For decades, Wichita, Kansas, has struggled with a disturbing problem: the disappearance and murder of people. The Wichita Police Department has had a long-standing issue with "cold cases," or instances that have gone unsolved for an extended period of time (WPD).

The WPD has looked into over 350 cold cases of homicide and hundreds of missing person investigations since 1980. However, many of these instances have not yet been solved, leaving the victims' loved ones with more questions than answers.

There are now over 200,000 unsolved homicides in the United States, as reported by the National Institute of Justice. With a population of around 400,000, Wichita has a higher homicide rate than many of the country's smaller cities. This adds to the gravity of the problem of missing and murdered people in Wichita.

The 1991 murder of 13-year-old Stephanie Schmidt, who was discovered battered to death in a field not far from her house, is just one of numerous high-profile cold cases in Wichita that have yet to be solved. Her murder is still one of Wichita's most high-profile cold cases.

The WPD has created techniques to help solve cold cases despite the difficulty of doing so. The establishment of a Cold Case Unit, comprised of detectives trained to investigate cold cases, is one such tactic. These detectives have access to cutting-edge investigation tools and are educated in forensic methods like DNA and fingerprint analysis.

When it comes to investigating crimes, the WPD shares information and resources with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Several cold cases have been solved thanks to the efforts of these investigators working together, including the 1983 slaying of a local businessman.

The use of Genetic evidence is another crucial tactic for examining cold cases. DNA may now be extracted from almost any type of evidence thanks to technological advancements. DNA analysts at the WPD Crime Lab work to match up DNA evidence with prospective suspects. Wichita police have solved several cold cases with the help of Genetic evidence.

The WPD also works with local groups to get the word out about missing and murdered people so that more people will come forward with information. The Kansas Missing and Unsolved website is in charge of coordinating the search for missing persons by local police, volunteer search and rescue groups, and other groups.

Advocates' efforts to bring attention to the problem of missing and murdered people have been crucial, complementing the efforts of law enforcement. Families of victims and the general public can consult the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Missing People Clearinghouse for details on cold cases and potential leads.

In conclusion, the problem of missing and murdered people is still a major issue for authorities and residents of Wichita, Kansas. The WPD and its allies have made it a priority to investigate cold cases and bring closure to the families of the victims. Yet to solve this problem, authorities, advocates, and the public must work together to educate the public, offer aid, and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Witchita Police Department (WPD) may employ the following methods while looking into cold cases:

Using cutting-edge forensic tools like DNA analysis and fingerprint matching to the initial case investigation's evidence and forensic reports.

Looking back to the original investigation to see if there are any new leads or information that can be gleaned from the case files, evidence, and witness statements.

The process of re-interviewing suspects, victims, and witnesses to glean new information and spot discrepancies in their stories.

Making use of computers and forensics databases to track down leads and identify suspects.

Using incentives, collaborating with the media, and social media to solicit participation and collect data from the public.

Sharing knowledge and resources with other law enforcement organizations including the FBI and local prosecutors.

Having seasoned investigators look into cold cases on a regular basis in the hopes of finding fresh leads.

It's crucial to keep in mind that the specifics of each cold case may necessitate a different approach from law enforcement. It's possible that the Wichita Police Department has its own unique approach to solving cold cases.

In Wichita, Kansas, you can use a variety of tools to investigate cold cases. To name a few examples of such materials:

Cold Case Unit of the Wichita Police Department: The Wichita Police Department maintains a special unit devoted to investigating cold cases, such as murders and disappearances that have not yet been solved.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has a Cold Case Unit that works with local police to investigate cold cases.

Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit group that pays cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or conviction.

DNA Testing: Recent developments in DNA technology have led to the resolution of many cold cases, and this technique is now available to law enforcement in Wichita, Kansas.

Private investigators Private investigators are often enlisted by concerned relatives or law enforcement to look into unsolved crimes.

Publicity in the media: Cold cases can sometimes yield fresh leads or at least increase awareness after being featured on local news shows or websites.

By combining them, we can help solve cold cases and provide victims' loved ones some peace of mind.

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