Solving Cold Cases: An Exploratory Look at the Role of the Police and Media

Abstract

The project aims to answer the following questions: How do law enforcement officers perceive the current state of cold case review in their departments? Do law enforcement officers believe the media can be useful in improving the clearance rate of cold case investigations? What individual and organizational characteristics influence perceptions and actions of law enforcement as it relates to investigation cold cases and utilizing the media? The process to answer these questions consisted of a series of interviews with people who work in law enforcement departments. Individuals were interviewed using a semi-structured guide consisting of questions that allow for in depth responses. Responses to these questions were coded to explore for commonalities and differences in perceptions. In addition, scales were established to measure the effectiveness of cold case review, the media’s help in solving cold cases, and if different characteristics of an individual or organizational characteristics influence these decisions. As the project is not yet completed, these outcomes are the desired ones of the study. The results aim to bridge a gap in cold case review to improve communication among departments and establish a consensus that can lead to further research which establishes answers for the concerns presented.

Start Time

16-4-2025 1:30 PM

End Time

16-4-2025 2:30 PM

Room Number

271

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

UG Orals

Presentation Category

Social Sciences & Business

Faculty Mentor

Dustin Osborne

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Apr 16th, 1:30 PM Apr 16th, 2:30 PM

Solving Cold Cases: An Exploratory Look at the Role of the Police and Media

271

The project aims to answer the following questions: How do law enforcement officers perceive the current state of cold case review in their departments? Do law enforcement officers believe the media can be useful in improving the clearance rate of cold case investigations? What individual and organizational characteristics influence perceptions and actions of law enforcement as it relates to investigation cold cases and utilizing the media? The process to answer these questions consisted of a series of interviews with people who work in law enforcement departments. Individuals were interviewed using a semi-structured guide consisting of questions that allow for in depth responses. Responses to these questions were coded to explore for commonalities and differences in perceptions. In addition, scales were established to measure the effectiveness of cold case review, the media’s help in solving cold cases, and if different characteristics of an individual or organizational characteristics influence these decisions. As the project is not yet completed, these outcomes are the desired ones of the study. The results aim to bridge a gap in cold case review to improve communication among departments and establish a consensus that can lead to further research which establishes answers for the concerns presented.