NamUs provides investigators and loved ones a powerful online system that offers hands-on access to a national database of records related to missing and unidentified persons.
Public
- Anyone can access the NamUs system to search or track cases, print missing persons posters, find resources and even map out travel routes in an effort to locate a missing person.
- The system searches for potential matches between missing and unidentified cases.
- Access the databases at the NamUs site https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/
- Potential matches are presented to law enforcement case managers for closer review.
Investigators
- NamUs is a free web-based tool - accessible to everyone, but geared to families of missing persons, law enforcement, medical examiners/coroners and victim advocates - to assist in solving of missing and unidentified persons cases in the United States.
- Find investigative support services at https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/services
- Data regarding missing persons can be entered in NamUs by law enforcement professionals, missing persons clearinghouses and the general public.
- To learn more, read our 2010 NamUs poster and 2011 NamUs poster, presented at National Institute of Justice conferences.
History
Prior to the NamUs launch in 2009, families with missing loved ones had few places to turn in their quest for answers. From 2005 through 2011, NFSTC worked with the National Institute of Justice to develop, deliver and operate the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
In 2011, Charles Heurich, program manager and leader of the NamUs team, was named winner of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals in the Justice and Law Enforcement category. The system was honored for its innovation and creativity in working to solve a major national law enforcement challenge.