ST. CHARLES, Mo.—St. Charles Police Department is launching a new unit dedicated to solving missing person cases. With 11 open cases dating back to 1979, seven detectives will make up the brand-new unit to check into the disappearances.

“They're pretty unique in the fact that there's a lot of unknowns. So we have to determine, did that person leave voluntarily, did something bad happen to them?” said Lt. Daniel Gibbons, the public information officer for the St. Charles Police Department. “When those cases happen, we stick with it until we get some sort of conclusion.”

As police revisit these cases, they hope advancements in technology could help bring closure for friends and family.

“There's been a lot of advances in technology that law enforcement can now use. So, we're going to be able to use all the investigative tools available. That could be different databases, DNA and maybe just some good old fashioned re-interviewing of people.”

Detectives involved will continue to work on additional missing person cases as they pop up.

“If there is a new missing persons case, we're going to take that very seriously from the get-go, but we're also going to dedicate time and resources to these older cases as well.”

Gibbons said the police intend on posting a case on social media often, potentially weekly, to help bring awareness and hopefully generate new leads. Anyone with information about a case will be asked to contact the department or CrimeStoppers.