U.S. Department
of Justice
Missing Persons Unit
Leveraging critical INTERPOL tools and our global network in the fight for justice and closure for families
Our Mission
The Missing Persons Unit (MPU) at INTERPOL Washington is dedicated to leveraging its resources, technology, and expertise to assist law enforcement agencies and families in locating missing individuals.
Our Network
MPU collaborates with INTERPOL's global network of 196 member countries, domestic and international law enforcement agencies, and international partners to share information, coordinate efforts, and enhance cross-border cooperation in locating missing persons as well as inquiries related to unidentified human remains. We also have close relationships with the U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Homeland Security, NamUs, FBI CODIS, and the INTERPOL General Secretariat (IPSG).
Our Access
MPU's internal resources include access to INTERPOL's extensive databases, which contain information on DNA, unidentified bodies, fingerprints, facial recognition, and more. These databases assist to quickly match and ID individuals, helping reunite families and ensure justice.
Our Tools
Yellow Notices are a global police alert for a missing person. It is published for victims of parental abductions, criminal abductions (kidnappings) or unexplained disappearances. The Yellow Notice can also be used to help identify a person who is unable to identify himself or herself. This is a valuable law enforcement tool that can increase the chances of a missing person being located, particularly if there is a possibility that the person might travel, or be taken, abroad.
Black Notices are given when INTERPOL needs information about unidentified bodies. In many of these cases, the persons found may have used false identities. INTERPOL will circulate photographs of the body and, when possible, fingerprints and information about the body to help with the identification process.
INTERPOL’s I-Familia service seeks to identify missing persons or unidentified human remains when direct comparison is not possible, by using DNA samples from family members. You can find more information on I-Familia in this INTERPOL booklet.
Our Experience
MPU is staffed by career former law enforcement investigators and analytical/support personnel, now full time working with the unit. These professionals provide specialized support and guidance to law enforcement agencies working on missing persons cases and unidentified persons investigations.
Contact Us
Law enforcement officials interesting in contacting the MPU may reach out directly to INTERPOL Washington.
FAQ
How is a Yellow Notice published?
Law enforcement partners in one of the 196 INTERPOL member countries can request a Yellow Notice via their INTERPOL National Central Bureau. Notices are then published by the INTERPOL General Secretariat and are sent to law enforcement officials in all INTERPOL member countries.
Why is the Yellow Notice important?
- It gives high, international visibility to cases.
- Abducted/missing persons are flagged to border officials.
- Countries can request and share critical information linked to the investigation.
Can I look up a Yellow Notice?
While some of our Yellow Notices are restricted to law enforcement use only, many are available publicly on INTERPOL's website:
Search Yellow Notices.
How do I report someone as missing?
If you want to report someone as missing, please contact your local law enforcement who may contact their INTERPOL liaison, if appropriate.
What do I do if I have some information related to an existing Yellow Notice?
If you have any information that could help locate or identify the people listed as missing on a Yellow Notice, please contact your local law enforcement as soon as possible with details.