Forensic Anthropology

Rost9/Have a nice day photo/shutterstock (see reuse policy).

Important Notice: Temporary Delay in NamUs Services
Please be advised that NamUs is currently experiencing temporary processing and service delays. During this period, updates to case profiles, system notifications, and support responses may take longer than usual. We apologize for the delays and the inconvenience.

The National Institute of Justice, through the NamUs program, provides funding and support to provide the following analyses of skeletal remains to investigating agencies:

Distinguishing historical/archaeological remains from modern remains.
Development of biological profiles — such as sex, ancestry, stature, and age — to aid searches for possible matches.
Identifications of skeletal remains based on comparisons of medical and radiographic information.
Trauma analysis to contribute to cause and manner of death determinations.

For questions on our Anthropology services, please submit a request on the Contact Us page by selecting "Biometric Support (DNA/Dentals/Prints/Anthro/Analytical)" in the "Nature of Inquiry" field.

female scientist examining a skull — Microgen / Shutterstock.com (see reuse policy).

Date Created: March 26, 2021