The Burlington Vermont Police Department (BPD) uses cutting-edge forensic technology, partners with other law enforcement agencies, and reaches out to the local community as part of its plan to solve cold cases.
DNA evidence and other physical evidence that may have been acquired during the original inquiry are analyzed using state-of-the-art forensic technology, which is one of BPD's key techniques. In order to evaluate evidence and find fresh leads, the BPD Cold Case Unit collaborates closely with the Vermont Forensic Laboratory and the FBI's Regional Forensic Laboratory in Vermont.
Working with other organizations is also essential to BPD's approach. To better investigate cold cases, the department has collaborated with the Vermont State Police, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies on a local, state, and federal level. Many cases have been solved thanks to the efforts of these collaborations, including the 1982 murder of Jane Doe, whose remains were identified in 2018. (NamUs).
Community outreach is another tool used by BPD to increase the number of leads and tips they receive from the general public. The agency collaborates with local media to raise awareness of cold cases and solicit tips from the public. Also, the department has set up a hotline and an email address specifically for cold case tips. BPD has launched a Cold Case podcast and Facebook page to raise public awareness and find new leads.
BPD also maintains tight relationships with victim advocates and family members of victims in order to give them with support and update them on the status of ongoing investigations. Victim advocates in the agency work directly with families to offer comfort and guidance as they deal with the criminal justice system.
Finally, case reviews and reexaminations of evidence are key parts of BPD's technique. The Cold Case Unit always looks at old cases with new eyes and takes a different tack. Some cold cases have been solved thanks to the discovery of new evidence and promising leads uncovered through this method.
In conclusion, the approach BPD takes to solving cold cases is thorough and varied. To find new leads and tips, the agency uses cutting-edge forensic technology, partners with other organizations, and reaches out to the community. The division also follows up with victims' loved ones and analyzes old cases to reexamine evidence and find fresh leads.