Why have the English police not got involved in the search for Madeline?

[sandrday]

Are they restricted in some way?

[Joefish999]

The English police have been involved in making enquiries, as requested by the Portugese police, when those enquiries have been about things in England.
All Police forces operate according to and with rights and powers granted by the laws of their particular country. Therefore no Police Force can operate outside of their national boundaries unless they have the prmission of the other country.

[stewey]

What would be your reaction, sandrday, if members of the Canadian, American, or Italian police forces (for example) were to come barging into the UK to investigate a situation? Such an interference would indicate that the British police are inept.

[saxy_jag]

I think what usually happens in an international case is that everything's co-ordinated by Interpol.

[cascarelli]

Er, because it's in Portugal sandrday

[Doc Spock]

yes think so