On Assessing the Scope of Missing Native Americans in Nebraska: Results From a State-Wide Study and Recommendations for Future Research

• NCJ Number: 304411
• Journal: Race and Justice Volume: Online Dated: October 2021
• Author(s): T. Richards; Et Al
• Date Published: October 2021
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2019-75-CX-0014
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: A Descriptive Analysis of Missing and Murdered Native Women and Children in Nebraska, Barriers to Reporting and Investigation, and Recommendations for Improving Access to Justice

Annotation

Since recent legislation in multiple states has called for studies on the scope of missing Native American persons, this article reports on one such study from Nebraska by first describing the practical and methodological issues for researchers to consider when examining data on missing Native persons.

Abstract

Using data from four point-in-time-counts in 2020, rates of Native American missing persons and case contexts over the study period are reported. Findings show that Native Americans are disproportionately represented among Nebraska’s missing persons, that reports often involve minor boys, and that cases are dynamic and most are resolved quickly. Relatedly, most Native missing persons cases are only listed on the state clearinghouse, not the national missing persons lists. The paper concludes with a discussion of specific directions for future research and policy regarding missing Native Americans. (Publisher Abstract)