Broward Sheriff's Office MUHR Program

Tens of thousands of missing persons (MP) and unidentified human remains (UHR) cases remain unsolved in the United States. These investigations are daunting tasks enveloped with obstacles and gaps in access to adequate resources. One such gap is searching and correlating case information through the optimized use of national databases. Investigators need time and training to review each case and ensure that the case information entered into the Florida Crime Information Center, National Crime Information Center, and National Missing and Unidentified Persons System is accurate and complete. If applicable, cases also need to be submitted to the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program. Be that as it may, successful identification through these national databases is dependent on antemortem and postmortem characteristics. Another gap is access to and funds for forensic testing methods. Investigators may seek out DNA analysis of the UHR or relatives of MPs. But once again, successful identification with this type of scientific analysis will depend on the availability of relatives of MP in the Combined DNA Index System database. A highly specialized and more recent scientific method is the use of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism profiling for kinship searches. FGG is a technique that combines genetic testing with traditional genealogical research to generate investigative leads in unsolved violent crimes and cases of unidentified human remains. The goal of this project is to remedy this humanitarian crisis and expand upon the reporting, transportation, processing, and identification of UHR cases, including migrants, using a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. Funding is being requested to close the gap and acquire the resources to develop a customized multidisciplinary investigative approach for each UHR case. These resources are critical to name the victim, bring solace to the families of these victims, seek justice, and enhance community safety and trust. Upon submission of this application, the applicant’s jurisdiction has reported 12 unresolved Unidentified Human Remains (UHR) cases and 54 unresolved Missing Persons (MP) cases to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). Funding under this program will, in part, work toward resolving a portion of the aforementioned cases by the end of the grant period.