Missing and Unidentified Human Remains Program

• NCJ Number: 308882
• Date Published: April 2024
• Length: 2 pages
• Publication Series: BJA Fact Sheets
• Agencies: BJA
• Publication Type: Factsheet

Annotation

This fact sheet describes the Missing and Unidentified Human Remains Program, aimed at augmenting and complementing the existing services that are available through the National Missing and Unidentified System (NamUs) Program; it provides details on the program purpose, funding and awards, and accomplishments.

Abstract

This fact sheet describes the Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program, which was initiated in Fiscal Year 2022 to provide funds to eligible entities with the goal of improving the reporting, transportation, forensic testing, and identification of missing persons (including migrants) and unidentified human remains by utilizing various forensic disciplines such as anthropology, odontology, and DNA. The document provides details on the purpose of the MUHR Program; it lists entities that are eligible to apply under the three Purpose Areas, including statewide agencies, counties and unites of local government, and tribal entities. The fact sheet lists some MUHR Program accomplishments, noting how identifications were made and the number of remains repatriations were made due to support from this program. The fact sheet also provides more information about the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which helps state, local, and tribal jurisdictions to reduce and prevent crime, lower recidivism, and promote a fair and safe criminal justice system.