Drones, DNA and AI: How Technology is Revolutionizing the Search for Missing People
In recent years, the challenge of locating missing persons has been significantly transformed by advancements in technology. From the early days of traditional methods such as door-to-door inquiries and radio broadcasts, police forces now employ a sophisticated range of tools including drones, DNA analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), and social media to find missing individuals more quickly and effectively. The Independent explores these innovations and their impact on search operations, highlighting how they enhance efforts to bring vulnerable people back to safety.
Transforming Search and Rescue Operations
According to Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for missing persons, technology has dramatically improved police capabilities in locating missing individuals. “Technological advances have improved the ability of the police to locate vulnerable missing people quicker, and it is anticipated that future advancements will reduce the number of missing people who are never found,” he stated.
One of the most visible changes has been the adoption of drones, which have become indispensable tools for search and rescue teams. Cheaper and more efficient than helicopters, drones can cover large or hard-to-reach areas and conduct multiple simultaneous aerial searches. This capability is especially valuable in adverse weather conditions or environments unsafe for manned aircraft.
Police also utilize data-driven analysis to forecast where a missing person might travel based on behavioral patterns, enabling more strategic deployments of resources. Automatic number plate recognition and vehicle tracking systems assist in cases where a vehicle is involved. In addition to aerial surveillance, underwater technology such as sonar equipment helps officers detect missing people or related items submerged in bodies of water like lakes and rivers.
Digital Devices and Social Media: Powerful Allies
Mobile phones and digital devices have become pivotal in tracing missing persons. AI-powered systems can analyze extensive cell site data to accurately pinpoint locations. Social media platforms provide an immediate way for law enforcement to disseminate alerts and rally public support. Amy Walker, head of digital campaigns at the charity Missing People, emphasized the reach that social media affords: “It’s not just whoever has picked up the newspaper or whoever has watched that TV show. It’s whoever’s following your local police force, and of course, the power of sharing on social media.”
Open-source intelligence, which involves scanning publicly available online data, is now a standard part of investigations. An innovative service, TextSafe by Missing People, delivers confidential messages directly to missing individuals, offering them helpline support even if they are not ready to contact the police.
Artificial Intelligence: Accelerating Investigations
AI technologies continue to expand their influence in missing person investigations. Rapid video analytics allow police to review hours of CCTV footage within minutes by employing facial recognition and object detection techniques. This can identify sightings or distinctive clothing relevant to the search.
Mr. Miller highlighted AI’s growing role: “The analysis of data has enabled models to predict the most likely places a missing person might be found, their likely time missing, and the distance they have travelled. Artificial intelligence can be used to track the route taken by a missing person after their last sighting.”
Moreover, AI analyzes data for signs of exploitation, networks of vulnerable individuals, and possible perpetrators. Dr. Varuna De Silva, an AI expert from Loughborough University, pointed out emerging technologies like WiFi radar, which detect and track individuals through wireless signals even without camera coverage—offering a promising future tool in search operations.
Advances in DNA Technology
DNA analysis plays a crucial role in matching unidentified bodies to missing person reports, both domestically and internationally. The UK’s vulnerable person DNA database enables individuals at risk of abuse to provide DNA samples proactively, supporting future investigations if they disappear unexpectedly.
“Advances in DNA technology have enabled unidentified bodies or body parts to be matched to missing person reports,” Mr. Miller explained. “There is international co-operation and DNA profiles can be easily shared with police forces of other countries where there are concerns a missing person may have gone abroad.”
The Independent and Missing People Launch SafeCall Campaign
To further support efforts in protecting missing children, The Independent, in partnership with Missing People, has launched the SafeCall campaign. The initiative aims to raise £165,000 to create a free nationwide service designed to help the estimated 70,000 children reported missing annually in the UK find support and safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to donate via text by sending SAFE to 70577 to give £10—the cost of helping one child receive vital assistance. For those seeking advice or support related to missing persons, the charity Missing People operates a free, confidential helpline at 116 000 and offers resources online at www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help.
A New Era for Missing Person Investigations
The integration of drones, AI, DNA technology, and digital communication marks a profound shift in how missing person cases are handled. These innovations enable quicker responses, better data analysis, and enhanced community involvement. With ongoing advancements, police forces are increasingly equipped to ensure vulnerable individuals are found and returned safely to their families.
For those who may be interested in supporting the SafeCall campaign or learning more about missing persons assistance, please consider donating via The Independent and Missing People.
