This protocol for detectives on how to design, operate and manage a cold case unit was written by Dr. Jim and is intended to serve as a supplement to the NIJ Best Practices guide that was discussed in a previous podcast. It is here that the steps needed to put in place, operate and manage a sound dedicated cold case unit are described. Phase I the design of the unit; Phase II the operational aspects of how the cold case unit should function; and Phase III the managerial responsibilities of the supervisor for the unit. 

In this episode Dr. Jim will discuss the issues and concerns surrounding uncertain or equivocal deaths where the manner of death may be in question.  The most common one seen surround the cases where a suicide comes under scrutiny and families believe it is a homicide.  Other possibilities exist with Homicide versus Accident or Suicide versus Accident. 

In a general sense Dr. Jim will describe how some of these cases, at least by perception if not fact, become questionable and how they can cause us more time and money then if due diligence had been seen from the onset of the investigation.  As a side note, one of the cases briefly discussed is the Sherman case come from Toronto, CA and while Dr. Jim is not an expert on that case, he is providing information gleaned from public sources where the truth of the matter still remains to be determined.  Nevertheless, an interesting death case where it is alleged that the initial label was a Murder/Suicide and now is a double Murder, still unsolved.  As part of this Dr. Jim is including an audio clip from a news conference that the family’s lawyer addressed about his findings in his investigation.  This information came from CTV News in Canada and the direct link to this news briefing can be found at https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1524442&jwsource=em.

Dan Levey, an expert victim’s advocate, delves into the many issues the surviving families go through as they continue to live their lives after a tragic death from violence. 

Dr. Adcock will be conducting a follow-up to the previous episodes with Steve Chancellor on Victimology and Gregg McCrary’s on behavioral issues and concerns.  The purpose of this is elaborate further on both topics and provide a couple of case examples to illustrate one element of the behavioral, interpreting the organized versus the disorganized crime scene.

In this episode, Sexual Assault expert and former Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit leader, Jim Markley, will discuss the nuances of the sexual assault problem and how the investigative process will vary from cold case homicides.

Steve Chancellor describes the many characteristics of a victimology assessment that can help the investigator identify the perpetrator.

Dr. Sarah Stein will discuss the results of her research on the White Woman Syndrome and how it is reflected in our society through attitudes exhibited by the news media and others regarding homicides. She will also provide examples that are the direct result of her own personal experiences.

A discussion with former FBI Profiler Gregg McCrary who will talk about the many behavioral elements found in violent crimes and cold cases.  Plus, information about the functions of the FBI Behavioral Science Unit.

In this episode DNA Expert Samantha Spencer will talk to us about the beginnings of DNA and where we are today with the technology.  Included with this will be Familial DNA, Touch DNA, the utilization of Genealogy sites, and why the process takes so long to complete.

About ten years ago Ryann lost his father to violence and the investigation is still unresolved as a cold case. In this interview Ryann freely discusses the emotions and things he went through that occurred as a result of his father’s murder. And, how he has managed to move on in life helping other family members and the police through his non-profit Project Cold Case.