Data Systems and Data Coordination
Data Systems and Data Coordination develops and operates ICMP’s global missing persons data processing systems with the aim of optimizing the availability and quality of data on missing persons, including ensuring effective data flow and synchronization of data from internal and external sources, and, in conjunction with the Center for Excellence and Learning, trains domestic partners in its use.
The Data Systems and Data Coordination most extensive web-based missing persons data processing application, the Integrated Data Management System (iDMS), includes integrated applications that support the process of storing, viewing and analyzing large amounts of data on missing persons and investigation processes.
Currently, the iDMS holds data on almost 200,000 missing persons and more than 250,000 family members.
Integrated Data Management System (iDMS)
The iDMS is a specialized software solution developed by ICMP to manage large-scale missing persons programs. Its integration applications enable the collection, storing, viewing and analyzing of large amounts of data on missing persons, investigations, and identifications in a central, secure and globally accessible location. The iDMS supports international and domestic processes of locating missing persons worldwide.
ICMP assists governments and families of the missing in the process of collecting missing persons data and biological reference samples for DNA testing. The iDMS has been used in support of missing persons response activities in a wide variety of contexts and countries. It is designed to be readily adaptable to specific contexts, with custom modifications easily made for country or program-specific settings, and language conversion.
The iDMS functions as a flexible global tool for information sharing and information protection, with continued support from a dedicated development team. It has been successfully modified to interface for data import with other external database systems, and, as the iDMS continues to develop, a primary emphasis will be placed on database interconnectivity.
Data Sharing
The iDMS allows users such as families of the missing to share data. Housing the centralized database management server in a single location enhances efficiency and facilitates development. Providing secure access to the database, regardless of location, allows for collaboration among all stakeholders working on missing persons issues.
Data Protection
The iDMS incorporates advanced security features by implementing state-of-the-art information security measures. Protected data storage facilities, reliable backup systems and procedures, and secure transfer protocols contribute to greater privacy, and increased interoperability and data sharing among authorized iDMS users.
Customization
Efforts to address the issue of missing persons are global, but the distinct nature of each environment calls for modifications in order to streamline search functions and optimize their effectiveness. The iDMS allows for such customization in order to meet these different challenges and enhance efficiency and productivity.
Mobility
The iDMS offers greater mobility by expanding database access to mobile devices, including phones and tablets, with internet connectivity. Since many identification operations, especially Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), take place in remote locations, deploying a database with the search power of the iDMS enhances the efficiency and capacity of field workers.
The iDMS includes:
- A registry of missing persons.
- Information and DNA profiles from families of the missing.
- Data on forensic archaeology operations and recovery of human remains and evidence.
- Anthropological examination and case inventory.
- Auditable records of DNA laboratory processes.
- Forensic Genetic Databases.
- DNA profile comparison and reporting tools.
ICMP uses the iDMS for its own work on missing persons cases around the world. It also shares this database technology with government authorities and others to assist them in addressing cases. ICMP customizes the iDMS to meet the specific needs of a given country or event and provides user training to designated experts. The iDMS and its associated Online Inquiry Center have been designed with data security as the highest priority. There is a high degree of control over access to sensitive information, such as DNA and family data. Each user only has access to authorized modules, and sensitive data is stored and analyzed in an anonymous, coded form at many stages of the process.
Online Inquiry Center (OIC)
ICMP has developed an online platform for the iDMS, called the Online Inquiry Center (OIC). It is an interactive missing persons search tool with an open-access function that makes it possible to report a missing person online and follow progress on the reported case. This allows families and other interested parties to obtain and provide information and to track missing persons cases through three different search engines: the Missing Persons Inquiry, the Post-mortem Sample Inquiry and the Excavation Site Inquiry.
Report a missing person
- To report a missing person, click here.
- To inquire about a missing persons case, click here.
- To provide additional information regarding a missing person, click here.
- If you have already reported a missing person through the OIC, and you have your verification code, click here to contact ICMP.
- To report more than one missing person (for example, a number of people who have gone missing as a result of a specific incident), click here.
Missing Persons Inquiry
Missing Persons Inquiry allows families to:
- Register missing persons and donor contact information online;
- Find information on the status of the case; and
- Monitor the progress of their missing family member’s case.
This feature is particularly valuable in allowing families of the missing who do not reside in a country where ICMP has a program to participate in the collection of reference samples.
To access Missing Persons Inquiry, click here.
Excavation Site Inquiry
Allows users to search for general information regarding the status of DNA testing results for specific excavation or recovery sites.
To access Excavation Site Inquiry, click here.
ICMP fully upholds the principles of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
