| The National Institute of Justice [1] estimates that over 600,000 individuals go missing in
the United States every year. Of those who have gone missing, Native American women, men,
and children are disproportionately affected. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous People is an
endemic occurring in the United States, which to present day cannot be accurately measured or
reported. The lack of comprehensive data and culturally relevant case documentation has
hindered both awareness and effective investigation efforts. By analyzing closed cases,
researchers can identify critical patterns and overlooked variables that may improve prevention
and recovery strategies. This research aims to create an ethically sourced and equitable reference
database of closed adult missing persons cases in Idaho that will shed light on the uniquely
Native American or underrepresented group characteristics specific to those along the
Interstate-15 corridor. The database will serve as a central point for tribal nations to enter
culturally relevant data about missing adult persons, some of which does not typically get
recorded during traditional law enforcement case documentation. Eventually, the reference
database will be used in conjunction with a predictive algorithm to assist MMIP advocates and
law enforcement in the location and return of adult missing persons.
Key Words: missing persons, intersectionality theory, lifestyle exposure theory, database creation |