How to Be Cold Case Detective - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 2, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increase in cold case detectives has had a positive effect on the resolution of unsolved crimes. By leveraging their experience in the field, these specialized detectives have been able to bring closure to families and victims of unsolved cases from the past. They are able to use the latest advances in forensic analysis and technology to reexamine evidence and build a stronger case against suspects who may have gotten away with their crimes in the past.

Furthermore, cold case detectives also work with local law enforcement and the public to create awareness of unsolved cases and bring new leads to light. This collaboration has been instrumental in solving many cold cases.

Steps How to Become

Earn a College Degree. Most cold case detectives are required to have at least a four-year college degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field. Some agencies may also require a masters degree in criminal justice or law enforcement.
Complete Basic Law Enforcement Training. Cold case detectives must complete a basic law enforcement training program that is recognized by their state or the federal government. This usually includes courses in firearm safety, criminal law, patrol procedures, ethics, and a variety of other topics.
Obtain Work Experience. Most cold case detectives have several years of experience working in law enforcement in some capacity. They may have worked as beat cops, investigators, or in some other function within a police department.
Take Specialized Training. Many police departments require cold case detectives to take specialized training in areas such as crime scene processing, evidence collection, and interviewing techniques. In addition, many departments encourage cold case detectives to attend seminars and conferences related to their field.
Select the Right Agency. Cold case detectives often work for state or local police departments, or for federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Each agency has its own set of requirements for applicants, so it is important to select the agency that best matches your qualifications and experience.
Apply for Open Positions. Once you have completed the necessary educational and training requirements, you can apply for open positions as a cold case detective. The hiring process typically involves a written test, physical fitness test, and an oral interview.

Staying ahead and competent as a Cold Case Detective is essential to success in the field. Learning, staying up to date on new technologies and techniques, and developing good communication and problem-solving skills are all important components. Keeping up with new technologies and law enforcement trends can help detectives stay informed and up to date on the latest developments in the field.

Developing good communication and problem-solving skills helps detectives interact with victims and witnesses, as well as other law enforcement personnel. Finally, having a strong knowledge base of case law and criminal investigation techniques can help detectives build strong cases and be successful in their investigations. By following these tips, Cold Case Detectives can remain knowledgeable and ahead of the curve in their field.

You may want to check Missing Persons Detective, Criminal Investigator Detective, and Detective Constable for alternative.

Job Description

Investigate cold case files to identify suspects and piece together evidence
Conduct interviews with witnesses, victims, and suspects
Collect and analyze physical evidence, such as DNA, ballistics, fingerprints, and trace evidence
Testify in court regarding findings
Work with prosecutors to build persuasive cases
Research and compile police reports, court documents, and other data
Prepare detailed investigative reports
Utilize various databases and other technology to identify and collect evidence
Establish and maintain contacts with other law enforcement agencies
Collaborate with coroners, medical examiners, and forensic scientists

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of criminal investigation techniques
Knowledge of the law and legal procedures
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to think creatively and come up with new approaches
Knowledge of criminal profiling
Proficiency in using investigative databases and research tools
Ability to conduct interviews and interrogations
Ability to accurately document and record evidence
Proficiency in the use of computers and technology
Ability to make well-informed decisions under pressure

Being a successful cold case detective requires a variety of skills, but one of the most important is being able to think outside the box. This means being able to approach a case from multiple angles and consider all potential clues, both large and small. It also involves having an attention to detail, as it is often the smallest of details that can make the biggest difference in solving a case.

strong analytical and problem solving skills are critical; cold case detectives must be able to take evidence and draw independent conclusions from it. Finally, excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential, as cold case detectives must often work with other law enforcement agencies to gather additional evidence or share their findings. With all of these skills combined, a cold case detective can become an invaluable asset to any law enforcement team.

Detective Supervisor, Theft Detective, and Intelligence Detective are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have investigating cold cases?
What strategies do you typically use to close a cold case?
How do you gather evidence in a cold case investigation?
How do you keep track of all the information gathered in a cold case investigation?
How do you handle difficult situations in a cold case investigation?
What challenges have you encountered in cold case investigations?
How do you handle difficult witnesses in a cold case investigation?
How would you approach interviewing a reluctant witness in a cold case investigation?
What techniques do you use to identify key suspects in a cold case investigation?
How do you manage the expectations of family members of victims in a cold case investigation?

Common Tools in Industry

Evidence Database. A database used to store and organize evidence found at a crime scene. (eg: CrimeSceneDB)
Forensic Laboratory. A laboratory dedicated to analyzing physical evidence from a crime scene. (eg: FBI Crime Lab)
Interviewing Techniques. Techniques used to investigate a crime and gain information from witnesses and suspects. (eg: Cognitive Interviewing)
Surveillance Technology. Technology used to monitor suspect activities and locations. (eg: GPS Tracking System)
Computer Forensics. Technology used to analyze digital evidence found on computers and other electronic devices. (eg: EnCase Forensic Software)
Cold Case Files. Files containing information related to unsolved cases. (eg: National Cold Case Database)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
International Homicide Investigators Association (IHIA)
National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS)
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD)
International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI)
International Police Association (IPA)

We also have Detective Sergeant, Arson Detective, and Juvenile Detective jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cold Case. A criminal investigation that has gone unsolved for a long period of time, often due to lack of evidence or a lack of viable suspects.
Evidence. Physical or circumstantial evidence, such as fingerprints, documents, or witnesses, used to prove a crime or establish a suspect or suspects.
Forensic Science. The application of scientific techniques to the analysis of crime scene evidence in order to establish the facts of a case.
Criminal Profiling. The practice of creating a profile of an offender based on their behavior and past criminal activity.
Investigative Interviewing. The process of gathering information from suspects and witnesses in order to build a case.
Crime Scene Investigation. The process of collecting and analyzing evidence at the scene of a crime.
Forensic Psychology. The application of psychological principles to criminal investigations and the courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Cold Case Detective? A1: A cold case detective is a law enforcement officer who investigates unsolved crimes that are many years old. Q2: When did cold case investigations become popular? A2: Cold case investigations became popular in the early 2000s, after advances in DNA technology made it easier to identify suspects and link evidence to unsolved crimes. Q3: How many unsolved cases are there in the United States? A3: According to the National Institute of Justice, there are approximately 250,000 unsolved cases in the United States alone. Q4: What techniques do Cold Case Detectives use? A4: Cold Case Detectives use a variety of techniques, such as analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and using new technology, to investigate unsolved cases. Q5: What is the goal of a Cold Case Detective? A5: The goal of a Cold Case Detective is to bring justice to victims and their families by solving the crime and identifying the perpetrator.

Web Resources

Detectives in Cold Case Investigations | Cold Case Criminal ... www.detectiveedu.org
Cold Case Program with Michigan State Police wmich.edu
The Cold Case Unit | School of Criminal Justice | Michigan State cj.msu.edu