Cold Case Homicide Investigations Seminar

Instructor: Special Agent Jen Spears

Date: October 5-6

Location: Manatee County Sheriff's Office Training Center, 14492 Harlee Road, Palmetto, FL 34221

Cost: $349.00

Duration: 2 days

Course Overview

This intensive two-day seminar addresses the unique challenges and rewards of investigating cold case homicides. Participants will learn strategies for reopening dormant investigations with the goal of achieving closure for families and victims. The program emphasizes practical approaches to breathing new life into stalled cases and leverages modern forensic advancements, particularly forensic genetic genealogy, as investigative tools.

Topics Covered

• Case selection criteria and strategies for identifying which cold cases merit reinvestigation
• Evidence review procedures and determining what to examine in prior investigations
• Impact of advancements in forensic technology on existing cold case evidence
• Family communication protocols and techniques for reestablishing contact with victims' families
• DNA match follow-up procedures and next steps when genetic evidence produces a lead
• Forensic genealogy fundamentals, application methods, and case suitability assessment
• Witness reinterview techniques for cases with extended timelines spanning 5, 10, or 20+ years
• Photographic lineup administration procedures for long-cold cases
• Decision-making regarding reinterview of original investigating detectives
• Common early investigative errors and strategies for mitigating their ongoing impact
• Multiple case study analyses presented throughout the two-day instruction

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made more than 21 days prior to the class date qualify for a full refund minus a 5% processing fee. No refunds are issued for cancellations within 21 days of the class; however, student substitutions are permitted.