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Missing Persons Resources

*All resources are free of charge*

Law Enforcement/Coroner Resources Click Here

General Public Resources

  • Online Resources
    • NamUs
      • The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a national centralized repository and resource center for missing persons and unidentified decedent records.
      • Can be searched to generate a list of candidate matches.
      • Contains case information, photographs, identifying marks, and more.
      • For more information visit NamUs - National Missing and Unidentified Persons System webpage.
      • If available, dental and medical records should be obtained for submission to NamUs via your investigating officer.
  • Laboratory Resources
    • Missing Person’s DNA Samples
      • Items used solely by the missing person (toothbrush, hairbrush, razor, watch, unlaundered undergarments) or items collected directly from the missing person (biopsy samples, baby teeth etc.) should be obtained by the investigating officer and submitted to the laboratory for analysis.
    • Family DNA Samples
      • DNA collected from close family members of the missing person should be collected by the investigating officer and submitted to the laboratory with the completed Family Reference Sample forms.
      • This type of DNA testing gives no personal or medical information.
      • Family members will be asked to sign a form consenting to their DNA profile being placed in a database.  Family Samples will ONLY be used in Missing Person searches and will NOT be searched against criminal databases.
      • Examples of Close Relatives
        • Biological Parents
        • Children
        • Full Siblings

Law Enforcement/Coroner Resources

  • Online Resources
    • NamUs
      • The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a national centralized repository and resource center for missing persons and unidentified decedent records.
      • Information is verified before case is published.
      • Contains publicly searchable and law enforcement only/sensitive information restrictions.
      • Can be searched to generate a list of candidate matches.
      • Contains case information, photographs, identifying marks, fingerprints, dental charting and more.
      • Shows exclusions to prevent duplication of effort.
      • For more information visit NamUs - National Missing and Unidentified Persons System webpage.
      • If available, fingerprints, dental and medical records should be obtained for submission to NamUs.
  • Laboratory Resources
    • Missing Person’s DNA Samples
      • DNA profiles generated from missing persons can be searched in CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), a national DNA database used to generate investigative leads.
      • Items used solely by the missing person (toothbrush, hairbrush, razor, watch, unlaundered undergarments) or items collected from the missing person (biopsy samples, baby teeth etc.) should be obtained and submitted to the laboratory for analysis.
    • Family DNA Samples
      • DNA profiles generated from close family members can be searched in CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), a national DNA database which will compare them to Missing and Unidentified Person Indexes.
      • DNA collected from close family members of the missing person/suspected decedent should be collected and submitted to the laboratory with the completed Family Reference Sample paperwork.
      • This type of DNA testing gives no personal or medical information.
      • Family members will be asked to sign a form consenting to their DNA profile being placed in a database.  Family Samples will ONLY be used in Missing Person searches and will NOT be searched against criminal databases.
      • Examples of Close Relatives:
        • Biological Parents
        • Children
        • Full Siblings
    • Unidentified Remains Samples
      • DNA profiles generated from human remains can be searched in CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), a national DNA database which will compare them to casework, offender, and Missing Persons Indexes.
      • Examples of remains preferred for submission:

        • 2x2 cm fresh tissue

        • 2-3 unrestored molars and/or other teeth

        • Other bone types should be cleaned of decomposed tissue prior to submission:

          • 3-4 inch section of long bone: femur, tibia, humerus

          • whole patella bone

          • 3-4 inch section of rib bone

      • Get detailed information on the collection and submission of samples from the Missing Persons/Unidentified Remains physical evidence bulletin.