Why Do Cold Cases Go Cold?

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Amber Strong 5-28-2015
Introduction to Criminal Justice
1
Cold Cases
By
Amber Strong
Southeast Community College
Amber Strong 5-28-2015
Introduction to Criminal Justice
2
Cold cases are the hardest and most frustrating cases to solve due to lack of evidence, witnesses and the time that has passed. Another reason why cases go cold is because there are more cases coming in as the number of crimes goes up, which makes less time for investigators to work on each case. When cases go cold there is no closure for the family of the victim or victims, and a criminal is still on the street potentially repeating the offense that he or she got away with.
It is believed that homicide cases that are not solved within 72 hours is less likely of ever being …show more content…

When prioritizing cold cases the priority is given to the cases where the witnesses, information, and evidence can identify suspects. Priority is also given to cases where witnesses were not able to be located in the initial investigation or when the witnesses need to be re-interviewed. Cases that have preserved evidence that can be processed and analyzed through modern technology also get priority in the investigations.
Cold case squads are formed because there are too many new cases or police initiatives coming in preventing investigators or police from working on the old cases. The most important part of cold case squads is the personnel. The squad must consist of the perfect mix of investigative and supervisory skills. The staffing model of a cold case squad is determined by whether the squad works full time or part time, and if the squad will be placed in the police station or a prosecutor's office. A squad usually consists of one full time investigator, a squad of 2 or more full time investigators, investigators that work cold cases on top of their other investigative duties, former homicide detectives that are part time or on a volunteer basis, one time cold case squads that are assigned …show more content…

They also have at least one supervisor or team manager, which is usually a lieutenant from the homicide division, that acts as a liason among police management, participating law enforcement agencies, the local community, and the press. The squad also has a supervisor that is generally a sergeant and investigators. Some squads may also have administrative detectives that review cases, write case summaries, list evidence and witnesses, and perform workups on witnesses and potential suspects to gather information on recent arrests as well as addresses. The administrative detective also compiles documentation or records that are not already in the

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