NCJ Number
207815
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 28 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 44,46-48,50,52
Date Published
October 2004
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the operational techniques of the Miami-Dade "Cold Case Squad" of the Homicide Division, the Nation's first official squad designated to focus on unsolved, inactive homicide cases.
Abstract
The Cold Case Squad further defines a "cold case" as one in which the primary investigator has rotated out of the Homicide Unit. The work of the squad often begins with a letter from a convict that has been routed to the squad's sergeant. Typically the convict's letter pertains to some incriminating comments from a fellow inmate. The information in the letter is compared with information contained in the case file regarding places, times, the weapon used, and victim characteristics. If the information matches, a detective will visit the letter-writer in prison to obtain a statement and possibly interview the suspect. Tracking down witnesses is a major part of the squad's work, as it attempts to reinterview every witness who has provided important information. In addition to inmates, tips come from individuals who have or have had personal relationships with murderers. Typically the person is motivated by retaliation against the suspect for some grievance. On other occasions, leads come from rotated investigators who spur a re-examination of an unsolved case in which they were involved. The Miami-Dade squad is also responsible for hosting and cooperating with homicide detectives from other jurisdictions who come to town to work their leads.