Challenges of Operating a Cold Case Investigation

To investigate any crime, a lot is needed in terms of intelligence, resources and deduction and to investigate a cold case probably all of this is needed in larger amounts. A cold case is a case where the case file has been closed a number of years before and fresh investigation starts after new evidence has been unearthed, that is, the case was unresolved at the time of the incident. By that time a lot of other evidences may have been removed and investigators have to work on the missing links. The task becomes more difficult and the only resources of help are the evidences collected at the time of the incidents and on that basis, it becomes all the more challenging to pin down and convict the victim.

• Problems to be Faced: However, with the help of modern technology, it has become relatively easier for detectives to hunt down the suspects who had escaped unscathed after committing the crime. The foremost among them is of course the DNA test. Moreover it is more likely that the investigator investigating the case may not be the same who investigated the case last time, who may have been appointed after the retirement or relocation of the original investigator. This means he will again have to go through all the evidences and start from scratch. Even the witnesses may have moved on to other locations and they have to be tracked down and questioned all over again.
• DNA Tests: The best thing that has happened to Cold Case Investigation is the improvement in the technology for a better DNA test and the laws have also been modified to obtain DNA from biological samples. The development of the Combined DNA Index System or the CODIS in the State and National levels to aid investigators is a huge step in this regard. Although DNA is not the only factor that can help solve an unresolved case, it is definitely the most powerful tool in cases where blood samples of both the victim and the murderer has been attained and makes the recognition of suspects much easier.
• Fingerprints: Much the same can be said about fingerprints. They are next in importance to DNA and since, just like DNA, no two person’s fingerprint on earth can be alike, not even twins; they are the second most important forensic evidence in any case. However, fingerprints can be easily removed and are more likely to be absent during the time of a cold case investigation, until and unless of course the location had been sealed. Otherwise, once outsiders gain access to the location, fingerprints can get easily erased. If and only, the fingerprints are saved in the database, which is now possible because of enhanced technology, can the investigators go over the fingerprints again.