File Kinds

AM file

An AM (Ante-mortem) file is a file on a missing person recovered from the missing persons’ home or provided by family members which can include information on:

  • dental and medical records
  • fingerprints
  • DNA
  • Body description: hair, height, weight, eye color etc.
  • Physical identifiers: tattoos, scars or surgical implants which may be unique to the victim
  • Personal effects: jewellery, glasses, clothing, keys, wallet, mobile phone, tablet, camera or identity documents

PM file

A PM (Post-mortem) file is a file on human remains examined by specialists to detect forensic evidence to help identify the victim which can include:

  • Dental information: teeth provide one of the most reliable forms of identification as they are highly durable and most people have dental records
  • DNA profiles: direct comparisons can be made from a victim and a profile taken from their home, for example from a hair brush. Indirect comparisons can also be made using the parents’ DNA
  • Fingerprints
  • Physical identifiers: tattoos, scars or surgical implants which may be unique to the victim
  • Personal effects: jewellery, glasses, clothing, keys, wallet, mobile phone, tablet, camera or identity documents

    PUI file

    A PUI (Person Unable to Identify him/herself) file is a file on a living unidentified person.

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