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

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, theoryinformed insights to strengthen coordination, policy, and practice in safeguarding vulnerable children.