Bode Technology Partners with CWAG in Missing Persons Project

LORTON, Va., Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bode Technology Group, Inc. (Bode), a leading provider of forensic DNA services, announced today a partnership with the Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG) to implement the "Combining Efforts to Identify the Missing:  A United States/Mexico DNA Project." Through the collaborative efforts of CWAG, Bode and NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System), DNA analysis will be performed on unidentified skeletal remains and family reference sample profiles collected in Mexico for the identification of individuals from both countries. The DNA profiles obtained will be searched in the national DNA database for missing persons (CODIS).

"The unidentified remains in both the U.S. and Mexico presents a unique challenge.  The goal of this effort is to collect reference DNA samples from family members in Mexico who believe their relative died in the United States, potentially while crossing the border, and to collect skeletal remains found in Mexico that are believed to be from U.S. citizens," stated Lance Gima, Director of Forensic Training, CWAG.  "Bode has a reputation of obtaining profiles from the most difficult skeletal samples including small fragments, burnt remains, and those exposed to harsh environmental conditions and we look forward to working with them."

There are thousands of human remains in both the U.S. and Mexico that are unidentified. Mexican citizens that died in the United States may not be identified because their family reference samples are not in the database.  Likewise, DNA from skeletal remains found in Mexico that may belong to U.S. citizens are not being searched either.  CWAG will work with Attorney Generals in Mexico to submit select items to Bode for DNA testing. 

"Part of Bode's foundation is supporting worldwide identification efforts.  We have  helped identify victims from the World Trade Center attack, mass graves from Latin America, and the Thailand tsunami, to name a few," stated Mike Cariola, Bode's CEO and President. "We have put significant effort into developing procedures that give the highest success rates for obtaining DNA profiles, from even the most challenging items, and are humbled to be part of this transnational project."

About The Bode Technology Group, Inc.

Bode (http://www.bodetech.com) operates one of the most internationally respected private DNA laboratories and provides a comprehensive set of state-of-the-art forensic DNA collection products, DNA analysis services, and research services to law enforcement, the justice system and other government agencies around the world.  Bode is one of the few private facilities worldwide to receive ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from both the American Society of Crime Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB-International Program) and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/FQS for forensic testing.

Bode is one of the three wholly owned subsidiaries of SolutionPoint International, Inc. (www.solutionpoint-intl.com), a leading provider of business intelligence, security, compliance and monitoring, identity assurance, forensics, and situational awareness solutions for the commercial and government sectors on a worldwide basis

SOURCE The Bode Technology Group, Inc.

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED