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Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program

ABOUT COLD

The Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program provides funding to prosecute violent crime cold cases and to decrease the number of violent crime cold cases awaiting prosecution. This program funds the prosecution of cases where a suspect’s DNA has been identified (suspect may be known or unknown) and provides resources for state and local prosecuting agencies to increase their capacity in addressing violent crime cold cases. Provided that DNA from a suspect has been identified, funds may be used to support investigative activities as well as forensic analyses in cases where performing these could lead to prosecution.

 

To learn more about the COLD Program and potential funding opportunities, please visit Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program.

With homicide rates increasing and clearance rates decreasing, unsolved violent cold cases are on the rise³. From 1980 to 2016, there are an estimated 242,000 unsolved homicides. Additionally, the clearance rate for violent crimes has declined from 78.3% in 1975 to 59.4% in 2016. This data demonstrates a clear need for the justice community to address the gaps in solving violent cold cases. Through funding prosecutorial efforts, the Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA program aims to provide justice for the victims and their families and friends, as well as prevent future backlogs of unsolved violent cold cases.

 

[3] Based on Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Part 1 data.

Key Performance Metrics

Since 2019, COLD Program funds were used to:

  • Upload multiple suspect profiles to CODIS, IAFIS/AFIS
  • Identify 35 suspects who were initially unknown
  • Prosecute 5 cases that have resulted in convictions
  • Identify 16 suspects via Forensic Genetic Genealogy work
  • Charge or indict 20 cases
  • Resolve 19 cold cases

GRANTEES

LIST OF GRANTEES

GRANTEE NAMESTATE
MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICEAZ
CITY OF LOS ANGELES SOUTH BUREAU HOMICIDE DETECTIVESCA
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICECA
MONTEREY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICECA
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICECA
SACRAMENTO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICECA
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCA
SANTA CLARA DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICECA
COUNTY OF STANISLAUS DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICECA
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVERCO
JUDICIAL BRANCH, STATE OF CONNECTICUTCT
STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE FOURTH JUDICIAL CIRCUITFL
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICEFL
PALM BEACH SHERIFF’S OFFICEFL
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS / DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICEGA
FULTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT – OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYGA
COOK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICEIL
CITY OF FORT WAYNEIN
COUNTY OF PRINCE GEORGE’SMD
CHARTER COUNTY OF WAYNEMI
CITY OF OMAHA POLICE DEPARTMENTNE
COUNTY OF UNION PROSECUTOR’S OFFICENJ
QUEENS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICENY
BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICENY
COUNTY OF NASSAUNY
COUNTY OF WESTCHESTERNY
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETYNC
CITY OF DAYTON POLICE DEPARTMENTOH
CUYAHOGA COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICEOH
COUNTY OF WASHINGTONOR
PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION ON CRIME AND DELINQUENCYPA
TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONTN
HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENTTX

RESOURCES

Publications

The National Institute of Justice’s Report to Congress: Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices

In conducting this needs assessment, the Department identified the importance of strengthening these types of efforts through the increased use and institutionalization of systems-based approaches. Further, this needs assessment compiles demonstrative evidence of how the field adapts to advancements in technology, changes in the volume and types of forensic evidence...

SAKI Toolkit: Prosecution of Sexual Assault Cases

Prosecutors face unique challenges when preparing to take a cold case sexual assault to trial. This category will assist prosecutors by providing information about unique aspects of a cold case sexual assault, overcoming common defenses, how to prepare for trial, and key considerations during trial. (Description taken from SAKI TTA...

National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative – BJA Forensic Genetic Genealogy Resources

BJA recognizes that FGG can be a powerful investigative tool for resolving violent crimes. By combining traditional genealogy research methods with forensic DNA analysis, law enforcement can develop investigative leads that may assist in identifying an unknown perpetrator or an unidentified victim of a violent crime. This fact sheet highlights...
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Multi-Media

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Grant Application and Award Acceptance

This presentation reviews application submission and the peer review process for competitive grant programs. Continue reading…...

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Forensic Grant Opportunities

This presentation outlines over $100 million in forensic science grant opportunities funded by BJA. Continue reading…...

BJA Forensic Grants 101 – Award Management

This presentation provides information about the main life cycle of award management and award administration basics. Continue reading…...
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Protocols

DOJ Interim Policy Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching

The purpose of this interim policy is to promote the reasoned exercise of investigative, scientific, and prosecutorial discretion in cases that involve forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis and searching (‘FGGS’). (Description taken directly from the policy document) Continue reading…...
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Research

Research coming soon.
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HIGHLIGHTS AND EVENTS

Husband of murdered Oregon woman arrested in 35-year-old cold case

The husband of Deborah Lee Atrops has been arrested for her murder, 35 years after her death. The arrest of Robert Atrops was the first major case the Washington County Cold Case Unit has worked on since it began in 2020. The Washington County District Attorney’s Office secured a grant...
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Upcoming Events

No upcoming events.
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Past Events

1st Annual BJA Forensics Programs Grantees Meeting

On behalf of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Forensics Training and Technical Assistance (Forensics TTA) Team, led by RTI International, is hosting the 1st Annual BJA Forensics Programs Grantees Meeting, scheduled for October 2-3, 2023! Continue reading…...
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