Oral Presentation: Examining the challenges and barriers of cold case investigations

Title: Examining the Challenges and Barriers of Cold Case Investigations

 Abstract:

Criminal cold case is typically defined as one that is currently unresolved, in which no fresh leads exist, and a substantial amount of time has passed (often 1- 3 years). Cold cases introduce substantial barriers and challenges for investigators. For example, witness memory is likely to be weakened and subject to interference from numerous sources, such as conversations with others, exposure to media, and re-assessment of the event as new knowledge is acquired. To date, researchers have not systematically explored the barriers faced by cold case investigators or how to best obtain detailed and accurate information from “cold witnesses”. We will present data from two large-scale surveys with: i) the public and ii) cold case investigators.

The aim of the public survey is to develop an understanding of the public perceptions that are specific to factors present in cold cases (e.g., remembering after specific periods of delay, memory interference). As more cold cases make their way to juries to decide the evidence, it is important to understand the beliefs held by members of the public to identify areas in which juror education might be required. The aim of the cold case investigator survey is to better understand the challenges faced in investigating cold cases – why cases go cold, what leads to cold cases being reopened, and what factors help in solving a cold case.