An introduction to Unresolved Missing Persons Investigations will include a discussion on the definition of an Unresolved Case, Unresolved Cases in Indian Country, and the scope of the problem regarding unresolved homicides and long-term missing persons will be examined.

This module includes an overview of unresolved cases and why “Now” is the best time to work these cases. This includes an examination the principal complicating factors in unresolved cases, particularly in Indian Country, and how to define success when addressing long-term missing and unresolved homicide cases.

Unresolved Case Teams can be formed and structured to effectively conduct long-term missing persons and unresolved homicide investigations. Participants will review the Case Team structure and the ideal attributes and roles of specific team members in the creation and operation of Unresolved Case Teams in Indian Country.

In this module of instruction, participants will discuss the key components of case selection and learn about case solvability factors to consider when screening and prioritizing unresolved cases in Indian Country.

Proven and effective methods of managing the most complex and demanding unresolved cases will be explained in this module. More specifically, the instructor will offer course participants a framework on how to organize unresolved cases into readily identifiable components and explain the value of employing a computerized case management system to positively impact case solution rates.

An understanding of the basic dynamics of violent crime is critical in conducting an unresolved case investigation. This module will focus on the key concepts unresolved case team investigators should know when addressing unresolved homicides and long-term missing persons cases in Indian Country.

An understanding of the victim risk assessment, missing persons categories and the missing persons investigative processes is essential in unresolved missing persons investigations. Throughout this module, participants will review various missing persons categories and discuss factors that aid in identifying incidents that fit in specific categories. Specific investigative steps pertaining to high risk missing persons categories such as missing children, will also be thoroughly reviewed.

Homicide cases account for a large number of unresolved cases in the United States and will surely be a part of any team’s workload. This module offers important concepts that all unresolved case team investigators should consider when addressing or considering unresolved homicides in Indian Country.

In this module of instruction, participants will review specific factors used in the assessment process to determine if a missing person investigation may be a “No Body Homicide” case. In addition, a discussion on investigative action required to structure a prosecutable “No Body Homicide” case will be examined. Case examples will be utilized to illustrate how to conduct a “No Body Homicide” assessment and investigation.

Behavior of the offender and the victim is an element of all violent crime investigations. In this module, an analysis of common offender behaviors displayed in homicides will be provided. Case examples will be used to illustrate how this analysis may aide in furthering an unresolved case investigation.

Case organization and management provides a foundation for the review and analysis process. In this module, participants will discuss the process as formatted in a sample template. The instructors will guide the students through the template by using case examples.

The investigative plan involves the prioritization of leads and the strategic implementation of investigative steps. In this module of instruction, participants will focus on how to prioritize unresolved case leads and create an effective investigative plan.

Forensic technologies are advancing at a rapid pace. Understanding what is available and how to access these “new tools” drastically improves the chances of solving an unresolved case. This module will consist of a deeper examination of the newest technologies impacting unresolved case investigations.

Advances in forensics and technology has led to an increase in more robust databases that can benefit law enforcement investigations. There are two types of databases applicable to these investigations, comparative analysis databases and information/intelligence databases. In this module, we will discuss the benefits of using various databases and how to access those databases.

This module will address where to find specialized resources to assist and advance unresolved case investigations in Indian Country. Course participants will learn where to find specialized resources; how to access them; and understand how to creatively apply them to advance the important work associated with unresolved case investigations.

In this module, participants will review the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, recommended best practices in forming and operating an unresolved case team. At the end of this block of instruction, course participants will be able to identify specific best practices in the scope, design, implementation, and operation of an unresolved case team.