Case review—establish priorities

Once solvability factors and statute of limitation issues are addressed, it is important to continue the process by identifying the cases to be reviewed first. To preserve investigative resources when considering a larger number of unsolved cases for review, jurisdictions may prioritize according to the likelihood that cases will be solved or the likelihood that investigations will be aided. In establishing this priority, the following criteria can be considered:

  • How many qualifying cases are there?
  • Where are the case files located?
  • Are case summaries available?
  • How many cases will be assigned to an investigator?

To establish an investigative hierarchy, qualifying cases should be reviewed by experienced, proficient investigators. A checklist can be used throughout the review process so that managers can decide which cases will be worked first. A checklist can also provide review process consistency throughout the agency. (See Sample Checklist.) The following categories may serve as a model for a hierarchy in prioritizing cases:

  • There is a known suspect and physical evidence appears to have been preserved in a manner consistent with successful DNA testing and use of CODIS.
  • There is no known suspect but physical evidence has been preserved in a manner consistent with successful DNA testing and use of CODIS.
  • There is no known suspect and evidence was collected and preserved in a manner that may make it difficult to obtain a DNA profile.
Go to Next Section: Locating Case Files, Obtaining Evidence Logs, and Other Documentation

Some or all of the content on this page was excerpted from the Special Report Using DNA to Solve Cold Cases, developed under an award from the Office of Justice Program's National Institute of Justice. See award product disclaimer.