The Doe Network

The Doe Network is a volunteer organization dedicated to assisting in the identification of unidentified human remains and the location of missing persons. The network operates internationally, providing a platform for the exchange of information between law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and the public.

History

The Doe Network was founded in 1999 by a group of volunteers who were passionate about solving cold cases involving unidentified remains and missing persons. The organization was named after the common placeholder names "John Doe" and "Jane Doe" used for unidentified individuals.

Mission

The primary mission of The Doe Network is to give the unidentified a name and to bring missing persons home. The organization works closely with law enforcement agencies, medical examiners, and families of the missing to achieve this goal. The Doe Network also aims to raise public awareness about these cases and to provide a comprehensive database of information.

Operations

The Doe Network operates through a website that features detailed profiles of unidentified remains and missing persons. Each profile includes physical descriptions, photographs, and other pertinent information that could aid in identification. The network encourages the public to submit tips and information that could help solve these cases.

Volunteers

The organization relies heavily on volunteers who contribute their time and expertise in various fields such as forensic science, law enforcement, and genealogy. Volunteers are responsible for researching cases, maintaining the database, and liaising with law enforcement agencies.

Notable Cases

The Doe Network has been instrumental in solving numerous cases of unidentified remains and missing persons. Some of the notable cases include:

• The identification of Tent Girl, a young woman found deceased in Kentucky in 1968, who was identified in 1998 as Barbara Ann Hackmann Taylor.
• The resolution of the case of Lyle Stevik, an unidentified man who committed suicide in a Washington motel in 2001 and was identified in 2018.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

The Doe Network collaborates with various law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). These collaborations are crucial for the verification of information and the resolution of cases.

Public Awareness

The organization also focuses on raising public awareness about unidentified remains and missing persons through social media campaigns, public service announcements, and community events. By engaging the public, The Doe Network hopes to generate leads and gather information that could help solve these cases.

See Also

• NamUs
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• Unidentified decedent
• Missing person