THE ROLE OF DENTAL RECORDS IN MISSING PERSON/UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSON CASES.

Fingerprint and DNA technology are the gold standard in human identification technology today. Both technologies are successful as they use a standard method of input and storage of data, and AUTOMATED computer software programs which return full or partially matching records from very large databases. These systems are called IAFIS (Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System) and CODIS, (Combined DNA Index System). Up until now, DENTAL RECORDS, although a primary method of human identification in unidentified found/missing persons lacks a standard AUTOMATED DENTAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (ADIS). MISSING PERSON LINK HAS DEVELOPED AND PERFECTED SUCH A SYSTEM In April, 2013 a FREEDOM OF INFORMATION request was made on behalf of MISSING PERSON LINK to the Federal Bureau of Investigation - FOIPA No. 1218727-0 - Subject: DENTAL CHART SEQUENCING/MISSING PERSONS AND UNIDENTIFIED REMAINS. This request indicated that we had developed a DENTAL CHART SEQUENCING SYSTEM for linking UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSONS dental charts with MISSING PERSONS dental charts. The specific request was for 2 specific computer text (.txt) files. One for UNIDENTIFIED, the other for MISSING each going back to 1986. Each computer text file to be structured REFERENCE NUMBER#<TAB>32 INDIVIDUAL TOOTH CODES. In this way, no personal information or pointer would be provided. Along with this request we offered to provide the FBI with their REFERENCE NUMBERS# of any matches found by our system. In January, 2014 a snail mail response (dated December 13th, 2013) was received to FOIPA No. 1218727-0 at MISSING PERSON LINK from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Records Management Division). The actual records released were 3 words of photocopied scrawl "Unident" - "Person" - "dental" surrounded by a square. A similar request was made at the same time to the RCMP (CPIC). REF# A-2013-02462. After over a year, and at the urging of Attorney General, the RCMP advised me they were unable to fulfill the request. As a consequence of this, MISSING PERSON LINK has developed a downloadable Microsoft Windows ® called DENTAL SEARCH which is available to the FBI and RCMP. This program allows the importation of the MISSING PERSON and UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSON files stored on their local computer. When each of the files are loaded into the program, it searches for matches, outputting them to comparison table, similar to the one below. Many UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN REMAINS are skeletonized or decomposed. As a result, not all teeth are recovered. The search engine algorhythm takes this into consideration, and only returns a significant match if among the recorded teeth one or more 'EXACT RESTORATION MATCHES' are found. This is illustrated below in MATCH # 3. Tooth #2 Code OD (UNIDENTIFIED) matches exactly Tooth #2 Code OD (MISSING PERSON). The odds of exactly matching 32 tooth codes where all teeth are present are astronomical (trillions to one). The odds of matching less than 32 tooth codes diminish exponentially. Therefor the program does not return potential matches for partial remains/records unless a restoration feature is detected. DENTAL CHART SEQUENCING RESULTS Search started at 2014-12-30 10:34:05 AM RIGHT UPPER LEFT UNIDENTIFIED MALE JD#ONE 01 / 02 / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 OLC 07 MOFLCR 08 LR 09 DFLR 10 LCR 11 MFL 12 MOFCR 13 V 14 O 15 MOFR 16 MOFLR MISSING MALE MP#ONE 01 OD 02 ODFR 03 MLR 04 MR 05 ODCR 06 OLC 07 MOFLCR 08 LR 09 DFLR 10 LCR 11 MFL 12 MOFCR 13 V 14 O 15 MOFR 16 MOFLR ----- UNIDENTIFIED MALE JD#ONE 32 ODF 31 MOFC 30 MDC 29 MOD 28 MO 27 LR 26 V 25 V 24 V 23 V 22 DF 21 FR 20 L 19 MOFL 18 V 17 V MISSING MALE MP#ONE 32 ODF 31 MOFC 30 MDC 29 MOD 28 MO 27 LR 26 V 25 V 24 V 23 V 22 DF 21 FR 20 L 19 MOFL 18 V 17 V RIGHT LOWER LEFT MATCH # 1: MALE LAST SEEN in 1958 with MALE FOUND in 1968 - 82% of NCIC CODES MATCH (20 EXACT RESTORATION MATCHES) RIGHT UPPER LEFT UNIDENTIFIED MALE JD#TWO 01 MOC 02 V 03 MOFL 04 OD 05 F 06 V 07 V 08 V 09 MFLCR 10 V 11 OR 12 V 13 DFLR 14 MO 15 MF 16 V MISSING MALE MP#TWO 01 MOC 02 V 03 MOFL 04 OD 05 DLR 06 V 07 V 08 V 09 MFLCR 10 V 11 OR 12 V 13 DFLR 14 MO 15 MF 16 V ----- UNIDENTIFIED MALE JD#TWO 32 MODR 31 MODFLCR 30 OFC 29 MDCR 28 MO 27 MFL 26 V 25 DFLR 24 MFC 23 DFLR 22 ML 21 V 20 V 19 V 18 ODFR 17 V MISSING MALE MP#TWO 32 MODR 31 MODFLCR 30 OFC 29 MDCR 28 MO 27 MFL 26 V 25 DFLR 24 MFC 23 DFLR 22 ML 21 V 20 V 19 V 18 ODFR 17 V RIGHT LOWER LEFT MATCH # 2: MALE LAST SEEN in 1947 with MALE FOUND in 1957 - 96% of NCIC CODES MATCH (19 EXACT RESTORATION MATCHES) RIGHT UPPER LEFT UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE JD#THREE 01 / 02 OD 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10 V 11 / 12 V 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / MISSING FEMALE MP#THREE 01 V 02 OD 03 MOC 04 MF 05 V 06 DF 07 MODFL 08 DF 09 MOLR 10 V 11 MOFL 12 V 13 DLC 14 OFLCR 15 FCR 16 ODLR ----- UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE JD#THREE 32 V 31 V 30 / 29 V 28 / 27 V 26 / 25 / 24 / 23 / 22 / 21 / 20 / 19 / 18 V 17 V MISSING FEMALE MP#THREE 32 V 31 V 30 DFC 29 V 28 DF 27 V 26 DR 25 DFL 24 MC 23 MOD 22 MODFL 21 ML 20 MODF 19 MFC 18 V 17 V RIGHT LOWER LEFT MATCH # 3: FEMALE LAST SEEN in 1944 with FEMALE FOUND in 1954 - 13% of NCIC CODES MATCH (1 EXACT RESTORATION MATCH) Up until December 31, 2013, the FBI (NCIC) estimates they have over 40,000 outstanding UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSONS and over 80,000 outstanding MISSING PERSONS records The maximum size of the dental chart files would be 7MB and 10MB respectively. The DENTAL SEARCH program has been exhaustively tested with simulated files larger then these. