CMRJ307 - Cold Case Investigation

Course Code: CMRJ307 Course ID: 5535 Credit Hours: 3 Level: Undergraduate

This course provides an analysis of techniques and procedures utilized to solve cold cases that have been designated as unsolved by law enforcement. Topics covered include forensic genealogy, behavioral analysis, crowd-sourcing techniques, victimology, and the use of media platforms to raise awareness and develop new leads. Additionally, the course examines strategies for cold case investigation, including how to prepare and organize an investigation plan. The benefits of collaboration between civilian investigators, detectives, and criminal justice professionals are explored, along with the complexities of working with a victim’s family and coordinating among multiple agencies. Pitfalls such as confirmation bias, belief perseverance, and investigator exhaustion are addressed. Specific focus is given to cold case homicides and best practices for utilizing modern investigative resources to pursue justice for unresolved crimes.