Our Databases
The Midnight Order relies on two primary databases in its work: the Missing/Murdered Database (MMD) and the Serial Homicide Database (SHD). These databases serve as essential tools for crime analysis, forensic intelligence, and investigative research, addressing critical gaps in the tracking and understanding of violent crime across Canada and beyond.
Missing Murdered Database (MMD)
The Missing/Murdered Database (MMD), established in 2016, is a nationwide repository documenting missing persons and unsolved homicide cases across Canada. Designed as a resource for crime prevention specialists, investigators, and researchers, the MMD systematically collects, organizes, and analyzes data to identify risk factors, track patterns of victimization, and improve crime-solving efforts through forensic intelligence and predictive analytics.
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With over 12,500 cases and continuous daily updates, the MMD tracks hundreds of variables across various categories, including:
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Demographics: Age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other identity factors.
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Medical & Psychological History: Psychiatric conditions, history of substance use, and known vulnerabilities.
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Crime-Specific Data: Last known location, time of disappearance, suspected offender details (if available), and investigative leads.
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Geospatial Data: Mapping tools to visualize missing persons and unsolved homicides, highlighting geographic trends and high-risk areas.
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Investigative & Case Details: Links to police reports, media coverage, and statements from family members or witnesses.
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Machine Learning Training Data: Includes 1400 solved cases, which are used to enhance predictive models for identifying patterns related to serial offenders.
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The MMD covers both historical and contemporary missing persons and unsolved murders, making it an essential tool for tracking ongoing trends in violent crime. Through advanced data visualization and linkage analysis, the MMD helps identify crime hotspots, potential patterns, and systemic factors contributing to victimization, supporting both law enforcement and public safety initiatives across Canada.
Serial Homicide Database (SHD)
The Serial Homicide Database (SHD), established in 2012, is one of the most comprehensive global resources on serial homicide offenders. It systematically catalogues the developmental, psychological, and criminological factors of known serial killers, offering a data-driven approach to understanding criminal escalation and predictive profiling.
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With 6,250 documented serial offenders and tracking over 1,400 variables per individual, the SHD provides detailed insights into the criminal development, escalation, and behavioral patterns of serial offenders. Key areas of focus include:
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Developmental Data: Prenatal influences, childhood experiences, educational background, and family history.
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Psychiatric & Criminal History: Mental health diagnoses, early behavioral issues, and prior offenses (both juvenile and adult).
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Crime Scene Analysis: Victim demographics, offender modus operandi, and crime scene staging.
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Geospatial & Hunting Patterns: Offender residence locations, victim encounter sites, crime scenes, and body disposal locations.
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Behavioral & Predictive Data: Factors influencing escalation, victim selection strategies, and post-offense behaviors.
Unlike the Missing/Murdered Database (MMD), the SHD only includes solved cases, making it a crucial tool for tracking criminal development over time. By identifying patterns in offender behavior, the SHD enhances predictive profiling and forensic risk assessment, assisting law enforcement and researchers in anticipating and preventing future crimes.