Cold Case Strategy

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, focused on advancing evidence-based practices in criminal justice. To address the challenges of unresolved cases, NIJ convened the Cold Case Investigation Working Group, a multidisciplinary team of experienced practitioners. This collaboration produced the National Best Practices for Implementing and Sustaining a Cold Case Investigation Unit (2019), a practical guide offering research-informed recommendations for establishing and maintaining effective cold case squads within law enforcement agencies. The guide is available on the NIJ website via the link below.

The National Resource and Technical Assistance Center for Improving Law Enforcement Investigations (NRTAC) is a national initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and administered in partnership with the National Policing Institute. NRTAC strengthens the quality and effectiveness of criminal investigations by providing evidence-based guidance, training, and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Its website serves as a centralized resource hub offering practical tools and best-practice investigative guidance across a range of investigative disciplines, with dedicated resources supporting cold case homicide investigations, such as:

• Cold Case Solvability and Using Science in Investigations
• Cold Case Solvability Matrix for case assessment and prioritization
• Cold Case investigative checklists to identify gaps and missed opportunities
• 5 Things to Know About Forming a Cold Case Unit & Unit Expectations
• 5Things to Know about Defining & Solving a Cold Case

The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), supports law enforcement, prosecutors, and partners in strengthening sexual assault investigations. Beyond testing unsubmitted kits, SAKI promotes systemic improvements, evidence-informed practices, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Its website offers resources, guidance, and tools to enhance investigative strategies, case management, and cold case resolution in sexual assault cases. We’ll discuss SAKI more in funding, but visit their site for the term "cold case" for some excellent cold case investigation tools inlcuding:

• Sexual Assault Investigations: Cold Case Team Manual
• Cold Case Sexual Assault Investigation Check List
• Utilizing DNA Evidence to Investigate Cold Case Sexual Assault Through CODIS
• Applying Crime Analysis to Solve Cold Case Sexual Assaults

 Unresolved Cases: A Review of Protocols and Resources for Supporting Investigations Involving American Indians and Alaska Natives (COPS-P456) is a resource published by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). This guide was developed in recognition of the high number of unresolved violent crimes, such as homicides, sexual assaults, long-term missing persons cases, and unidentified human remains, affecting American Indian and Alaska Native communities, where law enforcement resources are often limited. It compiles best practices and practical resources for local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies engaged in reviewing and reinvestigating cold or unresolved cases, with a focus on areas including the development of investigative protocols and trauma-informed victim services; the use of national and federal investigative databases; and the examination of physical evidence (such as DNA, fingerprints, and forensic dentistry). By bringing together guidance on procedural standards, technology, and collaboration, the publication supports improved investigative outcomes and reflects broader federal priorities for addressing long-term unresolved crime and supporting affected communities. 

Serving Survivors of Homicide Victims During Cold Case Investigations is a practical guide developed in partnership with the National Sheriffs’ Association and DOJ collaborators to assist law enforcement agencies in establishing written protocols for cold case homicide investigations. Although published in 2011, the guide still offers solid, relevant recommendations, emphasizing consistent investigative practices, structured case reviews, and victim-centered communication. It provides enduring tools and guidance to support effective, compassionate cold case work.