Syracuse, located in central New York, is a medium-sized city with a population of around 142,000. Syracuse, like many other cities, has its fair share of unsolved crimes, including murders and disappearances.
There are now over a hundred cold cases in Syracuse, with some dating back to 1980, according to the National Missing and Unidentified People System (NamUs). From missing persons to murder investigations, these incidents affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities.
Many methods have been established by the Syracuse Police Department to reopen cold cases and bring closure to the families of the victims. Using cutting-edge forensics equipment to reexamine crime scene evidence is a key tactic. DNA testing, ballistics evaluation, and other forensic methods may be used. In recent years, tremendous advances have been made thanks to the development of new technologies that have helped law enforcement agencies identify suspects and bring them to justice.
Public outreach is another tactic that can be used to find new clues and information about the cases. This can involve engaging with community organizations and advocacy groups to spread the word about the incidents and encourage individuals to come forward with any information they may have as well as making public appeals through media outlets, social media, and other platforms.
To help families of missing individuals and homicide victims deal with their grief and keep their loved ones' cases in the public view, law enforcement authorities work closely with them. Throughout the investigative and judicial process, families of missing individuals and homicide victims can rely on the Syracuse Police Department's Victim Services program for support and help.
Without tangible evidence or eyewitnesses, investigating cold cases can be extremely difficult. Since many of these instances were first investigated decades ago, progress may be slow if no new evidence or technology has emerged since then. Many plans have been established by the Syracuse Police Department to deal with these issues.
One tactic is to re-interview previous interviewees, such as family members and witnesses, to determine whether they have any new information or if their memories have altered. Some potential witnesses may feel more at ease talking to police now than they did in the past.