As criminal investigations age, the likelihood of a successful outcome is dramatically reduced. Key evidence degrades or is lost, witnesses disappear and memories fade. At the same time, new technologies and techniques can provide a fresh look at a cold case. That is why the announcement today by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen that Wisconsin's Department of Justice has received a $500,000 federal grant from the United States Department of Justice is so significant.
"Law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin have too many violent unsolved "cold" cases which may have the opportunity to be solved," said Van Hollen. "Using improved investigative strategies and most importantly DNA technology, there is new hope that crimes can be solved and justice can be served."
Agencies already stretched for resources often struggle to keep up with current crimes and may not have the time and manpower to devote to cold cases.
"During a previous grant furnished by the U.S. Department of Justice, four convictions were obtained for cold case homicides, and dozens of new leads were generated in others which continue to be investigated" said Van Hollen.
The majority of funding will be used to hire experienced retired homicide investigators who will be able to devote all of their time to cold case investigations. The cases will be selected based upon solvability factors, including identification of potential suspects and witnesses, and the existence and condition of DNA evidence. Additionally, the grant will fund overtime within the crime lab to ensure cold case priority testing and for the Milwaukee Police Department's major unsolved case unit.
"Investigators will partner with other experts in Forensics, Prosecution, Victim/Witness Service Providers and Intelligence Analysts to bring a more rounded approach and fresher perspective to these challenging cases," said Van Hollen.
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