BJA FY24 Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program

The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) will utilize this funding to supplement the efforts in investigating missing persons and unidentified human remains. Over the years, investigations of unidentified human remains have increased. The PGPD is committed to utilizing technological advancements to solve these cases. With advances in DNA technology and advances in genealogical family-tree investigations, many of these cases can be resolved. This grant will provide resources for the police investigators working together with experienced prosecutors from the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to reduce the backlog of these unidentified human remains and missing persons investigations by demonstrating the county’s commitment to seeking justice for all. The goal is to identify the human remains and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones, no matter how old the case. Upon submission of this application, the applicant’s jurisdiction has reported 80 unresolved Unidentified Human Remains (UHR) cases and 26 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.