Frequently Asked Questions

About Locate International

What does Locate International do?
Locate International is a UK-based charity dedicated to investigating long-term missing persons cases and identifying unknown individuals. We work alongside families, police, and experts to find answers where traditional investigations have stalled.

Are you part of the police?
No, we are an independent charity. While we collaborate with law enforcement and coroners where possible, our investigations are volunteer-led, and we work to support, not replace, official efforts. We also have a number of previously serving police officers within our volunteer base.

Do you work with the police?
Yes, we work closely with a number of police forces, coroners, and other authorities when investigating cases. While we operate independently, our research and findings are shared with police to support cold case investigations.

How is Locate International funded?
We receive no government funding and rely entirely on donations, grants, and fundraising efforts to continue our work.

Are you paid by the police or other agencies?
No. We are an independent charity and do not receive payment from the police or any other authorities for our work.

Our Investigations

How do you decide which cases to review or investigate?

We have four primary referral routes: family referrals, police, coroners, and professional organisations dealing with missing persons cases. Each case is assessed based on several factors, including the availability of information, the number of previous appeals, and the potential for new investigative leads. We prioritise cases where our expertise and resources can make a meaningful impact, but we never dismiss a case due to insufficient information.

How long do you work on a case for?
There is no fixed timeline for our investigations. Some cases require intensive work over a short period, while others may be revisited over months or even years as new information and leads emerge. We remain committed to each case for as long as there is potential to find answers.

Why aren’t the police working on the cases you’re working on?
Often, they are. Many of the cases we work on are with police cold case units, coroners, or other official bodies. We support these investigations by applying fresh expertise and volunteer resources to help develop new leads.

Why can’t you always announce successes?
Some of our successes cannot be made public due to legal, ethical, or family privacy considerations. We always prioritise the wishes of the families involved. While we have solved multiple cases—both in identifying individuals and reconnecting families—our impact often extends beyond single case resolutions, such as uncovering new leads and supporting ongoing official investigations.

Can you help if someone goes missing abroad?
If someone is in immediate danger overseas, we strongly advise contacting the local police as soon as possible. We do not take on live police investigations. However, we can sometimes offer guidance or signpost families to organisations that specialise in international missing persons cases.

Can you help with recent live missing cases?
Our work is dedicated to long-term missing persons and unidentified people. For recent missing cases, we recommend contacting the police or charities that specialise in active searches, such as Missing People.

Why haven’t you checked with Interpol / United Nations / Tracelabs / DFAT first?
We have a number of standard checks that we run on each case, including reviewing relevant databases and working with external agencies where appropriate. We collaborate with organisations both nationally and internationally where they can add value to our investigations.

Forensic Techniques and Technology

Do you use genetic genealogy?
No, we do not currently use Investigative Genetic Genealogy. This approach, which involves identifying individuals through distant DNA matches, is similar to the broader use of DNA in solving cases. While we have access to world-leading forensic capabilities, legislative and ethical considerations have slowed the adoption of genetic genealogy in the UK. We continue to monitor developments in this area.

Why can’t DNA be used to solve all unidentified cases?
This is a related question to the use of IGG. While DNA is a powerful tool, there are many barriers, such as lack of family reference samples, privacy laws, and limited access to forensic testing. Currently, these prevent it from being the sole solution in every case. The NCA is exploring the use of DNA as an investigative tool, but no official pilot is yet in flight.

What is isotope analysis?

Isotope analysis is a scientific technique used to examine chemical elements within a person’s bones, teeth, or hair to determine information about their life history. By studying isotopes (variants of elements like oxygen, strontium, carbon, and nitrogen) experts can estimate where a person may have lived, their diet, and even aspects of their health. This can be especially useful in unidentified person cases, helping to narrow down possible origins or migration patterns.

Do you have dental records for the cases you review?
Very rarely. However, if dental records are available, we will review them. We also have a Medical Practitioner Group where we can call on both dental and general medical, as well as specialist medical experts.

How are your living depiction images created?
Our living depictions are mostly created by forensic artist Hew Morrison using the latest technology and research techniques. These images aim to represent what an unidentified person may have looked like in life, helping to generate recognition and leads from the public. We also work with other forensic artists where appropriate, or where a living depiction has previously been created.

Getting Involved

How can I get involved?
We are entirely volunteer-led and welcome people with a variety of skills, from research and genealogy to social media and fundraising. You can apply to volunteer via our website.

What kind of skills and experience do you look for in a volunteer?
We welcome people from all backgrounds, but particularly those with experience in genealogy, forensic research, intelligence analysis, media and communications, or policing. However, dedication and a willingness to learn are just as valuable as technical expertise.

How do you vet your volunteers?
We have a structured vetting process that includes an application review, background checks where appropriate, and an induction period. Depending on the role, volunteers may also be required to provide references or undergo additional security screening.

What sort of training do you give?

All volunteers receive an introduction to our methodology, safeguarding principles, and casework processes. More specialist training is sometimes provided for those involved in forensic analysis, genealogy, or investigative research. We also offer ongoing development opportunities to keep our volunteers informed about best practices, and new skills. We have a number of third party organisations who kindly donate their training to our teams, such as Blue Light Digital, Forensic Analytics and UK-OSINT.

Can I submit information about a case?
Yes, if you have any information that could help an investigation, please reach out via our website. Even small details could make a difference.

How can I support Locate International?
You can help by donating, fundraising, sharing our appeals, volunteering, or even just raising awareness about the work we do. Every effort brings us closer to finding answers.

Can I help fundraise for you?
Yes! We would love your support. Please email fundraising@locate.international to get started.