New Technology and Old Police Work Solve Cold Sex Crimes

• NCJ Number: 202157
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 72 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2003 Pages: 1-5
• Author(s): James Markey
• Date Published: September 2003
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses developing a strategy for investigating cold case sex crimes.

Abstract

An audit of the Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department showed over 1,700 sexual assault examination kits awaiting evaluation and screening. In addition, over 700 new sexual assaults were being reported each year. The first step of the new cold case team was to get a genuine commitment from the chain of command of the police department. The second step was to establish a team, which was funded by a grant for the creation of the Phoenix Cold Case Sex Crime Team. A seasoned investigator with 10 years of experience in sex crime investigations was chosen to lead the team. A complete understanding of sexual offenses, rapists, and their victims is an important part of the investigation of these crimes. The team enlisted the aid of the department’s laboratory for DNA testing. An advocate was hired to deal with the multitude of victimization issues that would arise from re-interviewing victims. Combining victim statements with corroborating evidence collected at the crime scene proved successful in combating the issue of deceased victims. Many victims did not want to pursue their case any further. Investigating cold cases involves taking a step back, assessing the entire situation, and using the theory that typical rapists commit multiple attacks during their careers. By deciphering old cases, investigators began to see patterns in new cases. The cold case sex crime team developed a unique database for organizing and tracking unsolved cases. All cases were reviewed and evaluated for solvability based on a set of criteria, such as the reevaluation of all evidence, initial victim interviews, and all witness interviews. Interagency communication and cooperation is very important. The key to successful prosecution is minimizing or eliminating investigative errors that may aid the defense. 4 endnotes