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) accepts on-line dental chart records from LAW ENFORCEMENT/CORONERS/MEDICAL EXAMINERS. These records are coded differently to NCIC, and are computer searchable by LAW ENFORCEMENT/CORONERS/MEDICAL EXAMINERS. In September, 2013 Namus 'UP GRADED' their system, removing the ability for the general public to view and search dental charts of UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSONS. Although the reasoning is unclear, it is likely because the search engine was incapable of performing meaningful searches. This is emphasized by the fact that Namus has a dismal record for matching dental records of UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSONS in their databases. The only match that Namus has ever made on dental charts was a 'pure dental hit' (their words) by a staffer (Dr Richard Scanlon) who, whilst randomly perusing data, noticed a unique dental feature, related to a root canal. Although this is not part of their normal protocol, it led to the identification of the remains as those of a missing man James Donofrio. Read story here.. In this case, Youngstown, Ohio police failed to complete the NCIC Missing Person Dental Report when Mr. Donofrio went missing. Their reasoning appeared to be that the missing man's age and circumstances of his disappearance did not place him into any of the following FBI Missing Person categories for which reports are accepted: are missing under circumstances indicating that they may be in physical danger (Endangered – EME) are missing under circumstances indicating their disappearance may not have been voluntary (Involuntary – EMI) are 21 and older and do not meet any of the above criteria but for whom there is a reasonable concern for their safety (Other – EMO). Mr. Donfrio's dental records were obtained from the family by the County Coroner six months later, to see if they matched a recently found body locally. The records did not match, and as the Coroner had access and reporting privileges for the NAMUS system, was able to create a MISSING PERSONS report for Mr Donofrio and entered his dental records. Mr Donofrio's dental records were never entered into the FBI (NCIC) database. West Virginia State Patrol Medical Examiner completed the NCIC Unidentified Person Report soon after Mr. Donofrio was found and submited them to the FBI (NCIC). However, the FBI, did not have a Missing Person Report on file for Mr. Donofrio If Youngstown Police had submitted a Missing Persons Report (under one of the 3 FBI categories above) it is fair to say that the FBI would have returned to both agencies a 'potential match' based on demographics (age,gender,height,weight,proximity, time of disappearance etc.) soon after receiving the WV NCIC UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSON report. It is also fair to say that had no 'potential match' been made, dental charts would not be compared. As a last ditch effort by the WV Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify the remains (of Mr. Donofrio) before disposal, an UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSON report was entered (a year after Mr. Donofrios remains were found) into NAMUS. This report contained a dental chart which contained the code 'R' (Root Canal) for one of the 32 teeth which matched code 'R' for the corresponding tooth from Mr. Donofrios NAMUS missing person report from the Ohio County Coroner. FBI (NCIC) may have thousands of complete matching dental records of MISSING and UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSONS in their files, but lack the ability to identify those matches. This inability translates into thousands of unidentified missing loved ones lying in 'Potter's Fields' around the land without their identity being known to those who have reported them missing. LEWIS KAMB, a SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER presents an actual case which occurred near the Canadian border in 2003, where the FBI (NCIC) failed to match correctly entered records. Parents waited two decades for news about their daughter. This article outlines, in detail, the FBI's knowledge of serious shortfalls in their system decades ago. (which still exist today) Strangely, the James Donofrio, Youngstown incident did not even make the NAMUS Success stories page (last revised March 2011) which contains several dubious and exaggerated claims of identification. NAMUS (Director George Adams - NamUs Operations Division) contacted me by telephone in 2011 indicating they were familiar with our technology. Since then, I have sent emails to him and all NAMUS Regional Coordinators emphasizing our ability and willingness to drastically improve their dismal identification record. No replies have been forthcoming. Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains: The Nation’s Silent Mass Disaster is that there are many potentially matching records in each of these agencies' databases of missing and unidentified found persons which leave many loved ones in the dark when in comes to the fate of their missing family and friends. The following table shows NCIC primary dental codes NCIC CODE NCIC Description X Tooth Has Been Removed or Did Not Develop V Tooth is Present and Unrestored (**Used differently in Missing person) M Mesial Surface Restored O Occlusal/Incisal Surface Restored D Distal Surface Restored F Facial Surface Restored L Lingual Surface Restored C Lab Processed or Prefabricated Restoration R Endodontic Treatment / Postmortem Missing or Not Recovered (Default Code) (* The Codes V and / are used differently for the Missing/Wanted Person Dental Report) Quote 'The procedure the NCIC system uses to make matches between Missing and Unidentified Person Files has also proven unreliable. A cross search of descriptive information in the Missing Person File with the physical descriptors, dental characteristics, and personal accessories of unidentified deceased individuals [in the Unidentified Person File] can overlook correct matches, or generate false possible matches'..end Quote. (Gladis 1990:22) . An excellent thesis by Erin McMenamin, LSU elegantly describes these shortfalls In Canada, the Department of Justice has plans to fund the RCMP to create a National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR) . A Freedom of Information request was sent to the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) requesting anonymous computer text files for MISSING and UNIDENTIFIED FOUND REMAINS in the CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) on 15th April, 2013. This request, REF# A-2013-02462, although acknowledged, still awaits results. Update: After bring the matter to the attention of the Attorney General of Canada, RCMP finally (after a year) responded declaring their inabilty to supply these records. MISSING PERSON LINK has supplied the RCMP and the FBI with a standalone computer program, which allows them to import the records they declined to supply and perform these searches. Hopefully they will have the necessary interest to use it. In almost every case of UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSON, dental charts are sent to CPIC. In outstanding MISSING PERSONS cases, any available dental records (including dental charts) are sent to CPIC (RCMP). The Canadian Government, in its latest Budget, has pledged $8.1 million (CAD) to create a missing persons index that will match DNA from missing persons and unidentified remains. This is scheduled to happen in 2016. The candidates for this testing are already contained in the files entrusted to the RCMP (CPIC). These are the UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSONS and MISSING PERSONS files. These are persons reported missing in Canada and unidentified remains found in Canada. (searching US (CODIS) DNA databases would not happen.) Obtaining usable DNA samples for both categories presents enormous problems. In the meantime, checking dental charts currently on file might be a good strategy to bring closure to loved ones. The Canadian Senate earlier launched an investigation centered around Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women. Of paramount importance in this issue is discrimination excercised by Police (primarily RCMP) when deciding whether to complete MISSING PERSONS REPORTS. This discrimination if often based on: High Risk Life-Style Mental Illness Habitual runaways Ethnicity Age (i.e. not a child or an elderly person) Status in the Community Anguish of loved ones is deepened by refusal or relectance of Police to accept their MISSING PERSON REPORT Further, upon acceptance of a MISSING PERSON REPORT, thin Police resources are often not applied to finding the missing person apart from entering them on the CPIC database. Communication if often initiated with Police by loved ones who are looking for progress in their enquiries. The response in most cases is 'Don't call us - We'll call you.' The Missing Person Link database accepts free on-line anonymous dental charts from law enforcement, medical examiners/coroners and loved ones. It is recommended that, when a person appears to be missing, Police advise friends/loved ones to obtain dental charts from the last treating dentist and enter them on line (whether or not a report is taken). It is recommended that all UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSONS dental charts be entered by Medical Examiners/Coroners on line. It is also recommended that a loved one/friend of a person who is at HIGH RISK to 'GO MISSING' (or that person) obtain dental charts and enter them on line. A similar FOI request was made to The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) in the UK. An official informed me that there is no computer database for dental charts (records) in the UK, although they are exploring that possibility. There is a searchable website where the public can search and view physical features of MISSING AND UNIDENTIFIED FOUND PERSONS in the UK. LOCATING TREATING DENTIST TO OBTAIN ANTE MORTEM DENTAL RECORDS The following is an excerpt from Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory - Physical Evidence Handbook - 8th Edition Chapter 27(C). Inquire of family, friends and co-workers what dental clinic or dentist treated the individual. Inquire if the individual was treated or consulted a dental specialist (oral surgeon, orthodontist, etc.). Inquire if the individual had a dental insurance plan, a union dental plan, medical assistance or welfare benefits. This could lead to a dentist’s name. Examine military and prison records. Examine medical records to see if the physician has a record of the name of the dentist. In a small community, it may be necessary to contact all the dentists and inquire if they have treated this individual.