Cold Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques

About this book

Written by a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement Cold Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques provides effective and accessible information to those responsible for investigating and resolving previously examined - but still unsolved - cold case homicides. The book merges theory with practice through the use of case histories photographs illustrations and checklists that convey essential fundamental concepts while providing a strong practical basis for the investigative process. It combines proven techniques from forensics psychology and criminal investigation and focuses on technologies that may not have been available at the time of the crime. This guide defines the characteristics of a cold case homicide; details various investigative methods used by law enforcement agencies; explores the actual experiences of detectives in re-opening case files; and presents current technologies such as ViCAP HITS and TracKRS used in the identification of cases related to the re-opened case or its perpetrator. It also highlights technological changes that contribute greatly to law enforcements abilities to solve cold case homicides such as computerized print technology the specificity of DNA and the expanding data banks that enable the linkage of previously unknown suspects to the crimes they committed. Addressing methods particularly valuable to cold cases Cold Case Homicides: Practical Investigative Techniques assists the investigator in being prepared focused objective - and successful in obtaining the truth.