Police Expert Network on Missing Persons

The Police Expert Network on Missing Persons (PEN-MP), founded by the AMBER Alert Europe foundation, is officially recognised by the Council of the European Union. So far, the PEN-MP consists of over 50 law enforcement experts from 21 countries. Goal of the PEN-MP is to bring together law enforcement experts in the field of missing persons, specifically children.

In order to save more missing persons across Europe, members can quickly contact and consult each other about missing person cases. The PEN-MP also provides specialist support, advice and training to its members.

The first PEN-MP Presidency (2018-2020)

On May 25th 2018, Colonel Jan Rybár, Head of the Missing Persons Unit of the Czech Police Presidium, was officially appointed as president of the Police Expert Network on Missing Persons. The PEN-MP makes use of a rotating presidency.

Official recognition by the Council of the European Union

The PEN-MP was announced in 2016 under the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the European Union. At its launch, the Dutch Presidency called on every Member State to appoint a national contact for the network. In support of the Dutch initiative, a majority of 465 Members of the European Parliament from all EU Member States signed AMBER Alert Europe’s Written Declaration for better European cooperation on saving the lives of missing children.

The PEN-MP is officially recognised by the Council of the European Union with its formal affiliation to the Law Enforcement Working Party (LEWP).

Strict separation of operational activities

AMBER Alert Europe is primarily responsible for administrative and logistical support of the PEN-MP, including its Public Affairs. The foundation also facilitates the PEN-MP’s expert training sessions and supports, manages and supervises the EU-funded PEN-MP projects. These activities are strictly separated from the operational police activities of the PEN-MP.

The exchange of operational police information takes place through the official channels ( such as SIS, SIENA, and INTERPOL), also respecting the EU legal framework plus relevant legislation, directives and regulations relating to privacy and data protection.