The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) employs a wide range of techniques and strategies in its investigation of cold cases and other unsolved crimes, as do other police departments across the country. Following are some of the strategies that the CSPD uses to examine unsolved cases:
The CSPD often employs the practice of re-examining evidence from cold cases in light of advances in forensic science. Improvements in DNA technology have led to breakthroughs in many instances, and the CSPD works with forensic professionals to analyze evidence in order to uncover fresh leads and suspects.
The CSPD also makes use of cutting-edge technology to investigate and solve cold cases. The department's crime lab, for instance, makes use of an advanced database system to help find potential evidence-suspect matches.
The CSPD reviews cold case files frequently to look for new leads or information that may have been overlooked. In order to get more information, detectives may re-interview witnesses or victims' loved ones.
In order to share information and resources, the CSPD collaborates closely with other law enforcement agencies, both local and national. This is especially useful if the suspect has possibly fled to another country.
Finally, the CSPD asks for the public's help by inviting anyone with knowledge of cold cases to come forward. To encourage the public to provide information on unsolved crimes, the department has set up a special tip line and collaborated with the local media.
Although it can be difficult, the CSPD will continue to investigate cold cases in the hopes of bringing closure to the victims and their families. The agency periodically analyzes its methods and tactics in order to stay up-to-date with the newest investigative techniques and technologies. Through collaborating with the community and other law enforcement agencies, the CSPD intends to continue to solve cold cases and hold those responsible for crimes accountable.