Advanced Cold Case Long Term Missing Investigations
Learn the dynamics of conducting long-term missing and cold case investigations. Uncover specific investigative techniques and best practices to improve the skills and capacities of law enforcement personnel assigned to long-term missing cases.
Topics include: What is known about long term missing and cold case investigations, dynamics of conducting investigations, investigative techniques, best practices, and case studies.
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Advanced Cold Case Long Term Missing Investigations
Day 1
Time
Session
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Welcome and Introductions
8:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Family Perspective
How does the crime of child abduction affect the family? This presentation gives participants an opportunity to hear first-hand how family members cope
with the pain and anguish of the search for an abducted child and their experiences with law enforcement, advocates and prosecutors. This revealing
first-hand experience will help investigators improve their response to future cases involving missing and abducted children.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Solving Cold Cases with DNA
This module provides an overview of current DNA technology and the CODIS database as they relate to cold case homicides, missing persons, and unidentified remains cases. Sources of DNA will be discussed as well as the types of DNA testing currently available. Missing DNA samples in the CODIS database will also be covered. Case examples are used to highlight teaching points.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Case Study
This case study examines two unsolved 1986 child abduction homicides. The presentation covers the current investigation which included as large-scale Child Abduction Response Team activation that coincided with the 30-year anniversary. The use of media, new DNA technology and other resources are discussed.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch (on own)
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Investigative Techniques, Dynamics and Best Practice
This module has been designed to meet the needs of the criminal investigator who is responsible for investigating the long term missing or cold cases,
unresolved child homicides and the identification of unknown human remains. The essential investigative techniques applicable to these unique investigations will be covered through lecture and applicable case examples. Discussion will provide participants with new knowledge and capabilities. Additionally the participant will be exposed to proven cold case methodologies, including review of inventoried evidence, how to approach previously interviewed subjects and best practices for reconstructing cold cases.
Day 2
Time
Session
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Resources for Managing Long-Term Missing and Cold Case Investigations
This module will provide participants with a variety of resources available to assist with the investigation of long-term missing person cases, unidentified remains cases and unsolved homicides. These include the use of DNA, fingerprints and dental records to make identifications. Case examples will be used to demonstrate how these resources can be used to assist investigators. Participants will be provided with contact information for a variety of agencies and organizations highlighted in the presentation.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Managing and Supervising Unresolved Investigations
This module illustrates and examines proven methodologies associated with the supervision of those responsible for the investigation of unresolved homicides, unidentified human remains and long term missing. This module was developed to assist the supervisor with how to initiate, maintain, and assure the best practices are being applied to assist the investigators, victims and surviving family members with historical events. Based on supervisory and investigative experiences, this message will be delivered through case examples, experiences and class interaction.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Investigative Techniques, Dynamics and Best Practice
This module of instruction will be a continuation from day one, focusing on investigative techniques, dynamics and best practices which influence closed
cases, suspended or forgotten cases never reported to law enforcement and cases closed due to technical closure policies or practices.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch (on own)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Investigative Techniques, Dynamics and Best Practice (continued)
This module of instruction will be a continuation from day one, focusing on investigative techniques, dynamics and best practices which influence closed
cases, suspended or forgotten cases never reported to law enforcement and cases closed due to technical closure policies or practices.
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Interactive Case Study
This block will include facilitation of applicable case studies in which participants will be given case examples, issues and situations to review and
attempt to resolve. This interaction has been developed to reinforce instructional points and encourage communication among participants.
