How We Use the Data
​Case Selection Criteria, Acquisition, and Investigation
You may be wondering... how do we identify suspicious clusters of missing/murdered individuals?
What criteria do we use to select our cases? How does an investigation work? Read on to find out!
Identify a Case or Cluster
Before we can begin an investigation, a case or cluster must be identified in one of the following ways:
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Trends in Our Database
Our Missing and Murdered Database (MMD) is a comprehensive resource that tracks all of Canada’s cold cases. By plotting this data on a map, we can identify and examine suspicious clusters. Our dedicated team members work behind the scenes, assessing these clusters and conducting deep dives to determine whether they indicate homicide, serial predation, or other criminal activities. When suspicious clusters are identified, we meticulously compile profiles for each victim and cross-reference them with our serial homicide database to develop detailed profiles of potential offenders. We then connect with police and community stakeholders to raise awareness and offer assistance.
02
Requests from Families and Friends
Families and friends of victims who have gone missing or been murdered often contact us because they feel their cases have not been taken seriously, they have been overlooked, neglected, or ignored. These individuals reach out seeking answers, or sometimes, a listening ear. Through ongoing communication, we find ways to provide support and assistance.
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Many familes also contact us to ensure their loved ones are included in the Missing and Murdered Database (MMD), providing us with essential information to add to our records. Our team assists by finding answers, locating resources, and facilitating better access to justice.
03
Tips
We often receive tips from individuals who believe they have information relevant to missing or murdered persons cases. Our team carefully evaluates each tip to determine whether an investigation is warranted or if one has already begun. Recognizing that some people do not have positive relationships with law enforcement and may feel uncomfortable reaching out, we have also served as intermediaries between individuals and police. This approach ensures that valuable information is not lost and that those who might be hesitant to contact authorities directly still have a way to contribute to the pursuit of justice. Our priority is to create a safe and accessible environment for sharing information, which can be crucial in solving cases and bringing closure to families.
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Professional Consultations
Law enforcement agencies, private investigators, and documentarians frequently seek out The Midnight Order for professional consultation and case analysis. Our expertise in crime pattern analysis, forensic research, and behavioral profiling allows us to provide investigative support to those working on active or unresolved cases. . Our Missing/Murdered Database (MMD) and Serial Homicide Database (SHD) provide a wealth of structured data that can help law enforcement identify potential links between cases, uncover trends, and refine investigative strategies. Private investigators, journalists, and documentary filmmakers also turn to us for access to accurate, research-based insights on serial offenders, missing persons, and homicide cases. Whether they are working on an independent case or producing investigative content, our team offers expertise in crime data interpretation, case analysis, and historical crime trends to help develop informed narratives and investigative breakthroughs.
Begin the Investigation
Investigations take different forms depending on the nature of the crime, timeline, number of victims, family participation, and many other factors. No two investigations are the same, but below are some common features:
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Initiated by Our Team
02
Initiated by Tip or Request
If a suspicious cluster of missing or murdered individuals is located in the MMD, immediately, the whole team is alerted. The team then takes a systematic approach to investigating what occurred. We examine victimology, methods of death, crime scene details, and other information about the criminal event, including witness statements if available. We conduct a detailed examination of the timeline of the crimes to determine whether the crimes were a statistical anomaly for the time and place. We assess whether there was an increase in unsolved homicide cases or missing individuals who met our victimology criteria during that period and in the area.
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Additionally, we consider other systemic factors that may be at play, as not all clusters are related to serial killers. We connect with communities, police, and individuals to gather any knowledge or concerns about the cluster. If it is determined that the cluster was not crime-related, we keep it on our radar for future reference. If there were systemic issues related to the cluster (e.g., people disappearing from hospitals), we try to identify possible solutions to prevent such occurrences in the future. If it is determined that the cluster is possibly connected to criminal activity, we alert communities and police and initiate an investigation.
If an individual reaches out with a tip or a request for assistance on a case, we may ask for additional details. For example, we may request more information about the victim, any available records, the contact information of the police officer(s) who have worked on the case, and formal permission to investigate. Based on the information we acquire, we then conduct a thorough examination of the victim(s). We learn as much as possible about who they are, the circumstances surrounding their death or disappearance, and utilize our internal resources to solicit tips.
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We may hold roundtable discussions within our team to analyze the data and piece together a timeline of events to facilitate a more focused investigation. Alternatively, we may engage our broad but closed network of trained investigators, police officers, academics, and lawyers. During these discussions, we determine what legal actions are feasible and whether and how the investigation should be escalated.
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Throughout this process, we remain transparent with the people we work with and those who solicited our help. We firmly believe that families have every right to be kept informed about the investigation and should have the opportunity to take control in guiding decisions, investigations, and other related actions. This collaborative approach ensures that families are active participants in the pursuit of justice and that their insights and needs are respected and prioritized.
Submit a Case
To Submit a Tip please do so on the Main NCCI Website
If you have information related to a missing person, an unsolved homicide, or a potential serial offender, please submit your tip through the main NCCI webpage. The National Cold Case Initiative (NCCI) serves as the primary intake point for investigations and action oriented case-related information. When submitting a tip, please note that we will likely ask for the following information to assess its relevance and accuracy