Investigation and Prosecution of Cold Case Homicides

Training Format: Classroom

Cost: $450.00

Duration: 16 hours (2 days)

Featured Location: Milford, CT | April 26-27, 2027

Additional Dates and Locations Available:

• September 30 - October 1, 2026 | Everett, WA
• December 16-17, 2026 | Delaware, OH
• March 3-4, 2027 | St. Augustine, FL
• September 29-30, 2027 | Rochester, MN
• November 17-18, 2027 | Liverpool, NY

Course Overview

This comprehensive training equips criminal justice professionals with the advanced investigative techniques and prosecutorial strategies necessary to successfully resolve long-standing and cold case homicides. Through the examination of authentic case studies, evidence-based best practices, collaborative learning experiences, and current investigative tools, participants will develop practical expertise in addressing unresolved cases that have been closed, suspended, or abandoned.

The course emphasizes proven methodologies to prevent common obstacles that complicate cold case prosecution. Attendees will also examine effective approaches for establishing and sustaining a productive cold case unit within their agency.

Ideal For

• Crime Analysis Team Members
• Forensic Service Units
• Coroners and Medical Examiners
• Law Enforcement Personnel
• Prosecutors

What You Will Learn

The instructional team brings extensive hands-on experience successfully reopening and resolving previously stalled cases for families and original investigative teams. Course topics include death investigation procedures, cold case selection and case management protocols, collaboration with prosecutors, behavioral analysis of cold investigations, interviewing strategies specific to cold cases, case strategy development, no-body homicide investigations, contemporary biological forensic technologies, and real-world case studies with student case reviews.

Instructors

James Holmes - Special Agent (Ret.), Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation

A certified law enforcement officer since 1995, Jim Holmes brings decades of experience in major crimes investigation. He worked with the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation for over two decades, including assignments to the White Collar Crimes Bureau, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and Major Crimes Unit. His expertise spans adult and child homicides, equivocal death investigations, officer-involved incidents, murder-for-hire cases, missing and abducted children investigations, and extensive cold case homicide work.

Mark MacKizer - NCJTC Associate Instructor

Mark brings 27 years of Federal Bureau of Investigation experience, primarily focused on violent crime investigations. He held roles including Crisis Management Coordinator, Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force Coordinator, and team leader for the FBI's Southeast Region Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team. During his final seven years with the FBI, he served with the Behavioral Analysis Unit, providing behavioral analysis support for violent crime investigations. He co-authored Crimes Against Children: Behavioral and Investigative Perspectives and contributed to the third edition of the FBI's Child Abduction Response Plan. Mark continues consulting on behavioral analysis matters for government and private sector clients.

Venue Information

Milford Police Regional Training Academy
59 Devonshire Road
Milford, CT 06460

Lodging Options

• Hilton Garden Inn Milford, 291 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT 06460
• Hyatt Place Milford/New Haven, 190 Old Gate Lane, Milford, CT 06460
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Milford, 50 Rowe Avenue, Milford, CT 06460

What's Included

Training fees cover 16 hours of instruction, comprehensive program materials, and all instructional costs. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for meals, travel, and lodging.

Registration Details

Registration Deadline: March 22, 2027

Schedule:

April 26, 2027: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
April 27, 2027: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For information about continuing education units, please review the NCJTC policies page.

Contact Information

Jessica Heimann
(855) 866-2582
jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu