Online Resources: Protocol, Brochures and Recommendations

There are a number of cold case units that have been established in recent years. Every agency and jurisdiction must develop cold case practices in accordance with the duties and role of the agency, applicable law, and the expertise and resources available to it; however, criminal justice professionals may find it helpful to read the following resources:

For Victim/Witness Professionals

• Arizona Cold Case Task Force Report (PDF) (2007 Task Force Report to the Governor, contains best practice recommendations)
• Recommendations for Providing Victim Witness Assistance in Reactivated Cases (PDF) (2011, Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services)
• Understanding DNA: A Guide for Victim Service Providers (PDF) (2001, U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime)

For Law Enforcement

• Arizona Cold Case Task Force Report (PDF) (2007 Task Force Report to the Governor, contains best practice recommendations)
• Implementing a Cold Case Homicide Unit (PDF) (F.B.I. Bulletin)
• Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations: A Guide for Developing a Law Enforcement Protocol (PDF) (2011, National Sheriffs’ Association, Justice Solutions and the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc.)
• Using DNA to Solve Cold Cases (National Institute of Justice)

For Prosecutors

• Arizona Cold Case Task Force Report (PDF) (2007 Task Force Report to the Governor, contains best practice recommendations)
• Implementing a Cold Case Homicide Unit (PDF) (F.B.I. Bulletin)
• Resources for Officers of the Court: The DNA Initiative (Website)

Special Prosecution Unit Websites

• Denver District Attorney Cold Case Project Website
• Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Cold Case Unit Website
• Jackson County MO Cold Case Prosecution Unit Website