Cold Cases: An Evaluation Model With Follow-Up Strategies for Investigators

Nearly 185,000 homicides since 1980 remain unsolved, yet with limited staff and resources, it is no surprise that law enforcement units place the bulk of their efforts on current cases where victims’ family members and the media demand answers. Cold Cases: An Evaluation Model with Follow-up Strategies for Investigators provides a comprehensive roadmap for digging those cold cases out of the file room and getting them resolved. Practical and concise, the book is an invaluable tool for police officers and detectives attempting to solve crimes that would otherwise be forgotten.
Evaluating the Case
Divided into three sections, the book begins with a historical perspective on how cases get to the point where it appears all investigative leads have been exhausted. It includes a chapter on understanding the process of homicide and those who kill — critical information for the homicide investigator. Next, the authors explain the evaluation model. They demonstrate the key elements of organization, thoroughness, and the value of the scientific method. This section validates theories of the crime, raises evidentiary issues and concerns, addresses the informational and behavioral aspects relative to the crime and the participants in the crime, and documents investigative strategies for future efforts on the case.
Investigating and Solving the Crime
The third section discusses the investigation that follows the evaluation. The book considers questions investigators must ask, including what should be looked at beyond the case file itself, and how the growth in technology since the date of the incident might provide new opportunities to uncover clues. This section also explores the choice of interview/interrogation techniques based on the behavioral aspects involved. Finally, the authors suggest how investigators can maximize their efforts and obtain not just an arrest, but a conviction.

Useful appendices include sample standard operating procedures from three different agencies to use as a guide for setting up a cold case unit and a list of additional resources a department may look to for assistance. By following the cold cases evaluation model in this volume, those charged with resolving long-forgotten crimes can increase their chance of an accurate resolution, or at least be able to say that everything that can be done has been done.

James M. Adcock, PhD and Sarah L. Stein, MFS are with The Center for the Resolution of Unresolved Crime (CRUC) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

Section I: Getting Started: How Do We Prepare to Review and Conduct Cold Case Investigations?What Is a Cold Case and How Did We Get Here? J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinHistorical Perspective Understanding the Process of Homicide and Those Who Kill; J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinSocial Scientists’ Research on HomicideHomicide During the 1960s to 1990sSolvability ResearchThe Phases of Homicide Creating a Cold Case Squad (Concepts for Initialization); J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinSection II: The Evaluation ProcessThe Cold Case Evaluation Model—Introduction and Phase I; J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinIntroductionCold Case Evaluation Protocol Phase IThe Case File Official DocumentsPolice ReportsVictimologyStatements/InterviewsPhysical/Forensic Evidence Records Persons of Interest Handwritten NotesMedia Miscellaneous The Cold Case Evaluation Model—Phase II; J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinThe Evaluation Model The Cold Case Evaluation Model—Phases III and IV; J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinPhase III Phase IV Section III: Follow-up Investigative StrategiesApplying Science and Technology to Cold Cases; A. B. HarperScience and the Scientific Method in Criminal Investigation Scientific Advances, Databases, and Linkage Possibilities DNA and Biological Evidence Fingerprint Evidence Ballistics Evidence Other Database and Analytical ToolsSuspect Identification Using Pre-, Peri-, and Post-Offense Behaviors; R. Walter, S. L. Stein, and J. M. AdcockPerpetrator Subtypes Power-Assertive Type Power-Reassurance Type Anger-Retaliatory Type Anger-Excitation Type Methods Crime Behavior Pre-Crime Behavior Post-Crime Behavior Case Illustration Interview and Interrogation Issues and Concerns Relating to Cold Cases; J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinThe Interview Process The Behavioral Analysis Interview (BAI) The Prescriptive Interview Murder Typologies and Interrogation Strategies Evaluation Reports and Legal Considerations; J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinReport FormatsThe Prosecutor Legal ConsiderationsGeneral Considerations Chain of Custody Memory of Witnesses Loss of EvidenceOther The Murder of Martha Moxley (A Case Study)Martha’s Story Conclusion; J. M. Adcock and S. L. SteinAppendices
A: Office of the Morris County Prosecutor—Standard Operating Procedures
B: Metropolitan Police Department—Major Case/Cold Case Squads—Standard Operating Procedures
C: Establishing a Police Gray Squad to Resolve Unsolved Homicide Cases—Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa, OK
D: Sample Cold Case Evaluation Report
E: Alternate Resources for Investigators
Index