What Is NamUs?

Services Provided

Forensic Services

Our experts provide odontology, fingerprint, anthropology, and tattoo analyses; composite sketches; DNA testing with CODIS entry; and forensic genetic genealogy (FGG).

DNA and FGG

DNA testing includes STR and mtDNA analysis and CODIS upload. Advanced technologies include whole genome sequencing, biogeographic ancestry determination, and forensic genetic genealogy (FGG).

Investigative Support

NamUs provides comprehensive case reviews conducted by a multidisciplinary team of practitioners in law enforcement, medicolegal death investigation, and forensic services.   

Analytical Support

Our analysts provide direct support for cases by conducting queries of public and criminal justice databases, and other non-governmental data sources. 

The NamUs Database

The NamUs database provides the nation’s only unified and secure platform for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons records that affords searching and cross-matching of missing person cases and decedent records.   

Cases Supported

Cold Cases

The NamUs program provides resources and case support to ALL long-term missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases across the nation.

Juvenile Cases

Resources are available to all long-term cases regardless of age of the individual. We collaborate with the NCMEC upon request in support of these cases. 

Sexually Motived Homicides

Resources are available to all long-term cases regardless of circumstances of death. We collaborate with BJA’s SAKI PA2 awardees in support of these cases.

Tribal Case Support

NamUs employs tribally enrolled liaisons to support data collection for indigenous persons cases and collaborates with BJA’s MUHR Program awardees in support of these cases.