Comparing Two Models for Counting Missing Persons: Implications for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Research

The current study presents a replication and extension of the “Nebraska Model” for counting missing persons and examining the scope of missing American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons. Here, we test the Nebraska Model in New Mexico and then utilize an Extended Model that comprises additional sources of data specific to New Mexico. We conduct 12 monthly point-in-time counts of all missing persons in New Mexico and compare the results of the Nebraska Model (i.e., four data sources) and the Extended Model (i.e., seven data sources) in identifying unique missing persons and missing persons by racial/ethnic groups. We first find that the Extended Model outperforms the Nebraska Model: more than 350 unique missing persons were identified using the Extended Model including nearly 50% of AI/AN missing persons. Then, using the Extended Model we estimate an average annual missing persons rate for New Mexico of 4.5 per 10,000 persons compared to 9.1 per 10,000 AI/AN persons in New Mexico. We discuss findings in the context of data quality and transparency regarding the study of missing persons and missing AI/AN persons and conclude with calls for additional research on the context of missing persons for prevention and intervention efforts.