National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

Using NamUs to Close Data Gaps, Assist Law Enforcement, and Support Families

Using NamUs 2.0 Technology, the NamUs database application fills the nation’s need for a unified, online, free, secure database for unidentified remains and missing persons records. Most commonly, NamUs is used by law enforcement, families and friends of missing persons, and medical examiners and coroners.

NamUs connects law enforcement with tools and resources to resolve missing person cases, including state-of-the-art technology to securely store, share, and compare case information with other criminal justice professionals. NamUs is working to close data gaps related to missing indigenous persons, and to ensure that every tribal law enforcement agency knows about and can use the NamUs program to help resolve cases. NamUs provides a tool for sharing and comparing case information across jurisdictional boundaries.

NamUs provides tools that empower family members of missing persons to enter and search case information and connects families with criminal justice professionals to assist in the search for their missing loved ones. To assist families with location their loved ones, subject matter experts also provide free training and perform direct outreach to families of the missing by coordinating Missing Person Day events with agencies across the country.

Finally, NamUs provides technology and resources to resolve unidentified decedent cases across the country. The NamUs Analytical Division also assists with locating family members for next of kin death notifications and DNA sample collections for comparison. In addition, The System provides free forensic services, to include forensic odontology, fingerprint examination, forensic anthropology, and DNA analyses. Family DNA collection kits are also provided at no cost.