National Missing and Unidentified Persons System

Launched in July 2007, a national system/database for missing and unidentified persons has become a reality. I still speak with people daily that are unaware of its existence. It will eventually be comprised of two databases.

The UDRS (Unidentified Decedent Reporting System)

The UDRS is up and running and coroners and medical examiners are "populating" the system. It is vital that our coroners and medical examiners get the unidentified deceased entered into the UDRS and NamUs. In the past, law enforcement handled getting the unidentified into the NCIC (National Crime Information Center). But now with UDRS and NamUs the coroner and medical examiners have the primary responsibility of getting accurate data into the system.

In the advocate and volunteer sector our work will be streamlined by the good clean data in the NamUs system. NamUs will be the most accurate way to export data to the public and to law enforcement across the globe. At last we all have the opportunity to be on the "same page".

The Missing Database -- Still in Development

The advisory panel will continue to review develop the missing persons database component of NamUs. Privacy issues make is far more difficult when dealing with missing adults. Some might not be actually "missing" but have simply moved on to another area, choosing to leave their old life behind. Without criminal action or suspected foul play, law enforcement has no right to interfere with their freedom of choice. Often runaways might be dropped from NCIC when they reach adulthood by the calendar -- even though they have not yet been accounted for or recovered.

Finding My Purpose

Getting to be a member of NamUs Working Group in this process has been fascinating. Everyone involved as panelists are there with such passion. What we are doing now will greatly effect the way missing persons and unidentified persons are processed. There's so much energy and activity going on behind the scenes.