<p>This protocol for detectives on how to design, operate and manage a cold case unit was written by Dr. Jim and is intended to serve as a supplement to the NIJ Best Practices guide that was discussed in a previous podcast. It is here that the steps needed to put in place, operate and manage a sound dedicated cold case unit are described. Phase I the design of the unit; Phase II the operational aspects of how the cold case unit should function; and Phase III the managerial responsibilities of the supervisor for the unit. </p>

Since 1980 the USA has accumulated over 250,000 unsolved homicides while the city of Memphis, TN has over 1,800.  Various studies and the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ) Best Practices guide for Cold Cases has determined that we are in a "Cold Case Crisis".  

According to the FBI crime data for 2017, the homicide clearance or solve rate was about 61%, leaving four out of every ten homicides unsolved.  And in 2016 the solve rate figure dropped to its lowest of 59.4%.  On average this adds 6 – 7,000 unsolved cases to the cold case mix each year.

The national consensus of cold case experts, who were part of the NIJ Cold Case Working Group and contributed to the best practices guide, have confirmed that the forming of dedicated cold case units will reduce not only the number of cold cases, but will help increase the solving of new homicides as they are reported.

Additionally, if the proposed process with a solid commitment and sustainment of cold case investigations are integrated into the system, we will reduce violent crime, regain public confidence in our criminal justice system, solve more cases and provide information to the forgotten victims, the surviving families.  It's not how much it will cost us to have these units in place, but rather what it will cost us if we don't!

This podcast, "Surviving Cold Cases with Dr. Jim", will address the cold case issue, how we got here and what we can do about it.  Through weekly episodes it will discuss the problem and the nuances of conducting cold case investigations.  The listener will hear about some of the many steps involved in a homicide/cold case investigation, revealing the reality of the situation and what we can do about it to make our communities a safer place to live and work.  

Jim Adcock, PhD, #SolveColdCases

cold cases, unsolved homicides, homicides, forensic science, investigation, genealogy, surviving victims, homicide family's matter