Editorials & Other Articles
In reply to the discussion: (1) How Unsolved Missing Person Cases Are Solved (Pt. 1) [View all]AmyStrange
(7,989 posts)-
The future of a national missing persons database uncertain
by: Arezow Doost Posted: Jan 7, 2021 / 06:47 PM CST / Updated: Jan 7, 2021 / 11:21 PM CST
AUSTIN (KXAN) Multiple sources tell KXAN investigators its not clear what will happen to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUs, based in north Texas.
Its used by police, the medical examiner and families in Central Texas and across the country to help with missing persons cases.
Sources explained about 30 employees were laid off after the holidays, but this morning some got their jobs back.
I dont know what is going on, explained one source, who has been taking calls from families all week finding out about the layoffs. Ive gotten calls from law enforcement agencies wanting to know whats going on is NamUs going to continue.
The federal database housed at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth (UNTHSC), which already had a separate forensics lab, uses fingerprints, DNA profiles and dental records to help solve missing and unidentified person cases.
Funding cut concerns
Sources said recent federal funding cuts have impacted services including DNA testing.
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https://www.kxan.com/investigations/the-future-of-a-national-missing-persons-database-uncertain/
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