Columbia Missourian
April 18, 2004
By GRAHAM WOOD

Not many local and state police officials have heard of the Doe Network. They have not dealt with many cases involving unidentified victims, so they have not been seeking the network’s help. But most officials said they are appreciative of help from agencies outside law enforcement.

Columbia Police Chief Randy Boehm said that the department would have to first do a background check on the Doe Network to assure its credibility.

“We’re not opposed to using outside sources,” said Boehm. He said that non-law-enforcement sources are more than welcome to help the police department.

Capt. Sam Hargadine of the investigation unit said if the department exhausts all of its common techniques to identify victims, then officers would turn to outside sources.

“Yes, we’ll take anything from anyone who can help,” Hargadine said.

Boone County Sheriff Ted Boehm said, “Police agencies throughout the country are always asking for assistance.” He declined to comment on whether he would employ the Doe Network specifically. He said he was not sure of its credibility. But “all law enforcement goes outside their agencies for help,” he said.

Todd Hurt, chief of the Missouri Capitol Police in Jefferson City, said the department is currently not pursuing any unidentified victims cases. He declined to comment on the Doe Network.