$19.95 Buy and instantly download this paper now
This paper discusses how cold cases are approached and investigated years after the crime was committed. First, the paper defines cold cases, which are usually either homicide or missing person cases have gone unsolved for lack of evidence, or some other reason. Then, the paper explores the impact of DNA technology on today's criminal investigations which may lead to more cold cases being solved. It also lists the attributes an investigator must possess when starting a cold case investigation. This also includes a commitment to team work. Next, the paper examines issues that may impede a cold case investigation. The paper concludes by summarizing the important considerations when reopening an unsolved case.
From the Paper:"Cold case investigation includes many important decisions and questions such as who should be assigned the case and how the age of the case might affect the new investigation. There are always pros and cons attached to assigning a case to experienced or new investigators. With old comes experience and with new comes knowledge of new technology. However certain attributes found in an investigator can make it easier to decide who should work on a cold case. To solve this issue, many law enforcement agencies have come up with the idea of a cold case squad. Such a squad is composed of various experts who can focus specifically on review of cold cases. There is no given number for how many experts need to be a part of the squad. It all depends on the size of the agencies and the number of unsolved cases. Cold case squad is a practical solution to the problem of staff shortage and budget limitations."
"The age of the case can also become a problem at times. If location of old files has changed, there is always a chance that some files were misplaced or destroyed in the process and this can further complicate an already complex case."
Sample of Sources Used:
- Walton R. Cold Case Homicides-practice investigative techniques. CRC Press, 2006
- Melton, T. PhD. Mitochondrial DNA Examination of Cold Case Crime Scene Hairs Reprinted from: Cold Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques, Richard H. Walton, ed., CRC Press, 2006.
- Miletich. J. Homicide Investigation: An Introduction. The Scarecrow Press, Inc. (October 2003)
Cite this Term Paper:
Cold Case Investigations (2012, May 30) Retrieved December 09, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/cold-case-investigations-151251/
"Cold Case Investigations" 30 May 2012. Web. 09 December. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/cold-case-investigations-151251/>