The Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) have partnered to offer this tuition-free 16-hour course designed to enhance the efforts of police investigators and prosecutors to successfully investigate and resolve cold cases. Curriculum for this highly interactive course was developed by the renowned Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine (VIFSM) and will be instructed by a distinguished cadre of investigatory and prosecutorial practitioners. This course is designed to:
- Enable non-scientists to grasp the elements of forensic biology and its implications for solving cold cases
- Provide a practical foundation in DNA evidence identification
- Provide the overall knowledge, skills and best practices related to processing previously handled DNA evidence in cold cases
- Provide guidance on identifying cases for investigation based upon statute of limitations considerations and solvability factors
- Review communication basics including verbal and non-verbal communication and impediments to effective communication
- Provide practical case examples of successfully solved cold cases from the investigative point of view
- Provide instruction on maximizing successful prosecution of cold cases
- Offer insight on four key elements necessary for a successful Cold Case Homicide Squad (CCS)
- Provide strategies for working with and managing the media in high profile investigations
Agenda:
Day One
- Exploring the Science
- Processing Previously Handled Evidence for DNA
- Developing Case File and Methodology
- Cold Case Interviewing
- Investigative Approaches: Case Examples
Day Two
- Overview of Cold Cases Homicide Investigations: Identifying Best Practices
- Cold Case Success: Integrating Behavioral Assessment Components
- Media Relations in High Profile Investigations
- Cold Case Reviews: Setting up a Cold Case Unit
- Prosecutorial Approaches and Success Factors
- Cold Case Studies: Application of Lessons Learned
Audience:
The program is for law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the U.S. who are actively involved in the investigation and prosecution of complex criminal cases. Teams of law enforcement and prosecutors are highly encouraged to attend due to the collaboration necessary for successful resolution of these cases.
Cost:
This is a tuition-free program funded through the National Institute of Justice. Travel, lodging and per diem will be provided for participants traveling over 40 miles from their duty post or current assignment. Specific details will be provided following acceptance into the program.
Application:
Participants for the program will be selected through an application process. Click here for a printable application or call (804)644-0899 to request a copy. Those interested in attending should submit an application by February 2, 2009. Acceptance letters will be mailed beginning March 1, 2009. Applications received after February 2, 2009 will be reviewed on a space available basis.
Check the Training Calendar for course dates and location.
