Although dental records, fingerprints, and DNA are favored over "traditional" methods of identification, their usefulness depends on having records of particular missing individuals that can be compared with data on features of victim remains. "Traditional" methods of identification generally consist of combining witness testimony about missing persons that can be compared with observable characteristics of the deceased victim, the matching of personal effects and clothing identified by individuals with an accurate knowledge of these characteristics of the missing persons, and anthropological and dental data known by persons familiar with missing persons. Such information can corroborate or exclude the victim being identified as a particular missing person. During the investigation phase, it is necessary to determine whether there are objective dental, medical, and/or DNA data/samples for reference in corroborating and excluding a victim as being a particular missing person. If no such data exist, data on the missing individuals should be collected during interviews with relatives, witnesses, or other people close to the victim. When collecting such data, investigators must make a judgment as to which people supplying the information were closest to the missing person, which is an indication of reliable and comprehensive information on variables useful for comparison with particular victims. Protocols for obtaining information on missing persons and comparing it to particular victims must be carefully and uniformly managed. Suggestions are offered for collecting and comparing data on age, stature, dental characteristics, and clothing. 8 figures, 1 table, and 13 references