NCJ Number
187273
Journal
CLU (Criminal Law Update) Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: 1999 Pages: 4-7
Editor(s)
Dru S. Fuller
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article investigates new crime-solving technologies to help close cold cases.
Abstract
Until recently, when an unsolved case grew old the trail grew cold, and perpetrators went unpunished. With the 1990's came widespread use of high-tech crime-solving methods such as national databases, DNA testing, and the Internet. One advantage of cold case investigations is more time to track down witnesses and review evidence. A disadvantage is that the cold case detective must find fresh leads in cases that have long since gone stale. The San Antonio (Texas) Police Department posts cold cases on the Internet and their website invites tips via e-mail. In at least one case, this procedure contributed to solving the murders of two high school students -- more than 1,000 days after the murders. While technology can help solve cases, much progress in solving cold cases still involves painstaking reexamination of evidence from case files and the efforts of seasoned, experienced investigators. The Texas Attorney General's Cold Case Unit is available, upon request, to assist and coordinate with local authorities, to establish multi-jurisdictional resources, and to provide training on cold case investigation. References