Forensic data management and database systems in forensic investigations for cases of missing and unidentified persons in Brazil

Abstract

Forensic investigations, especially those related to missing persons and unidentified remains, produce different types of data that must be managed and understood. The data collected and produced are extensive and originate from various sources: the police, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), medical examiner offices, specialised forensic teams, family members, and others. Some examples of information include, but are not limited to, the investigative background information, excavation data of burial sites, antemortem data on missing persons, and postmortem data on the remains of unidentified individuals. These complex data must be stored in a secured place, analysed, compared, shared, and then reported to the investigative actors and the public, especially the families of missing persons, who should be kept informed of the investigation. Therefore, a data management system with the capability of performing the tasks relevant to the goals of the investigation and the identification of an individual, while respecting the deceased and their families, is critical for standardising investigations. Data management is crucial to assure the quality of investigative processes, and it must be recognised as a holistic integrated system. The aim of this article is to discuss some of the most important components of an effective forensic data management system. The discussion is enriched by examples, challenges, and lessons learned from the erratic development and launching of databases for missing and unidentified persons in Brazil. The main objective of this article is to bring attention to the urgent need for an effective and integrated system in Brazil.

Key points

• Forensic investigations, especially those related to missing persons and unidentified remains, produce different types of data that must be managed and understood.

• Brazil has had an erratic and poor performance in the search and identification of missing and unidentified persons. One of the reasons, and the main topic of this article, is the lack of a centralised data management system and database software that follow the steps necessary for them to be reliable and long-lasting.

• There is a need for better institutional and national support, with the establishment of policies, financial resources, and full-time dedicated and trained staff.

• The creation of a database for missing and unidentified persons in Brazil is crucial and will be challenging.

Keywords:

• Forensic sciences
• forensic data management
• database
• missing persons
• unidentified persons
• Brazil

Acknowledgements

Edits and improvements to the original manuscript were made possible thanks to anonymous reviewers. In case any information has been accidentally omitted or presented in error, the author assumes the responsibility for such occurrences.

Compliance with ethical standards

The author performed no studies involving human subjects or animals.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 “Humanitarian identification” is here used to refer to cases where the only goal of the investigation is the identification of the deceased individuals; no prosecution of crimes is sought.

2 According to the website https://www.cnmp.mp.br/portal/institucional/comissoes/comissao-de-defesa-dos-direitos-fundamentais/sinalid/informacoes-sobre-o-sistema#:∼:text=Mais%20do%20que%20um%20sistema,nacional%20de%20descoberta%20de%20paradeiros.

3 Law number 12.127/2019: http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2007-2010/2009/lei/L12127.htm

4 Proposal of Bill number 6.699/2009: https://www.camara.leg.br/proposicoesWeb/prop_mostrarintegra;jsessionid=653570A44285713BC7033F5478057 51A.proposicoesWeb1?codteor=731665&filename=Avulso+-PL+6699/2009

5 Law number 13.812/2019: http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2019/lei/L13812.htm

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by the CAPES – Science without Borders Scholarship [grant number 99999.013091/2013-01].