Comparing two models for counting missing persons: Implications for missing and/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 tested the Nebraska Model in New Mexico and then utilized an Extended Model that comprises additional sources of data specific to New Mexico. We conducted 12 monthly point-in-time counts of all missing persons in New Mexico and compared 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 found that the Extended Model significantly outperforms the Nebraska Model. 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 a call for additional research on the context of missing persons for prevention and intervention efforts.