This project aims to critically review the cross-matching process of unidentified bodies and missing persons reports in England and Wales.
| Lead institution | |
|---|---|
| Principal researcher(s) |
Emma Tilley
|
| Police region |
West Midlands
|
| Level of research |
PhD
|
| Project start date |
|
| Date due for completion |
|
Research context
This research project aims to:
- critically review the cross-matching process of unidentified bodies and missing persons reports in England and Wales
- produce a basis for the development of a Code of Practice for the treatment of unidentified bodies in England and Wales
- examine the epidemiology of unidentified bodies in England and Wales
- identify how information about unidentified bodies is obtained, recorded, stored, reviewed, cross-matched, deleted and shared on a local, national, and international level
- understand the obstacles and opportunities concerning the cross-matching process
- produce a basis for the development of a Code of Practice for the treatment of unidentified bodies in England and Wales
Research methodology
A mixed methods approach including:
- analysis of data from the UK Missing Persons Unit
- Freedom of Information requests to police forces, coroners, and local authorities in England and Wales
- semi-structured interviews with practitioners and families of missing persons