out now, published by Hachette. _______ Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart channels his inner James Martin to kick up a storm i