Section 1: Charter
Incorporated in 2018 in Canada, “The Centre for Missing Persons” has a broad mandate. Within our mandate we have core principles of advocacy, justice, and collaboration. With these principles in mind, we undertake projects that advance the fields of forensic science, cultural discovery, archeology, and advocacy. We always provide unbiased service to help close gaps and build bridges among stakeholders.
In addition, our mandate is to use our networks, resources, and skills to help groups, organizations, law enforcement or individuals who need advocacy and resources. This can include technical expertise, financial resources, networking, technologies, or advocacy like holding institutions or organizations to account.
This broad mandate allows governments, organizations or even individuals to access our services.
Bringing Truth Through Science: The Mission of the Centre for Missing Persons
At the Centre for Missing Persons, our mission is to apply the highest standards of scientific rigor to uncovering the truth behind missing persons cases and unmarked graves. We are committed to delivering unbiased, evidence-based research that provides clear, accurate results for families, communities, and organizations.
Our approach includes:
Geophysical Surveys: Utilizing advanced geophysical techniques to accurately identify and map unmarked graves and other sites of interest.
Comprehensive Research: Conducting in-depth, methodologically sound research to shed light on the circumstances surrounding missing persons.
Complex Case Management: Offering expert case management services that integrate the latest scientific methods and data-driven insights.
DNA Analysis and Identification: Providing state-of-the-art DNA testing and analysis to assist in the identification of human remains, with a focus on precision and reliability.
We are also dedicated to building capacity within communities. By providing training and actively integrating community members into our processes, we ensure that cultural practices and protocols are respected at every stage.
Our service is urgently needed due to the lack of capacity of trained investigators in the field. Many existing services rely on students or unproven technologies, leading to uncertainty in results. In contrast, we deploy multidisciplinary investigators with years of experience, ensuring that even the most complex cases are handled with the expertise required to deliver reliable and scientifically sound outcomes.
At the Centre for Missing Persons, we believe that truth should be brought to light through the power of science, supported by expertise, transparency, and respect for the evidence and the communities we serve.