Understanding the Resources Behind the Search
The search for a missing person can involve national databases, law enforcement, forensic science, DNA analysis, genealogy, digital evidence, medical and dental records, and many other forms of information. These resources serve different purposes, and understanding those differences matters.
Explore Missing PersonsThere is no single database, test or technology that solves every case.
A missing-person investigation may involve information from many different sources. A national database may help organize case information. A forensic laboratory may examine evidence. DNA may assist with identification. A genealogical investigation may generate a possible family connection.
These resources complement one another, but they are not interchangeable. Each has a specific purpose, limitations and standards for how information should be interpreted.
NamUs is a resource. It is not the investigation itself.
The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, commonly known as NamUs, is a centralized national resource for missing, unidentified and unclaimed-person cases. It provides case information as well as forensic and investigative support. Its purpose is different from that of a forensic laboratory, a DNA database or a genealogy service.
The major resources used in missing-person investigations
Each resource answers a different question. Understanding what each one does — and what it does not do — can make complicated investigations easier to understand.
NamUs
What it is: A national centralized system for missing, unidentified and unclaimed-person cases.
What it can do: Organize case information, facilitate case comparisons, provide investigative support and connect cases with available forensic services.
What it is not: NamUs is not a replacement for the local law-enforcement agency investigating a disappearance.
Forensic Science
What it is: The application of scientific methods to evidence that may assist an investigation or identification.
What it can examine: Depending on the case, forensic work may involve DNA, fingerprints, skeletal remains, dental evidence, toxicology, trace evidence, digital evidence and other forms of examination.
Why it matters: Forensic science can provide objective information that may support or challenge investigative theories.
DNA Analysis
What it is: Scientific examination of genetic material to produce a DNA profile or other information that can assist identification and comparison.
How it differs from genealogy: DNA analysis can establish or support a biological comparison. Genetic genealogy uses DNA information together with genealogical research to identify possible relationships.
DNA evidence can be especially important in unidentified-remains cases and long-term missing-person investigations.
Forensic Genetic Genealogy
What it is: An investigative approach that combines DNA information with genealogical research to identify possible biological relationships.
What it can provide: In appropriate cases, it may produce investigative leads by identifying possible family relationships connected to an unknown DNA profile.
What it cannot do alone: A genealogical connection is not automatically a confirmed identification. Investigators must use additional evidence and appropriate confirmation procedures.
Fingerprints, Dental Records & Anthropology
Fingerprints: Friction-ridge patterns may allow investigators to compare an unidentified person with known records.
Dental records: Dental structures and treatment histories can sometimes provide highly useful identification information.
Forensic anthropology: Examination of skeletal remains can help develop a biological profile and provide information useful to identification.
Digital Evidence
Phones, computers, photographs, location information, communications, financial records and online activity can sometimes become part of a missing-person investigation.
Digital evidence is different from forensic genealogy or DNA because it primarily concerns electronically stored information and activity. Its value depends heavily on how the information was obtained, preserved, verified and interpreted.
Forensic science is broader than DNA.
DNA receives considerable public attention, but forensic science includes many disciplines. Depending on the circumstances of a case, investigators may use multiple forms of forensic evidence.
The evidence available in a case determines which forensic disciplines may be useful. Not every case will have the same evidence or require the same methods.
A different kind of investigative tool.
Forensic genetic genealogy is different from traditional genealogy. Traditional genealogy generally focuses on researching family history. Forensic genetic genealogy applies genealogical research techniques to DNA information in an investigative context.
In appropriate cases, investigators may use an unknown DNA profile to look for potential genetic relationships. Those relationships can sometimes provide a path toward identifying an unidentified person or developing a lead in a long-term investigation.
The Department of Justice has established policies and guidance concerning the use of forensic genetic genealogy in federal investigations.
DOJ Forensic Genetic Genealogy PolicyWhy multiple identification methods matter
A person may be identified through one form of evidence or through several forms working together.
DNA Comparison
DNA may be compared with reference samples from biological relatives or other appropriate sources. In unidentified-remains cases, DNA can be an important component of the identification process.
Fingerprint & Dental Identification
Fingerprints and dental records can sometimes provide powerful identification evidence, particularly when comparable historical records exist.
These methods are distinct from DNA analysis and may provide useful information even when DNA is unavailable or inconclusive.
Forensic Anthropology
When skeletal remains are recovered, forensic anthropology can help investigators understand characteristics such as age range, biological profile and other information relevant to identification.
Anthropological findings can then be considered alongside DNA, dental, fingerprint, medical and investigative information.
Go directly to the source.
The resources below are maintained by government agencies, national organizations or scientific institutions and can provide additional information beyond Magnolia Missing Network.
NamUs
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Centralized case information and forensic and investigative services.
Official NamUs →FBI
The official Federal Bureau of Investigation website and its current information concerning federal investigations.
Official FBI Website →NCMEC
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children resources for missing children, families and law enforcement.
Official NCMEC →NIST
The National Institute of Standards and Technology provides scientific standards, research and information related to forensic science.
NIST Forensic Science →U.S. Department of Justice
Federal guidance and information concerning forensic genetic genealogy and its appropriate use in investigations.
DOJ Forensic Genetic Genealogy →National Institute of Justice
Research and information concerning criminal justice science, forensic methods and evidence.
NIJ Forensic Science →Research & Scientific Reading
Forensic Genetic Genealogy Research
The National Institute of Justice provides research and information concerning forensic genetic genealogy, including its role in identifying unknown individuals and developing investigative leads.
Read NIJ Information →Forensic Science Standards
NIST works to improve the scientific foundation, measurement standards and reliability of forensic science disciplines.
Read NIST Research →Digital Forensics
Digital evidence can involve computers, mobile devices, networks and other electronic sources. NIST provides technical information concerning digital forensics.
Read NIST Digital Forensics →National Missing-Person Information
NamUs provides access to national missing, unidentified and unclaimed-person case information and forensic services.
Explore NamUs →Resources are only useful when people can find and understand them.
Magnolia Missing Network exists to keep missing-person cases visible, provide responsible information and connect the public with resources that can help them better understand the missing-person crisis in America.